With the presentation of Milligan’s theater production The Importance of Being Earnest right around the corner, I took it upon myself to interview a couple of cast members to get insight into the actors’ acting methods, hopes and wishes for the play, and a sneak peek into the characters’ minds.
Caleb Lehman: Dr. Chasuble
Interviewer: Could you tell me about the play in your own words?
Caleb: I think really what it is it’s a great comedy of how people over-dramatize things. It could be categorized as a romantic comedy because there are a few romances that develop through the play and they’re making fun of how people fall in love.
Interviewer: Do you think Milligan students will relate to these themes of relationships and drama?
Caleb: I think so, cause Dr. Chasuble is a priest, he thinks he’s supposed to be celibate, (though there’s nowhere in the bible that says you need to be celibate to be a leader in the church.) It’s his self-imposed rule, but he falls head over heels for someone named Ms. Prism. So, there are a lot of jokes about getting to know someone and feeling awkward when getting to know somebody. I think couples watching the show will be jabbing at each other saying, “hey you were just like that when we first met.”
Interviewer: What do you hope the Milligan community will take away from this play?
Caleb: I’m hoping the Milligan community will see how fun theater can be and that maybe they’ll be like “hey I think I’d like to do that.” There’s a lot of magic in bringing a show to life, and I think a lot of people here don’t quite understand everything that goes into making a play, but through this play, we can show how much fun being in a play is!
Abigail Haagen: Gwendolen Fairfax
Interviewer: How do you feel about performing a classical piece?
Abigail: It’s incredibly clever, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. When I read it I thought, “Oh boring Oscar Wilde, ” but it’s actually a really funny plot. It’s been doing so for over a hundred years.
Interviewer: You mentioned the show has a British accent, are there any techniques you use for your accent?
Abigail: Well the director is British which helps a lot. I’ve also been watching British TV shows, Task Masters is one of my favorites – it’s like a comedy show on BBC. Oh, and also when I’m hanging out with my friends we all just talk in British accents for fun!
Interviewer: Do you personally think you’d get along with your character?
Abigail: I’d probably not get along with her, she’s very headstrong. She’s fun, but she just makes sure everything goes her way so I don’t think I would like that in a friend. I don’t think what she does are things I would do, though there are similarities!
Interviewer: What is your favorite or funniest line for your character?
Abigail: “The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last!”
Francis Saxton: Director
Interviewer: What is your favorite part about working with this specific cast?
Francis: They are some of the most talented actors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. What I have loved most is seeing these actors make character choices and challenge themselves in rehearsal; in the process, they have had lots of fun! I have also loved seeing them grow and stretch themselves as theater artists.
Interviewer: Do you feel there are high expectations for the play opening on homecoming weekend?
Francis: I do not feel pressured at all. The process of every show for me is to educate the students so that they leave the show having learned new techniques and put them into practice…We just happen to have a show at the end of it.
Interviewer: Why did you choose The Importance of Being Earnest? What do you hope the Milligan audience will take away from the play?
Francis: I chose this play because I believed this would challenge the actors I cast. It is highly challenging in projection, clarity, articulation, and movement. In this play, actors do carry each scene and have to work as a team to forward the play’s momentum. The Milligan community will leave this show satisfied, laughing, and remembering not to take life so seriously! As Oscar Wilde said “Everything is going to be fine in the end. If it is not fine, it’s not the end.”
To experience the Milligan Theaters’ interpretation of Wilde’s comedy firsthand, you can purchase tickets on Milligan.tix.com or check out @MilliganTheaterArts on Instagram.
Headline photo from themoviedb.org