Collected thoughts from Sarah Day

Sarah Day returns to MCT as Ruth Steiner in COLLECTED STORIES. Last season, she played Sally Quinn in the world premiere of A THOUSAND WORDS. That production was also a collaboration with Forward Theater Company of Madison. Sarah is a founding member of Forward Theater Co., and serves on its advisory company. She has been a member of the acting company at American Players Theatre in Spring Green since 1986.

 

How would you describe your character Ruth? What are some of her key characteristics and motivations?

Sarah Day

 I would describe Ruth, as a talented and thoughtful writer, and a tough and demanding teacher. She loves language, and the written word. She loves stories. Reading them, writing them, and helping students become better by getting deeper and more specific with every line they write. You have to love a teacher like that.

Talk about the benefits and challenges of being part of a two-person cast. How has your experience been in COLLECTED STORIES?

 I'm loving working on this play. It's such a pleasure to be reunited with C. Michael Wright. He's a wonderful director and has such a great vision for this play. I'm also having a lot of fun working with Laura Frye. She's a very talented young actress. One of the great things about a two person show is that you never can be lazy. You have to be focused and "in the moment" every single moment. It's wonderful. So, when you go to sleep at night, you feel as though you've really done a good day's work.

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

Sarah Day (left) and Georgina McKee
in A THOUSAND WORDS (2012)

 I've been a member of the acting company of AmericanPlayers Theatre in Spring Green since 1986, and I think what I have loved the most about being a part of that, is how much I've learned from the audiences there. They are incredible. They listen, they are engaged. But they can only be as engaged as we (the actors, et al) are engaging. They are so supportive. At APT we always talk about raising the bar--to work at getting better, to challenge ourselves. All of that is for the audience. So, it such a pleasure for me to come into Milwaukee, to learn and grow from the audiences here. They are wonderful.

If you were to personally spend a day in Greenwich Village (where COLLECTED STORIES is set), what would you do?
Oh, I guess I'd spend a day in the Village, the way I'd be a tourist any where. Maybe spend some time in the Park, just people watching, then on to a great little restaurant, and then a play in a tiny little theatre. That sounds perfect to me.

Thank you Sarah! We can't wait for COLLECTED STORIES (Nov. 21 - Dec. 16)!

Meet Laura Frye

Laura Frye returns to MCT as Lisa Morrison in COLLECTED STORIES. She made her debut as Babe in CRIMES OF THE HEART last season. She recently relocated to Milwaukee after living in New York City for six years. A native of West Virginia, Laura has worked at theatres in NYC, Italy and across the US.

How would you describe your character Lisa? What are some of her key characteristics and motivations?

Laura Frye

Lisa is smart, caring and tenacious. The play takes place over the course of six years and you really get a chance to see her grow and mature, not only in her writing, but also in her own personal growth. She is motivated by her love of writing and her need to distance herself from her past. I think it's safe to say she has abandonment issues and is searching for the companionship she was missing in her youth. I've fallen in love with her and feel so blessed to get to tell her story.

 

Talk about the benefits and challenges of being part of a two-person cast. How has your experience been in COLLECTED STORIES?

It's great being able to build a strong relationship with your partner on stage. With only two people it makes this job even easier. I've really been able to dive deep and figure out who Lisa is and who she becomes by the end of the play. Daily we get a chance to keep exploring these two characters and their relationship with each other. It's been such a blessing to have that time - which isn't always the case when working with large cast. It also makes learning lines easier, because the dialogue is so conversational.

It's not without it's challenges. Right now in the rehearsal process, we are starting to run the show. I forgot what a marathon it can be. . .my favorite type of marathon.

This has been an amazing experience. I love being back at Chamber. Also, working with Sarah Day has been incredible. I've learned so much by watching her in the rehearsal process. I'm in awe of her work in this play and I know everyone will love watching her Ruth.

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

Georgina McKee and Laura Frye (right)
in CRIMES OF THE HEART (2011)

I've been so blessed to work with amazing actors, whether they were my peers or more established artists. I am always learning and studying my fellow actors. They've taught me so much and all of them, in some way, have contributed to who I am, as an artist, today.

My favorite moment would have to be when my three-year-old cousin came to see me in THE TEMPEST. After the show she came up to me and said, "Lala, that was the best movie I ever seen." She may not have understood the difference between stage and screen, but Shakespeare had left a huge impact on her that day. I love that.
 

If you were to personally spend a day in Greenwich Village (where COLLECTED STORIES is set), what would you do?

