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.

Getting To Know Our Young Artists

MCT’s Young Playwrights Festival Showcase 2014-2015

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre celebrates young writers with its seventh Young Playwrights Festival Showcase, March 19-22, 2015. The Showcase features three one-act plays from the winners of our high school playwriting competition and is directed, designed, and performed by up-and-coming local professionals.

Artist Bios: 3

by Hasani Kidd, Rufus King International School

Three prisoners of a totalitarian regime unlock one another's secrets as they are forced to choose which of them will be executed.

Directed by Thomas J. Novak | Featuring local actors Marques D. Causey, Anna Figlesthaler, Ryan H. Nelson, Nate Press, Sherrick Robinson, Roqushaun Settlers, and Andrew Stachurski.

Hasani Kidd (Playwright)

Hasani graduated from Rufus King IB High School and was a participant in MCT’s Young Playwrights Festival Playwriting Residency 2013.

Thomas J. Novak (Director)

Thomas is an actor, director, and teaching artist in Milwaukee. He has worked at Milwaukee Rep, First Stage, Utah Shakespeare Festival, The Marcus Center, and Metropolis. He recently directed First Stage’s Young Company production of SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. Other directing projects are W;T, BILOXI BLUES, and SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE. 

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30pm, March 22 at 2:00pm – Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre. All three plays will be featured each evening. There will be a talkback following each performance.

Young Playwrights Festival Showcase 2014-2015 tickets are $18 for adults; $12 for students, seniors and MCT subscribers. Tickets are available at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, 158 N. Broadway, by phone at (414) 291-7800, or online at milwaukeechambertheatre.com,a 

Getting To Know Our Young Artists

MCT’s Young Playwrights Festival Showcase 2014-2015

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre celebrates young writers with its seventh Young Playwrights Festival Showcase, March 19-22, 2015. The Showcase features three one-act plays from the winners of our high school playwriting competition and is directed, designed, and performed by up-and-coming local professionals.

Artist Bios: AS WE WAIT

by Sydney Schlager, Pius XI High School

Three high school seniors wait out the night before a hearing for possible expulsion.

Directed by Ken T. Williams | Featuring local actors Kara Foster, Eva Nimmer, Sasha Sigel, Shayne Steliga, and Mitch Weindorf.

Sydney Schlager (Playwright)

Sydney Schlager is a junior at Pius XI High School and is thrilled to have her play be a part of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival Showcase. She has participated in theater from a young age, recently working both onstage and off in several high school productions. Her previous playwriting experience includes two short dramas performed at her school’s Student Play Festival. She is thankful for this incredible opportunity to see her play produced in a professional setting. 

Ken T. Williams (Director)

Ken is grateful to be working with such a talented cast and crew on this world premiere. Last Season hen performed in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's OCTOBER, BEFORE I WAS BORN. He has appeared on stage in past Young Playwrights Festivals, appearing in NAUGHTY CHILDREN in 2007 and A ROSE FOR MRS. KEMP in 2011. Ken has also worked with Renaissance Theaterworks, First Stage, Optimist Theatre, In Tandem, Windfall Ensemble, Alchemist Theatre, Uprooted, and Bunny Gumbo Productions. Much love to his beautiful wife Rachel and three gorgeous children Calder, Mara, and Elliette.  

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30pm, March 22 at 2:00pm – Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre. All three plays will be featured each evening. There will be a talkback following each performance.

Young Playwrights Festival Showcase 2014-2015 tickets are $18 for adults; $12 for students, seniors and MCT subscribers. Tickets are available at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, 158 N. Broadway, by phone at (414) 291-7800, or online at milwaukeechambertheatre.com,

Getting To Know Our Young Artists

MCT’s Young Playwrights Festival Showcase 2014-2015

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre celebrates young writers with its seventh Young Playwrights Festival Showcase, March 19-22, 2015. The Showcase features three one-act plays from the winners of our high school playwriting competition and is directed, designed, and performed by up-and-coming local professionals.

Artist Bios: STORAGE SPACE

by Nalee Praseutsack, Rufus King International School

Three adult siblings, both blood-related and adopted, seek connection and forgiveness in the wake of the loss of their mother.

Directed by Mallory Metoxen | Featuring local actors Libby Amato, Marcee Doherty-Elst, David Franz, Paul Matthew Madden, and Sharon Nieman-Koebert.

STORAGE SPACE Playwright Nalee Praseutsack (left) and Director Mallory Metoxen (right)

at auditions for Young Playwrights Festival.

  

Nalee Praseutsack (Playwright)

While attending Rufus King, Nalee Praseutsack held various roles including actor (The Laramie Project), stage manager (Much Ado About Nothing), and playwright (Storage Space). Recently, she was assistant costume designer for a stage adaptation of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Currently, she is studying English and Physics at Lawrence University. A Milwaukee native, she is excited and honored to have her work produced by the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Nalee graduated from Rufus King IB High School and was a participant in MCT’s YPF Playwriting Residency.

Mallory Metoxen (Director)

Mallory is very excited to be working with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre again where she has previously served as the Assistant Director for UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL and JEEVES IN BLOOM.  Mallory’s previous directing work has been seen at The Alchemist Theatre, Forward Theater Company, InHerOwnRight Productions, Milwaukee Artist Resource Network, Milwaukee Metropolitan Voices, Renaissance Theaterworks and Splinter Group.  In July of 2015, she will be directing THESE SHINING LIVES for Umbrella Group.  Mallory is currently the Artistic Associate at Renaissance Theaterworks.

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30pm, March 22 at 2:00pm – Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre. All three plays will be featured each evening. There will be a talkback following each performance.

Young Playwrights Festival Showcase 2014-2015 tickets are $18 for adults; $12 for students, seniors and MCT subscribers. Tickets are available at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, 158 N. Broadway, by phone at (414) 291-7800, or online at milwaukeechambertheatre.com,