Sonnie steals the show!

East Moriches’ own Sonnie Betts, the 9-year-old and up-and-coming actress, recently appeared in Bay Street Theater’s acclaimed production of “Ragtime.” The show received rave reviews and ran through Aug. 28 at the Sag Harbor Center for the Arts.

Betts, a fourth-grade student at East Moriches, discovered her love for acting at the age of 4, and by the age of 6, she made her main stage debut at The Gateway Playhouse as Gretl in “The Sound of Music.” Throughout her young career, Betts has performed in a wide variety of shows at both the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center and The Gateway Playhouse.

“It has been a complete pleasure working with Sonnie Betts on ‘Ragtime.’  She is an absolute natural onstage, always alive and never making a false move—a total pro at a pretty young age,” the show’s director, Will Pomerantz, said of Betts. “I never had to worry about her—she always knew her lines, music, and blocking. I expect great things from her, should she decide to continue her work as a performer.”

The actress has two younger brothers and parents who are in the gardening and technology fields. She is the only actress of the family. When asked about her daughter’s early acting career, her mother, Gerilyn, said she believes it’s her stamina that gets her roles.

“The show was incredible. The cast and everybody were nothing but welcoming to Sonnie; she learned so much,” she said of her daughter’s time on “Ragtime.” “She was really incredible.”

In “Ragtime,” Betts played the little girl. The Tide conducted a Q&A with Betts:

TIDE: How did you get into acting?

Betts: When I was in pre-school, I did a show and went onstage. I really loved it.

TIDE: How did you get the role?

Betts: I auditioned at 6 years old and it was cancelled because of COVID. I auditioned again and got a callback, but couldn’t go because I was sick. But they still got in the show.

TIDE: What role did you play?

Betts: I was the little girl—a Jewish immigrant who travels to America with her dad. We didn’t get the best experience selling art, but suddenly we start selling flip-books and make movies and become rich.

TIDE: What helps you get into character?

Betts: I like to make connections to get into my role. I like to have fun with my cast mates and make it real onstage.

TIDE: What do you love about the East Moriches area?

Betts: There’s lots of beaches to go to during the summer, and I love hanging out with my friends.

TIDE: What’s next for you?

Betts: I will be in the “Wizard of Oz” in September at the Oakdale Theatre for Performing Arts as part of the ensemble. When I get older, I still want to do theatre and when I am even older, I want to be a director.