Author: Charleston Stage

Q: You are no stranger to the Dock Street Theatre stage. What are a few of your favorite past roles that you’ve performed with Charleston Stage?

I’ve actually gotten to play several “bucket list” roles at Charleston Stage! Among those are George in Of Mice and Men, Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein, William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love and Leo Bloom in The Producers.

Q: Do you have a favorite piece written by Edgar Allan Poe?

I honestly wasn’t a fan of Poe when we were learning about him in high school, mostly because I didn’t understand his impact and style. It’s on everyone’s list, but “The Raven” is absolutely amazing. His use of imagery is astounding and haunting, and the gradual crescendo and repetition is so much fun. It’s dark and simple, but so complex. People spend their lives analyzing it and for good reason!

Q: You are playing the iconic role of Edgar Allan Poe. How have you prepared to take on this historic figure?

I grew a mustache. That’s it. Just kidding. The great thing about this role is that the end of Poe’s life is actually quite the mystery, and the events surrounding his death are equally confusing. I’ve been trying to tap into the shell of Poe and the effects his writings might have had on him. As an artist myself, I know how easy it is to be swept away in our work and sometimes the line between fiction and real life is blurred. I’ve also been trying to find the balance of Drunk Poe, Crazy Poe, and those beautiful moments where Poe isn’t “performing” and just gets to “be.” Basically, I’ve just been trying to find the heart under the floorboard.

Q: What makes this production a great play for Poe fans and first-timers?

Julian has done such a terrific job of incorporating Poe’s works into a through line of a show. As Poe gets swept up in his writings, so do we. This play is a mystery, and just like Poe’s works, it doesn’t necessarily spell things out for the audience. Some of it is bizarre, some absurd, some spooky, and some moments are so simple, real, and precise, you can’t help but lean in and try to figure out what comes next. It’s accessible, but doesn’t play down to the audience. And Poe fans will get to see some of their favorite works come to life onstage–I think that’s pretty cool.

Q: You are also the Associate Director of Education. What are your duties for that?

I’m going on my 7th year at Charleston Stage. As Associate Director of Education, I help train the Professional Resident Actors as teachers, lead our in-school outreach workshops, help administrate TheatreSchool classes and Performance Troupe, teach middle school classes, run the TheatreWings High School Apprentice Program, and direct MainStage and Family Series Shows–and really anything else that may be needed. I’m never bored, and always grateful.

Q: What excites you about working for Charleston Stage?

I think one of my favorite things about my job is that I never have the same day twice. I’m always doing something different, growing as a teacher, performer, professional, and human being. I truly love the people I work with, and my students are the best in the world. We are a community that wants so much to spread the joys of theatre to as many people (and kids) that we can. Like many great theatres in this Charleston Community, we strive to bring professional, quality theatre to our patrons, new and old and educational programs to anyone who will listen. Every day, we try to learn and get better and never settle for anything other than our best.

 

Join Us for a Virtual Performance of Nevermore! Voyage Into the Netherworld, Available Oct. 12 – Nov. 6, 2020, at CharlestonStage.com/Nevermore!

 

 

 

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

I am so grateful to be back with Charleston Stage for a second season. The community of other artists we work with and patrons we interact with are so supportive. I am so excited to gear up for all of the upcoming shows. They’re all so different and entertaining. I am also so excited for another year of TheatreSchool classes and to get back to helping teach so many young theatre artists.

 

 

Q: You are playing the iconic role of Willard. What are you looking forward to with this experience?
One of my favorite things about Willard is how he is presented as such a big, loud personality, but really he’s very gentle. “Mama Says” is a BOP to sing, but I think what most excites me are Willard’s really quirky, fun and sometimes oblivious scenes he shares with other characters throughout the show.

 

Q: Why is Footloose still relevant for audiences to see?
Footloose is a show with crazy vocals and high-energy, challenging dancing. Audiences can’t sit still in their seats and not sing along to the songs. This production is well-known not just in the theatre community but also by so many that grew up watching the movie, so I think this is why audiences enjoy it so much.

