Month: August 2019

 

Q: Brian, you’re returning as a Guest Artist for Footloose after having joined us as a Resident Actor last season! What are you most excited about with coming back for our first production of Season 42?

Performing at the Historic Dock Street theatre is a once in a lifetime experience! I made so many great friends and memories last season so I was incredibly excited to be asked back for Footloose. I can’t wait to share the stage with all these talented artists again and to bring to life such a fun and energetic show!

 

Q: You are playing the iconic role of Chuck in Footloose. What are you looking forward to with this experience?

Having just played Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast it seems that my roles at Charleston Stage tend to be villains. I always love exploring these characters, seeing what makes them tick, and finding out why they are the way they are. Plus, I get to wear a cool leather jacket.

 

Q: Why is Footloose still relevant for audiences to see?

Footloose is a story about a younger generation rising up and speaking out about the injustices they see in their community. I think that is an incredibly poignant theme to bring up today and I think this production is going to stand out because of the talent and handwork that everyone is pouring into it.

 

Q: What makes you “Cut Loose”?

I “cut loose” by hanging out with friends and exploring the vibrant night life of Charleston! The dancing I do onstage is definitely better than the moves I bust out on a Friday night!

 

Performances of Footloose run Aug. 28th thru Sept. 22nd at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Tickets available online by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Mary Kate, you’re a returning Resident Actor! What are you most excited about with joining Charleston Stage for a second year?

It is an honor to be back! I love working with the passionate, hilarious, talented people here at Charleston Stage. I’m definitely most excited to continue working with our theatre school students! We work with the best kids ever. I can’t wait to see how our students grow on stage and off this year. 

 

Q: You are playing the iconic role of Ariel in Footloose. What are you looking forward to with this experience? 

I’m having so much fun jumping into Ariel’s red cowboy boots! I think the stage version of this story sheds a beautiful new light to her character- she’s more grounded, more intelligent, and she has bigger dreams. I think audiences will love this Ariel just as much as the film version! Also, there is nothing more fun than singing “Holding Out For A Hero” with the incredible Julia Kelly-Davis, Katelyn Crall, and Madison Daning.

 

 

 

Q: Why is Footloose still relevant for audiences to see?

Footloose may be whimsical and fun, but it does have a lovely, serious message: Spread joy, be forgiving, and move through life with an open heart and mind. 

Besides that sweet message, this production features killer dancing and jaw dropping vocals! I have never been a part of a cast with this much talent. It is not to be missed! 

 

Q:  What other roles will you be performing with Charleston Stage this season?

The season ahead is going to be so fun! I get to play some super fun ensemble tracks in Nevermore! and Elf The Musical, Mom in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Emily Webb in Our Town, and will close the season as Margo in Bright Star. 

 

Q: What makes you “Cut Loose”?

Coffee!!!!!

 

Performances of Footloose run Aug. 28th thru Sept. 22nd at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Tickets available online by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Where did you grow up? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for the arts?
I grew up in Somers Point, NJ. I always would watch television and movies wondering how I could do that. So, my parents encouraged me and I started taking acting courses in middle school. I eventually ended up going to a performing arts high school in South Jersey, which is where I realized this is something that I wanted to pursue!

 

Q: Where did you receive your training? How did this prepare you for your work in the theatre world?
I first received my basic training at a performing arts high school in South Jersey. Then I attended Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA, for Musical Theatre. My program really pushed us to be the most rounded theatre artists we could be. I had rigorous acting, music, and dance courses, while also learning how to stage manage and focus lights. It was an experience that prepared me to come perform with Charleston Stage!

 

 

Q: You are playing the iconic role of Ren. What are you looking forward to with this experience?
I am looking forward to doing a show with such a popular following. I am so excited to perform such popular music, and do some fun, energetic dancing! I am also so excited to connect and perform with the fellow Resident Actors. This is a show I have always loved and I am so thrilled to be such a big part of it!

 

Q: Why is Footloose still relevant for audiences to see?
Footloose is still relevant for audiences to see because it is a timeless story. People have always loved Footloose, as it was such a big deal when the movie came out. It will always be a big show. I think this production will standout because it is so high energy! The audience will want to stand up with the cast and sing and dance along.

 

Q: You are also a Resident Actor this season. What are you most looking forward to with this experience with Charleston Stage this season?
Meeting new people, pushing myself as a performer and teacher, and just enjoying the experience! This city is full of history so I’m excited to perform in such a beautiful place. I am also honored to be performing in the Historic Dock Street Theatre. It is such a privilege to be part of the Resident Acting Company this season.

 

Q: What other roles will you be performing with Charleston Stage this season?
I will be featured as multiple different roles in Nevermore! Voyage Into the Netherworld, Ensemble in Elf The Musical, The Dad in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Billy Cane in Bright Star, as well as roles in Our Town and Junie B. Jones: The Musical.

 

Q: What makes you “Cut Loose”?
Some good music, my personal favorite right now is Lizzo, and a frozen drink.

 

Performances of Footloose run Aug. 28th thru Sept. 22nd at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Tickets available online by clicking here.