I lived in NYC for the past six years, so I can definitely tell you my favorite things to do while in Greenwich Village...usually it dealt with food. If it's summer I will definitely be getting a Sno-Ball from Imperial Woodpeckers Sno-Balls and then cross the street for a slice of pizza at Artichoke Pizza. It's always fun to sit and listen to the student musicians in Washington Park. On a cold day I would head to Grey Dog Cafe and then take a walk down University Place to the WashingtonMews...my favorite. The White Horse Tavern and Corner Bistro (located in West Village) hold a special place in my heart for many reasons, but mainly because they remind me of my NYC family and how much I miss their beautiful faces.

Thanks Laura! We are looking forward to seeing you in COLLECTED STORIES, Nov. 21 - Dec. 16! 

Exploring Collective Voices

By Linda Loving, MCT Guest Educator

BROKEN AND ENTERED news and reviews

We have compiled BROKEN AND ENTERED media & reviews thus far conveniently in this post.  Click the gray links for the full reviews and feel free to comment.

Meet Andrew Voss

Happy Fall!  We're excited to open BROKEN AND ENTERED next weekend!  Our cast has been wonderful to us by giving some insight about their journeys in the theatre and in their roles.  We hope you enjoy Andrew's thoughts!

 
What is it like working on a brand new play? And having access to the playwright, Kurt McGinnis Brown?

Andrew Voss

Doing original work is always a fun challenge.  It's almost like getting a list of ingredients, and when you put them together  you find out it's cherry pie!  (Cherry pie is my favorite! In case any of you are at opening night...I'm just putting it out there!)  It's a unique challenge to take someones story and bring it to life for them. Having Kurt available during rehearsals gives us a wonderful and unexpected reward.  

Much like a father seeing his newborn baby for the first time, I hope that Kurt will feel that pride and relief when he watches BROKEN AND ENTERED.

What are some key characteristics of Wally? Why?

 Wally is a dreamer, he is quick to run in the face of serious emotional conflict, and he is somewhat shallow.  Throughout our story he is on a mission to rebuild himself into a new and better person.

Describe one of your favorite moments in theatre. How has it shaped who you are today?

 In college I was in a play called MILL FIRE by Sally Nemeth.  I (Champ) was dying of horrible burns and had my clothes cut off as my wife (Abby White) helplessly watched. Until that moment I didn't realize the power of live theatre. The heaviness of that moment and the impact it had on me, my fellow cast members and the audience will always be with me.

Andrew Voss and Emily Vitrano in PICNIC (2009)

If your character could spend a day in Milwaukee, where would they go and what would they do?

Wally would go to the Milwaukee Art Museum and walk around because that is where people who are "better" hang out.  Also he would stop at the Miller Brewery tour, because he loves cheap beer!

Catching up with Marti Gobel

The world premiere of BROKEN AND ENTERED is just days away!  We thought it would be great to get to know Marti a bit more in her role as Jamila. Enjoy!

Entering Jonathan Wainwright's Perspective

We're getting closer to the opening of BROKEN AND ENTERED in the Studio Theatre next Friday night with previews on Wednesday and Thursday.  One "Rebel" we will get to know through this show is Vern, played by Jonathan Wainwright.  Here's a closer look at his perspectives about the show and his character.

What is it like working on a brand new play? And having access to the playwright, Kurt McGinnis Brown?

 

Jonathan Wainwright

Working on something brand new is different from an established/often produced type piece one in that there is a lot of discussion of basics, like timelines and even what the whole point is. Not that you don't discuss those things in other productions, but sometimes with a new piece those discussions can last, well, until the end of the run sometimes. Having access to the playwright, now, can certainly help simplify the things I just mentioned.  Plot points and character motivations that seem hazy can be quickly clarified so the actor can get to the heart of the matter, so to speak, without worrying that the play is being taken to a place not intended or wanted.
 

What are some key characteristics of Vern? Why?

Vern is intense, angry, but very thoughtful at the same time. Trying to reign in the thoughts to form a cohesive plan of self improvement leads to bad things and good things, and bad things that can be good things, eventually. There are lots of why's, as there are in any of our own thoughts and actions, some more present and clear than others, some less obvious, and less dark than may be assumed.
 

Describe one of your favorite moments in theatre. How has it shaped who you are today?

As much as I love being on stage with my wife, Laura Gray, and as little as we have actually had the opportunity for that, I'd say my favorite moment in theatre has yet to happen. But I can't wait.

Jonathan Wainwright and Georgina McKee in CRIMES OF THE HEART (2011)

 If your character could spend a day in Milwaukee, where would they go and what would they do?

I think Vern would make a large list of the things you are supposedly supposed to do in Milwaukee, but end up having a burger down by the lake, enjoy it immensely, walk to the Summerfest grounds, see if there's nothing going (faulty info), try to find out how to get to the Harley Museum, but then realize the art museum is right there, but it's closed. Then he'd go to Shaker's.