Seventh-grader Tamblin Papendorp is starring in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre’s production of the musical “Seussical Jr.”CLAIM TO FAMETamblin Papendorp, 12, is participating in the Chattanooga Boys Choir for his fourth year. Last year, he was the understudy for the lead role in the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. He is preparing for the musical “Seussical Jr.” in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Youth Theatre.NEXT UPTamblin Papendorp will be appearing in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre’s production of the musical “Seussical Jr.,” which runs Feb. 17-March 4. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.ABOUT HIM* Name: Tamblin Papendorp.* Age: 12.* School: Home-schooled seventh-grader.* Siblings: Sky, 10.* Favorite book/book series: “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” by Rick Riordan.* Favorite movie: “Labyrinth.”* Favorite color: Blue.* Hobbies: Singing, reading and hanging out with friends.* Pets: Two cats, Luna and Dolce, and two dogs, Keiki and Chance.* Place he’d like to visit: Florence.* Person he’d like to meet: Rick Riordan.TALENT SHOWDo you know a child age 15 or younger with a precocious talent in academics, athletics or the arts? The Times Free Press is searching for children to feature in “Talent Show,” which appears in the Life section on Tuesdays. To nominate a child for a future feature article, e-mail staff writer Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or call him at 423-757-6205.
In first grade, Tamblin Papendorp huffed and puffed his villainous way into the furry soles of the Big Bad Wolf in a class production of “Little Red Riding Hood.”
He said the experience of acting for the first time was surprisingly thrilling, but it wasn’t until recently that Tamblin, now 12, decided to take the stage again.
Last year, he auditioned for a role in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre’s production of “Seussical Jr.,” a one-act play based on the full-length Broadway musical “Seussical” written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The musical’s opening night is Feb. 17.
Given his lack of experience, Tamblin said he didn’t expect to land a role, certainly not one as central as Jojo, an imaginative boy who plays a pivotal part in the story, which brings together characters from many Dr. Seuss books.