Actors Interviewed for “Three Viewings”

Valley Playhouse Board Member and local playwright ( The Blue Hotel) Michael Trocchia interviews our three actors – Lori Smilowitz, John Michael Shott, and Nita Gibson – as they prepare their connected monologues that comprise Jeffrey Hatcher’s Three Viewings about acting, community theater, and their experience with Jeffrey Hatcher’s compelling piece.

 

 

Michael: How did you first get involved with the Valley Playhouse?

 

Michael: In this age of film, tv, and youtube, what does theater offer us? Does it have a distinct value or contribution from film, tv, and the internet?

Lori: Live theater offers a unique experience in every single performance.   It’s impossible for two performances to ever be exactly alike. The relationship between the audience and the actors is different in every performance.  The laughs, the coughs and  the cell phone rings are different every night!

 

 

Michael: What attracted you to this play, to this role? 

JM: Several things attracted me to this play, and more specifically this role.  There is a lot in the character of Emil that I identified with, as well as a lot that was foreign to me.   It has been an intense but fulfilling process of digging in and figuring out this character, finding what from my own life I can use, and what is new territory for us both.  Also, while I have had to memorize a lot of dialogue before, I’ve never performed a thirty-minute monologue.  There is something about facing a new challenge that wakes you up, takes you out of your comfort zone, and reminds you that you’re alive.  Plus, having worked with Carrie Dengler-Wenger on Almost, Maine, I wanted to work with her again in a more direct way.

Michael: In this age of film, tv, and youtube, what does theater offer us? Does it have a distinct value or contribution from film, tv, and the internet?

 JM:  I enjoy movies and television shows, and there are several that I can watch over and over again.  However, I love live theatre.  You are right there with the performers.  Everything unfolds in the moment, and the performances are never the same.  One slight shift in tempo, or tone, and it can change everything.  As an actor, you are always kept on your toes.  There is an immediacy, an “in the moment”  magic that cannot be duplicated, even when recorded. 

Michael: What attracts you to acting? As an actor, what is it about live theater that draws you to it?Nita: Everything!  The first time I performed in front of a live audience, I   was hooked!  When I walked out on the stage and felt the heat of the lights on my face.. when I realized I had the ability to make people laugh and cry, I knew this is what I wanted to do in my retirement.  I also want to be a famous Broadway star, and I’m still waiting to be discovered!  

Michael: How did you first get involved with the Valley Playhouse?

Nita: In 2008, while performing in “Harvey,” I met Jay Zehr.  The following year Jay directed “Dearly Departed” at the Valley Playhouse and cast me as Raynelle Turpin.  Since that time, I performed for the Playhouse in “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” and “Our Town.” 

Michael: What attracted you to this play, to this role?

 Nita: “Three Viewings” is unusual.  There is no interface with other actors.  Each of us is a “one-man band” so to speak.  Since I never have figured out who I really am in this life, I enjoy becoming the characters I portray – and I really enjoy being Virginia Carpolotti.  She and I have a lot in common:  we are both widows, we are both a little ditzy at times and somewhat emotional, and we are survivors.    

Michael: In this age of film, TV, and Youtube, what does theater offer us? Does it have a distinct value or contribution from film, TV and the internet?

Nita: Live theatre is the precursor of TV and film.  In the world of Hollywood, everything is rehearsed until it’s perfect.  In live theatre, the production isn’t always perfect — but life isn’t perfect, is it?  Live theatre also requires more from its actors than TV and film.  We don’t have the luxury of doing re-takes.  We have one chance each night to do it right.  Kind’a like life – Ya get one chance so you’d better learn what role you are playing and play it right.

 Three Viewings will be performed on Thursdays – Saturdays, March 8- 10,  2012 – March 15 – 17, 2012 at 8 pm and Sundays March 11 and March 18 at 3 pm .  Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors and groups of 10 or more.  Tickets are available at the Court Square Theater Box Office and at the door.  *

Live music by The Shakes will be presented for a half hour preceding each performance Thursdays – Saturdays.
An art exhibit by 4 local artist on “Life and Death” will also be featured during the run of the show.

*Thursday, March 15 is “Pay What You Will” night.