What's Happening with Marni Holmes

1. What made you decide to audition for "Daddy's Dyin'"? I have wanted to work with Tony again since 1999, (we did Fools at RW), and the awesome script didn't hurt.

2. How would you describe your character? And how would you describe the Turnover family? Sara Lee is the glue that holds the family together. Without her they would probably never see each other, until, maybe, her funeral. Of course, she has also felt obligated to take on this role, and resents it, but will slip right back into it because she finds it necessary. It is really the only life she has ever had. This, sadly, makes her a waste of humor and wit, because she has both, not to mention intelligence. Motivation is what she is lacking, but I feel that that will change with the death of Mama Wheelis. The Turnover family is just like any other, but a bit more sheltered in the small town scene. (Small? I meant teeny-tiny, population 40). They all express love in the way they know how, which a lot of times screws up everything. However, their hearts remain pure, and when it comes right down to it, there isn't anything they wouldn't do for one another and people they consider friends.

3. How long have you been doing theatre? Technically since the 9th grade, (my first play), but I have on stage since I was 4 years old, (dance and many character parts).

4. How do you prepare to play a character? I believe that every person has a bit of the character in themselves already, and you just need to find it, draw it out, and nurture it. I was one of those kids that wanted to be everything when they grew up, and finally decided that as an actress, I could do that. Once you find that character in you, you can start the process of bonding with your co-stars' characters, and the background research of the environment you all inhabit. Research is ALWAYS a part of the process.

5. Tell us a little more about yourself! Lansing born, raised and educated since 1966, until 1984 when I left for college in WI and MN, where I studied Theater and English. Returned to Lansing, (ahem), due to life, and pretty much the rest is just a garble. I was destined to be a part of the Lansing community's theater scene because I was following in my father's footsteps most of my life. He was a part of the Community Circle Players since at least 1961, (earliest program of a show that I have), and when he died in 1965, 2 months before my birth, I was predestined to pick up where he left off, so to speak. Although I waited until the late '90's to make an appearance, I have not regretted one minute.

Quick questions:

1. Favorite line from this show: "Daddy, I don't want yew ta die. Yew're the only man who ever really loved me." Close second: "Shut up, Orville!"

2. Favorite moment from the rehearsal process: Many moments: the literally uncontrollable laughter as the characters became more and more real, and the letting loose on an awesome catfight scene.

3. Why is theatre important to you? It keeps me sane, believe it or not.

4. What was the first role you've played and where? I played a diva in a minidress, with high heels and a cigarette in my living room in 1968.

5. What is your dream role? They all hold a special place in my heart, but it has to be the next one where I get paid...