Whiz Kid: The Next Neil Simon?

Paige Franzen, 8th grader, 14, Channahon Junior High School

Whether it be a musical in high school, a play in whatever college she attends or being the one-in-a-million actress that makes her name shine in the lights of Broadway, theater is Paige Franzen’s love and it’s here to stay.

But until than, Franzen is celebrating her accomplishment of writing the musical, “A Winner Like You" featuring the song “Firework,” by Katy Perry and music from the hit show Glee.

The musical tells the story of a girl, who is a pop star living her life "under a wig.” She moves into her new home, an extravagant hotel. A girl already living at the hotel dislikes her, until she figures out who and what she is. 

There is lots of singing and even ninjas. Yes, ninjas.  And fireworks too. Well, rings that flash red, white and blue light.

The script sound a little familiar?  Like maybe a little bit Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire and Suite Life of Zack and Cody?  Yes, but it wasn’t done intentionally.

“I didn’t even realize the similarities until after I wrote it,” Franzen said. “I wrote the script to accommodate the songs.”

Other songs include “Lucky” by Brittany Spears, and many 70s and 80s songs including, Don’t Stop Believin',” by Journey. 

Since 7th grade, Franzen had her heart set on being the student to write, direct and choreograph the spring musical for the Channahon Junior High Choirs. Her dream came true when she and the cast, which consisted of 5th through 8th grade choir members, performed the musical on May 2.

Franzen’s theatrical skills were recently featured this April in the Channahon Jr. High Drama’s performance of The Bachelor King. Franzen had the lead female role portraying Jane Claxton, a sweet country girl from Texas who wins the heart of King Yokel and becomes his queen.

“I hope to continue theater in high school,” Franzen said, adding that it will feel weird if she doesn’t have a lead part.

She is used to having lead roles and competing with fellow classmates and upperclassmen will be tough. But that’s o.k. She will try her hardest to succeed.

“I want to major in theater in college,” Franzen said. “I don’t know what school yet though. I don’t want to go too far from home. My brother Ben is growing up and I don’t want him to not know me.”

Paige comes from a close knit family. She has two sisters; Brianna, 15 and Morgan, 10. She also has two brothers: Ryan, 8 and Ben, 1 1/2.

Her mom Julie is her cheerleader. She is very supported of Paige’s talents. 

“She is a very balanced woman and gives very good advice,” Franzen said.

Writing scripts is nothing new for Franzen. As a member of the junior high speech team for the past two years, she is one of only two students who have ever written original scripts for speech competition.

Franzen loves music and her favorite genre is Top 40. She is addicted to the show Glee.

This year Franzen played on the school’s basketball team and ran for the track team, both under the coaching of Rick Engstrom, 5th grade teacher at Three Rivers School. She also loves Mrs. Renee Bogacz’s catalyst reading class, especially when the class read Shakespeare’s, The Taming of the Shrew.”

“It was very interesting and my teacher is fun,” Franzen said.

Franzen is adventurous and caring.

Bruce, her dad, has promised to take her skydiving on her 18th birthday. And she wants to travel one day to Africa and help kids who are less fortunate.

“You don’t realize what it is to be hungry or cold,” Franzen said. “I can’t make a difference until I experience it.”