What is YOUR theater origin story? What drew you to acting?
I started acting at age 7 in an outdoor community theatre production of Peter Pan. I had been going to the theatre with my family for as long as I could remember. I just loved it.
Where else have you performed and what are some of your favorite roles?
I’ve performed in many productions in Illinois and Wisconsin through schools and community theaters, as well as in Austria and across Ireland. Probably my favorite role was playing George Berger in Hair back in college.
Do you work primarily as a performer or do you have a ‘day job’?
I’m currently working primarily as a performer as well as a freelance choreographer, director and puppeteer.
What do you list at the bottom of your resume as your ‘additional skills’?
Oh gosh, lots of random things like sewing, ventriloquism, several dialects and impersonations, and believe it or not yodeling.
What drew you to auditioning for this production?
I’ve been hoping for a chance to work with Jenilee for years so when I heard about this production and Chris and Jen’s awesome concept for it, I had to jump at the opportunity.
Tell us about who you play in Amadeus.
I play Joseph II, the emperor of Austria. A fickle monarch who is hard to please and even harder to read. A patron of the arts who may not have any actual taste. Just stay on his good side.
Biggest challenge in playing this role?
Joseph is unpredictable and never reacts in the way that you’d expect. He’s always just on the edge of snapping. It keeps me on my toes as much as it does for the members of his court.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
I think this show has something for everyone. It’s funny, it’s loud, it’s emotionally raw, and if you live for punk rock you’ll be right at home.
Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
Well, obviously I think everyone should come and see it, but I do think that Sir Ian McKellen (the original Salieri) would particularly appreciate our rendition.
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
I certainly think the audience will remark on how unusual our production is, but hopefully they will understand why we made the choices we did, and recognize how incredibly talented our company is to be able to pull it off.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“Well, there it is.”
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
Breathe out everything that exists in my life outside of the show, and breathe in the energy to drive me onto the stage.
Anything else you want to add?
I’m so lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with these amazing people who I’ve come to adore. I hope that our connection and trust comes through in our performance. Enjoy AMADEUS!
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