 

 

Q: What other roles will you be performing with Charleston Stage this season?
Next for Charleston Stage, I can be seen as: Captain Nimrod in Nevermore! Voyage Into the Netherworld, the Manager in Elf The Musical, Mayor Josiah Dobbs in Bright Star, and I will also be in Our Town and Junie B. Jones: The Musical.  I am also excited to announce that I will be directing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

 

Q: What makes you “Cut Loose”?
Videos of otters sliding down water slides, feminism, and waking up a few hours before you are supposed to be awake only to realize you get to sleep a few more hours.

 

Final four performances of Footloose run Sept. 19th 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 Anthem, Arizona, and I always sang and danced around the house. My first show I ever performed in was Seussical: The Musical when I was 10 years old and I played Gertrude McFuzz!

 

Q: Where did you receive your training? How did this prepare you for your work in the theatre world?
I was a part of my local theatre, Musical Theatre of Anthem. I was able to receive dance training and vocal lessons from the instructors at this company, and they have been such great teachers and role models throughout my life.

 

 

Q: You are playing the iconic role of Rusty. What are you looking forward to with this experience?
I am so excited to be playing the role of Rusty. I love singing “Let’s Hear It For The Boys” with all of the amazing ladies in the cast!

 

Q: Why is Footloose still relevant for audiences to see?
Footloose is such a classic story that all audiences can enjoy. The whole cast has worked so hard on both our dancing and vocals, and we hope to give everyone who comes to see us a great experience through this upbeat musical!

 

Q: You are also a Resident Actor this season. What are you most looking forward to with this experience with Charleston Stage this season?
I’ve already grown so close with all of my fellow Resident Actors, and I can’t wait to continue on this journey with them. We’ve had so many opportunities through both educating and performing to grow in our craft, and we have had the best time doing it.

 

 

Q: What other roles will you be performing with Charleston Stage this season?
After Footloose, I will be playing Annabelle Lee in Nevermore! Voyage Into the Netherworld, The Reverend in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Jovie in Elf The Musical, and Lucy in Bright Star!

 

Q: What makes you “Cut Loose”?
Monday dark days with my RA pals.

 

Performances of Footloose continue running Sept. 12th thru Sept. 22nd at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Tickets available online by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I’m M’lynn. You called the role iconic and I suppose it is, but I can see how easy it is to take that idea and create this caricature of a southern lady with big hair and snappy one-liners… but what I love about this story is, at its heart, it’s true.  “M’lynn” was a mother who had a daughter and these close friends and it’s a story about how we love and how we hold each other up.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I saw the movie first when I was living in Europe at the time and I remember how heartsick it made me for home. Southern women and big hair and all.

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

Every woman can find themselves in one of these characters.  It’s the “Sex and the City” of the 80’s.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

Pretty much anything Ouiser says.

 

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Waiter, I’ve tried Blush wine, but what is bashful?  ha ha ha ha

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

It’s no different for me whether it’s all male and female. It’s all about giving and listening and really being present in your role that makes ensemble acting so fun… but for this show, several of these women are already my friends and the affection you all will see is so real. THAT has made this show really special for me.

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 21st – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I am playing Clairee Belcher. I love the humor Clairee brings to the show. Also, I played Annelle, M’Lynn, and Truvy in past productions so this was a natural progression. I just need to play Ouiser and my life will be complete!

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I saw the movie before I read the play.  I loved that the characters were so well written.  I can relate to all of the characters.  I grew up with every one of these ladies!

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

The importance of female friendships. I think as a younger woman, I didn’t realize how important it is to have a close group of female friends. I learned how important it was once I reached my 40s. Steel Magnolias represents the importance of those friendships.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

Annelle’s line “I promise my personal tragedy will not affect my ability to do good hair”. Tells you everything you need to know about Annelle!

 

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Are those team colors?

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

This cast has been a joy to work with. I have worked with Liz, Samille, and Teralyn in the past, so it has been fun to reconnect with them. The RAs, Sara and Mary Kate, fit right in. And who doesn’t love working with Jesse Siak?

