8-Year-Old Novi Girl Featured in Dearborn Play This Weekend

Novi resident Emilia Daguanno is only 8 years old, but her acting career is well underway.

She’s already appeared in several films including the 2011 Gold Award Winner Bullies on Vacation, and has been featured in a public service announcement, a fashion show and stage productions, as well.

This weekend, she takes on her latest part, the character Cindy in the production of Plant Diaries at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. The story revolves around the ups and down of plant life in the auto industry in Michigan, and Emilia plays the part of a student on a field trip at Detroit Automotive.

Emilia, who attends in Northville, says she really likes the play and has made friends with others in the production.

“I like my character in it, and I like how it fits together,” she said. “I like what the meaning is of the play.”

She has been rehearsing for the play for almost two months, but she isn’t nervous about opening night -- yet.

“Mostly I get a little bit nervous right before,” she said.

Plant Diaries is the second play written and directed by Des Lamont. The first one, Head of the House, got great feedback, which enticed members of the UAW to pursue Lamont with the idea of writing a play that displays the true essence of their workers.

Cast members include Detroit R&B Artist Mink White, Sharon Bell of Local 598 Flint Assembly, Shirley Davenport of Local 163 Detroit Diesel, King of DJ's Ray O'Shay, and Gospel Legend Ebernita "Twinkie" Clark.

Emilia wants to be an actress when she grows up, and she said her mom helps her by giving her suggestions and coaching her.

“I’m super proud. I just love watching her in everything she does,” said her mom, Amy Daguanno.

Emilia was just 6 years old when she had her first acting job in Bullies on Vacation, and she said it was just something she wanted to try.

What’s her favorite thing about acting?

“Being able to be on stage seeing everybody that came to watch,” she said.

Emilia’s mom said she will continue to support her daughter as her acting career continues.

“As long as it’s still fun, we’ll keep doing it,” she said.

The play runs Jan. 13-15 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Box Office by calling 313-943-2350 or on the web at www.dearbornfordcenter.com.