An interview with Ruby

Anna Cline makes her MCT debut in JEEVES TAKES A BOW as the kooky chorus girl Ruby LeRoy-

Tell us a bit about your character, Ruby.

Ruby is nothing if not a fun, little spitfire. She is a starlet in the making, and isn't afraid to take matters into her own hands (sometimes literally) to get herself to the big time!

Briefly list the three best things about JEEVES TAKES A BOW:

1. The end of the Prohibition era in New York serves as a fabulous backdrop to the crazy scenarios these characters get mixed up in.

2. The combination of high British and gritty New York accents creates a kind of cacophony that is actually quite delightful.

3. The laughs! You'll get plenty of 'em...

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about the show, rehearsals, etc.?

Prepare yourself for an incredibly entertaining show. With music, action, and fun, there is a little something for everyone.

What are some of your favorite moments in theatre that make you who you are today?

I think in the theatre you can befriend not only truly talented artists, but some of the most warmhearted, humble, and generous people you could ever meet. This cast and crew are no exception.

Thanks Anna! See you April 16 - May 3 in JEEVES TAKES A BOW!

An interview with Bertie

Chris Klopatek returns to the character of Bertie Wooster after performing the role in the first play in the trilogy, JEEVES INTERVENES (2010). We asked Chris a few questions about his experience playing Bertie this time around.

You played Bertie Wooster in JEEVES INTERVENES. Tell us a bit about Bertie. What is it like revisiting a character you’ve previously played?

Bertie is a very rich English gentleman who enjoys a life of luxury and the pleasantries of being a carefree bachelor - all of which is usually thrown askew to his dismay by his family and friends.

Revisiting a character is something I don't always get a chance to do in theater, and when the opportunity arises I will always be pleasantly surprised. Having spent the years in between the two JEEVES shows doing many other types of acting, including receiving my MFA in Acting from UC-Irvine, I find I approach any role now with more maturity and experience. Even if the character of Bertie has very little of those. I basically hope to bring a more nuanced and complex version of Bertie Wooster to the stage this time around. 

Briefly list the three best things about JEEVES TAKES A BOW.

1. It will be fun and laughs the whole way through.

2. There will be silly stage fights! Chase Stoeger chasing people and people chasing Chase! Musical Numbers and more!

3. Matt Daniel's Jeeves always has a cocktail ready just when my nerves are at their breaking point.

L-R: Rick Pendzich, Chris Klopatek and Allison Mary Forbes in
JEEVES INTERVENES (2010)

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about the show, rehearsals, etc.?

We have the best rehearsal snack table in the biz.


What are some of your favorite moments in theatre that make you who you are today?

Acting in theater makes you into a more genuine, attentive and adaptable person.

Thanks Chris! We can't wait for JEEVES TAKES A BOW, April 16 - May 3.
 

An interview with Jeeves

Matt Daniels returns to the character of Jeeves at MCT for the third and final play in Margaret Raether's trilogy, JEEVES TAKES A BOW! We asked him a few questions about his experience playing Jeeves.

This is the third time you’re returning to the role of Jeeves. Tell us about the process of revisiting a character you've previously played? 

It’s a little like slipping into a pair of old comfortable shoes. It just feels right. Often, (on stage, at least) when an actor revisits a character, it’s in the same play — it’s much rarer to have the opportunity to explore a role over a series of stories like the Jeeves trilogy. This brings with it some challenges, but also makes some things easier. The challenge is in finding ways to surprise yourself, and not get complacent. But that coin has two sides, because the ease comes in allowing yourself to rest on the work you've done, in order to go deeper in detail.

L-R: Matt Daniels as Jeeves, Chase Stoeger as
Bertie Wooster, and Matt Koester as Gussie Fink-Nottle
in the second play in the trilogy, JEEVES IN BLOOM (2013)

Specifically, I can trust the character work I've already done, and know that my instincts regarding Jeeves are probably right — so much of the nitty gritty work of these plays for me has been figuring out how Jeeves navigates his life around the sheer amount of stage business required in being Bertie’s valet. I’m able to think of activities, and see stage patterns more clearly this time now than last time, itself clearer than the time before.

Which of Jeeves’ traits do you most identify with? 
His sense of order, certainly, and his adherence to the way things ought to be. I’m also a fan of Shakespeare, as he is, but I’m not as big on Tennyson.

Briefly list the three best things about JEEVES TAKES A BOW: 
1. The cast.
2. The story is the cleanest and funniest of the three, I think.
3. It’s always great to see an Englishman in New York.

L-R: Chris Klopatek as Bertie Wooster and Matt Daniels as
Jeeves in first play of the trilogy, JEEVES INTERVENES (2010)

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about the show, rehearsals, etc.? 
It’s an incredibly fun and congenial rehearsal room. This sort of thing spills over into performance. There is no scientific way for the show to not be a blast.

Thanks Matt! We're looking forward to JEEVES TAKES A BOW, April 16 - May 3.