Rollin' on with Kelly Stuible

1. A lot of people have never even heard of "Urinetown," and the title is a little off-putting to some. What is the show about and why should people come see it?

It's funny you mention that, because the title is what I've been "fighting" since I first proposed to direct this. We're going to have to face the fact that if people don't know the show, the title might scare them away. Luckily, the national tour had a pretty well received run at Wharton a few years back, so it's better known here than in other places. The basic plot is: A terrible water shortage has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single greedy company; amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom. As for why people should come see it, first of all this is one of the most hilarious scripts I've ever read. Add to that a cast which I thank my lucky stars to have, and I think this is going to be quite an entertaining show. It's silly, it pokes fun of musicals... but at the same time, due to the status of the economy as well as the climate crisis, there is an actual message underneath all of the humor.

2. What are you strengths as a director?

Since this is my first time directing, and we're only a week into rehearsals, I can really only guess to what my strengths might be... for this production, so far I'd have to say it is the passion I have for this show -- I've been working for a year and a half to make Urinetown happen, and my directing debut just HAD to be this show.

3. What are your weaknesses?

So far, it's a mix between trying to wear too many hats and take on too may things (the things that directors don't typically handle), and just having too much fun with my cast. Already there have been a couple of nights where we all just wanted to laugh and have fun, and I know it will only get worse as we go along. I have to remember that it's my job to keep us all on task!!

4. What do you enjoy most about directing?

It's kind of a surreal to see these ideas I've been throwing around actually come to life in front of my eyes, but it's a very cool experience.

5. What do you find most challenging?

For me, it's knowing that in the end I have the final say. While I've been an assistant director and a vocal director before, I always had someone else to defer if needed. Now, I have to make the important decisions!

6. Pet peeves about theatre?

I guess it would be more like how people perceive theater, especially community theater. I got my degree in vocal performance, and trying to explain that to people not familiar with theater is pretty difficult. And when I try and invite people to shows or to get involved, they kind of brush it off as a silly little play or something. I think that the community theater scene here in Lansing is pretty remarkable, and I've been fortunate to be a part of some spectacular productions, so it's a pet peeve when people don't get that.

7. What you love about theatre?

Well like most of us involved on stage, I can be a bit of an attention hog, so that's a definite plus, and it's such a great experience to perform something that people respond to -- but most importantly it's the friendships I've made and the people I meet. I love how there can be people from so many different backgrounds, and with different day jobs, can come together for a common cause.

8. Why is theatre important to the community?

There's just something magic about live theater, or any of the performing arts for that matter, that just cannot be matched. I also sing with the Arts Chorale of Greater Lansing, and participating and attending live performances creates a shared experience for both the audience and the performers you can't get many other places.

9. Tell us about yourself!

Well, I grew up here and graduated from Holt in 2001. I went to CMU and graduated with a degree in vocal performance in 2006, and since then I've been living back here in Lansing. I work for Jackson National Life Insurance Co, and have been involved in 11 productions in a little over two years. I don't really know exactly what I want to do with my life :o) but for right now I'm really enjoying life here in Lansing!

Quick Questions:

1. What was the very first show you ever did?

Well I danced for 11 years growing up, but my first play was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in 11th grade. Believe it or not, I was an Oompa-Loompa!

2. Favorite role you've played?

For very different reasons, it's a tie between Lilli/Kate in "Kiss Me, Kate" and Georgie Bukatinsky in "The Full Monty"

3. If you could play any role, what would it be?

Since I prefer musicals, those are the roles I want, and I actually have a top 5: Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods" Cathy in "The Last Five Years" Florence in "Chess" Mrs Lovett in "Sweeny Todd" and of course Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray"

4. If you could direct any show, what would it be?

That's a tough one -- right now there aren't really any other shows I'm just dying to direct. We'll see how I handle this one and then take it from there :o)

5. Favorite lyric from any musical?

Some people analyze every detail

Some people stall when they can't see the trail

Some people freeze out of fear that they'll fail

But I keep rollin' on.

Some people can't get success with their art

Some people never feel love in their heart

Some people can't tell the two things apart

But I keep rollin' on'

- From The Last Five Years

6. Favorite line from any show?

Pretty much anything from The Full Monty!!!!