On preparing for the role of Elizabeth…
I really wanted to have the chance to play Lizzy. So when I was cast in the role, I got really pumped, and then really nauseous. As much as I was thrilled to have the chance to bring this iconic character to life, I knew that a lot of expectations would accompany any portrayal of Elizabeth. I watched every version of the book I could get my hands on, I read reviews of different performances, I read critical responses to the character and book… All of these made me even more petrified. So I put them all down and read and re-read the novel. You should see my copy. I highlighted every description of Lizzy right down to each time she turns away to hide a smile. Then I put all of my research aside and played the scenes that Daniel had set down, bringing as much of my own heart as I could. I’m still petrified before every performance. But now I take that as a good sign.
On the character…
Elizabeth is smart, funny, thoughtful, caring to those she loves, vengeful to those who slight others, joyful, sensitive, hot-tempered, and quick to judge. I love her for her qualities and her many faults, but most of all for her ability to change and grow: she learns forgiveness and to listen more carefully to her own heart.
Hopeful takeaways…
What I take away most is that you have to work on yourself before you are ready for great love. Jane must learn to be vulnerable and show her love, and Bingley must learn the strength to make his own choices before they are ready for their great love. Darcy must learn how his words and actions affect others around him before he is ready for his great love. And Elizabeth must learn not to be so quick to judge, to forgive others, and to understand her own heart and mind before she can be happily married. True love makes you want to be a better person and that must be accompanied by the hard work it actually takes to become that person.
On the book….
The book is such a delight! I laugh and squeal like a girl when I read the book– which I do about once a year.
Favorite screen adaptation…
I am torn between the BBC miniseries and the 2005 Kiera Knightly version. The miniseries is a better representation of the novel and I love getting the chance to see more of the characters and relationships blossom. Yet the 2005 film captures the feeling and the romance of Lizzy and Darcy so well– it sweeps you right along with them.
On playwright Daniel Kramer…
Daniel is a great collaborator. My best memories of work-shopping this play are of his delight in the room when we would stumble on a new idea to make the show better. Then he would go home and come back with the most hilarious and beautiful scenes that got straight to the heart of the book and all of our experiences reading it. I have no idea how he did that, but we are all so fortunate that he is so good at what he does!
On director Eleni Papaleonardos…
Eleni creates a fun and safe place to play and make bold choices. And she laughs and squeals i. all the right spots. What I love most about being directed by Eleni is that she doesn’t allow me to become complacent–she continues to question my choices and pushes me to go farther, and I know that helps me to give a better performance. I’m sometimes a brat to her when she pushes me, but she’s a good sport and forgives me.
Favorite scene…
How to choose?! As soon as I choose one scene, I think of another that I love. Ask me about yourfavorite scene and I can tell you what I love about playing it. That would probably take up less room.
Things I love about Available Light Theatre…
The people I have the honor to work with.
The new and exciting plays I get to work on.
The atmosphere of fearless and playful collaboration.
The work ethic– easy is for other people.
The supporters– we have the best audiences in town.
That it is my home. I’m blessed.