Hermitage resident Amy Zahniser has been in love with the stage since appearing in "The Frog and the Princess" in the third grade.

The 27-year-old has performed in numerous shows since then, which have all helped ready her to play Julie Jordan, the romantic lead in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel."

"I really enjoy theater and acting," she said. "It's actually what I really love to do."

"Carousel" is a musical play set in 19th century coastal Maine about a carousel barker named Billy Bigelow who falls in love with coy young Julie. The couple marries and goes through many trials and tribulations, all of which culminate in a momentous act that will change their lives forever.

The stirring play conveys a tragic story filled with both hope and second chances.