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 21st – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. There is now a newly added performance at 7:30pm on March 24th with plenty of great seats! For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I am playing Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie and am so excited to bring this character to life. The most exciting part to me is that it is all based off a true story. Robert Harling wrote the play because he wanted his sister to not be forgotten. Shelby is such a strong woman and I feel honored to portray her.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I actually had not seen the movie until we started this show! (I know- I’m terrible). And then I put it off for a while because as an actor sometimes watching the “original” content can affect how you portray the character without even knowing it. So once we were in rehearsals for a while, and I felt like I had a good grip on what I personally thought about Shelby’s character and I decided to watch it! And I just sobbed. For two hours I cried my eyes out, and it was great!

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

I think the main thing to take away from Steel Magnolias is to live life to the fullest. That’s what Shelby did, and yes it cost her her life, but she wouldn’t have wanted her life to be any other way. One of the lines that impacts me the most is in the last scene when M’ylnn says “Shelby, as you know, would not want us to get all mired down and wallow in this. She would look on it as just one of life’s occurrences”. It is so simple but so wise. Shelby could have not gotten pregnant and maybe would have survived, but that wasn’t what she wanted in life. She wanted to be a mother- that’s what made her heart full. The beauty of life and love will always resonate with people and that is what makes this show great.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

My ABSOLUTE favorite line is Clairee’s when she says, “As somebody always said… if you don’t have anything nice to say about anybody… come sit by me.” It just perfectly sums up the type of shade these ladies throw! It is like that person that always speaks in backhanded compliments but they are so charming you can’t help but laugh. All these ladies in the show are strong, sassy, and unapologetically themselves.

 

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

OH don’t even get me started. Blush and Bashful are two very different shades of pink, one being much deeper than the other 😉

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

It is truly incredible. The ladies and I were kinda joking that we thought it was funny how even though the play was written by a man. He captures the essence and vibe of that close female relationship so well. It is just another reason why this show is so special and resonates with people of all ages. That kind of womanly love is proudly on display in every second of this show. From day one I felt bonded and connected to all the women in this cast, and being on stage with them is an honor!

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 15th – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)   Who are you playing and what excites you most about performing this iconic role?

I’m playing Annelle! It’s exciting to play a woman with so many layers, who perseveres through awful situations with so much joy and hope. Also, we are rarely given the opportunity to play characters who make as many bizarre and delightful choices as sweet Annelle.

 

 

 

2)   What’s your first memory of Steel Magnolias?

I was late to the party and watched the movie for the first time last year. I was on a flight from LA to Philadelphia (in the middle seat!) and had no idea what I was getting myself in to. I was crying (and laughing!) so hard that the man next to me offered me a tissue. I couldn’t contain my reactions. I think I watched it twice more that week.

 

3)   What do you think is the important message of Steel Magnolias and why does it still resonate with audiences today?

Women are resilient, powerful, gracious and loving- and we are stronger together. I think every woman has been there, in their version of Truvy’s Salon- there is magic in these rooms. I feel personally formed by the wonderful group of female friends and neighbors that rallied around my mother during trying times, and part of that magic was just sitting in the kitchen and observing while the women talked and gossiped and helped each other. It’s what we do, and it’s beautiful.

 

 

4)   There are so many famous one-liners from Steel Magnolias. Which one is your favorite and why?

“I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.”

This gorgeous line reminds me of why I wanted to be an actor in the first place. It’s pretty terrifying sometimes, but it’s also pretty wonderful. I’m going to enjoy every second I get to do it.

 

 

5)   If your character had to distinguish between whether something was “Blush” or “Bashful”, what would their response be?

Annelle would say, “The lord loves all shades of pink.”

 

6)   Please share your thoughts on performing with an all female ensemble.

It’s a rare and lovely opportunity. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like acting at all- we are playing and enjoying each other’s company and insights, on stage and off. This story is such a roller coaster. It’s impossible to not to form a bond with each other.

 

 

Performances of Steel Magnolias run March 14th – 24th at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, click here.