1. First of all, can you tell us a little about yourself?I grew up in Marshall where I began acting in television commercials in front of the bathroom mirror at around the age of 2. I finally got on stage in middle school and then in high school I met the most inspirational person of my life Max Bush, my theatre teacher. It would fills pages to discribe all he did for me, let's just say he gave me most of the theatre tools (and many life tools) I still use today. I have been in Lansing since 1984 and active in theatre here since 1994.
2. You wrote this script for Dracula - how did you decide what the first sentence of the show should be, given there have been many versions of Bram Stoker's book written? Did you try to stay faithful to the book?
The beginning was the hardest part. I knew I was going to have to condense the story alot. In re-reading the novel, Jonathan's voice spoke to me the loudest and I knew I had to start with him and his journey. Many of the plays I've seen start after Dracula comes to London so they can play all the 'effects' without the history. I love history. Yes. I believe I stayed completely faithful to the book with most of it's melodrama intact.
The beginning was the hardest part. I knew I was going to have to condense the story alot. In re-reading the novel, Jonathan's voice spoke to me the loudest and I knew I had to start with him and his journey. Many of the plays I've seen start after Dracula comes to London so they can play all the 'effects' without the history. I love history. Yes. I believe I stayed completely faithful to the book with most of it's melodrama intact.
3. How does it feel to have the words you've written acted out in front of you?
Bizarre and wonderful. The cast is truly excellent and I find myself getting lost in the story and thinking damn this is good.... I wrote this?! .... Wow.
Bizarre and wonderful. The cast is truly excellent and I find myself getting lost in the story and thinking damn this is good.... I wrote this?! .... Wow.
4. Is this the first time you've written a play?
Full length, yes. I have written many teleplays that were filmed at church; one-acts; and many skits.
Full length, yes. I have written many teleplays that were filmed at church; one-acts; and many skits.
5. What are you particularly proud of about this show?
My cast, have I mentioned they are excellent? And within that, I'm most proud of my casting choices, casting against anything most people have seen them in. For example, Jay Hansor (who is playing Renfield) has always been cast as the doctor, lawyer, sheriff, the stalwart guy, not allowing him to show his full talent. Having been in Actors Workshop with Jay I knew his talent ran very deep and I believe the audience that has seen him in other roles will be blown away by how talented he is.
My cast, have I mentioned they are excellent? And within that, I'm most proud of my casting choices, casting against anything most people have seen them in. For example, Jay Hansor (who is playing Renfield) has always been cast as the doctor, lawyer, sheriff, the stalwart guy, not allowing him to show his full talent. Having been in Actors Workshop with Jay I knew his talent ran very deep and I believe the audience that has seen him in other roles will be blown away by how talented he is.
6. Do you have any advice for anyone writing a play of their own?
Only do it if you are passionate about it. You must invest so much of yourself, not to mention the hours and hours, that what you are writing must be able to sustain you.
Only do it if you are passionate about it. You must invest so much of yourself, not to mention the hours and hours, that what you are writing must be able to sustain you.
7. Why do you think people should come to see theatre? Why is it important?
Because it's live and it's life. I feel you see truer dipictions of life and more well rounded characters on the stage. The story is more immediate because it is being performed for you not the camera.
Because it's live and it's life. I feel you see truer dipictions of life and more well rounded characters on the stage. The story is more immediate because it is being performed for you not the camera.
8. You're an actress as well - can you name some of the parts you've enjoyed playing the most over the years?
There have been many, I feel truly blessed but to name a few: Jeanette in The Full Monty; The Reader in Far East; Claire in A Delicate Balance; and Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
There have been many, I feel truly blessed but to name a few: Jeanette in The Full Monty; The Reader in Far East; Claire in A Delicate Balance; and Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Quick Questions
1. Would you write another version of a classic if you had the opportunity to do so? And what would it be?
I've been thinking of that, currently on my mind are Frankenstein, A Cask of Amantillado, and Jane Eyre.
I've been thinking of that, currently on my mind are Frankenstein, A Cask of Amantillado, and Jane Eyre.
2. What is your favorite play/musical?
Play: Three Tall Women
Play: Three Tall Women
Musical: Les Miserables
3. Do you have any theatre superstitions?
Nope
Nope
4. Favorite line of any show?
Miss Lucy. I know I ain't good enough to regulate the fixin' of your dainty little shoes but, well, won't you just hitch up along-side of me and let us go down the long road together, driving in double harness?
Miss Lucy. I know I ain't good enough to regulate the fixin' of your dainty little shoes but, well, won't you just hitch up along-side of me and let us go down the long road together, driving in double harness?
5. Would you like to write a haiku for the end of your interview about how you're feeling right now?
It is what helps me to breathe
Without it I die
Dracula
Written and Directed by Kerry Waters
October 24-26 & November 2, 2008 Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm
Performances are at the Hannah Community Center819 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, MI
Call: 517-484-9191 for reservations
Performances are at the Hannah Community Center819 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, MI
Call: 517-484-9191 for reservations
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