Second year director at WHBHS, Rosemary Cline, who previously directed the WHBHS fall play of 2009, Marvin’s Room, is now working with a new cast of 16 to perfect the upcoming performance of 2010.
Debuting November 5th, 6th, 7th, ‘Is he dead?’ will be sure to knock you out of your seats! The comedy focuses on a French painter named Jean-Francois Millet, played by Vincent Cinque, who, with the help of his colleagues, fakes his death to increase the price of his paintings.
I caught up with the cast and crew to learn a little bit more about the work they do and their experiences so far….
Vincent Cinque (Senior):
Tell us about your character.
“He’s a starving artist with true talent that no one sees. He tries to see the ‘common man,’ or in other words, see everyone equally. He isn’t judgmental.”
How is working with Rosemary?
“She’s amazing! She knows exactly what she’s doing every step of the way and is very inspirational as a director and a person.”
Why do you act?
“It’s fascinating to be someone else. It’s not only an escape from teenage life, but it is the essence of LEARNING, and it makes others happy.”
Tell us about the funniest moment in rehearsal so far.
“When Meredith Nugent had to hold me up and help me put my heels on and zip my dress. That was pretty funny.”
Bret Tucker (Senior):
Why did you introduce this play to Rosemary?
“I had read it and thought it was really good. I knew she was looking for something, so I suggested it to her.”
Tell us about your character.
“Everyone calls him “Duchy.” He’s the nervous student of Millet, and he is German. He’s always worried his plans will fall through and he’ll be doomed.”
How is working with Rosemary?
“This is my second show under her direction, and I love working with her. She’s great! She makes the show better and better and better.”
Why do you act?
“I love it. It’s what I do and who I am. It’s everything to me! It’s all I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid.”
Tell us about the funniest moment in rehearsal so far.
“The first time Vinny fell of the couch, flat onto his face. I laughed SO hard.”
Kaela Murphy (Freshman):
Tell us about your character.
“Her name is Marie. She’s sensitive and sweet and completely in love with Millet. She’s much kinder than her sister.”
How is working with Rosemary?
“Oh, she’s great! She’s easy to work with and she’s very particular.”
Why do you act?
“I love it. I love becoming other people, others that I am not. It’s good to get a feel of the lifestyles of others.”
Tell us about the funniest moment in rehearsal so far.
“There’s SO MANY moments, I honestly can’t even think of a single moment.”
James Fink (Senior):
Tell us about your character.
“He’s a father, kind of old and sickly, but not tooooo old. He’s widowed and is in the play to create another funny situation.”
How is working with Rosemary?
“It’s very enjoyable. I enjoy how she makes each rehearsal fun.”
Why do you act?
“It’s not an everyday experience…. except for actors… LOL.”
Tell us about the funniest moment in rehearsal so far.
“When I get frisky with Vincent…. Don’t worry, you have to see the show.”
Aiden Marsicovetere (Senior):
Tell us about your character.
“Oh, god, I don’t want to give anything away, how much did everyone else tell you? Umm…. His name is Chicago, he’s kind of the leader of the three amigos, and I wouldn’t say he’s full of himself, but he’s very comfortable around the other characters. He’s relaxed and non-chalant.”
How is working with Rosemary?
“I’m having a really great time. It’s the first play I’ve done with her, and I really like the way she works with us and runs the show. She’s very relaxed, I mean, we do yoga for warm-ups. It helps us find time to get into character.”
Why do you act?
“I think its fun, because, my character is not close to my personality, so I get to look at life from another point of view.”
Tell us about the funniest moment in rehearsal so far.
“Vinny stumbling around in… heels…. You have to see the show to see that happen.”
Stage Managers: Sarah Rose Lucas and Emily Brosnan:
How is it working with the actors?
Sarah: “They’re really great and so funny, they make things… interesting.”
What is one thing we should know about the work you do, what’s it like?
Emily: “It’s stressful, especially during hell week!”
Sarah: “It’s a good time, you get to be in charge and have a bunch of inside jokes!”
Rosemary Cline:
Tell us one thing about the actors work so far.
“The actors and crew have taken this piece up with enthusiasm and talent and amidst our self-indulgent laughter we are getting the show up!”
How do you like the play?
“Bret Tucker brought this play to me at the eleventh hour and as I read it, I laughed over and over. I couldn’t imagine doing any other play!”
Tell us one thing you want us all to know.
“It would be terrific to see our theater filled with supporters of these students. I encourage everyone to attend and see just what we can do with a French farce!”
