Blog By: Sydney Moody, Marketing Intern
What a season it has been! We went from MATILDA to CAROUSEL to KINKY BOOTS in just six weeks! These cast members and the Lyric team have put so much time and energy and love into these shows, and it’s been so amazing and heart-warming to watch. We hope that each and everyone of you have enjoyed each blog thoroughly and have been able to savor every moment. Today, we will be interviewing Easton Edwards, who plays one of the Angels! Let’s not waste any time and get into step one of this interview!
Easton (right) in Lyric’s production of NEWSIES (2019)
Moody: “How did you get into theatre? How did you get into professional theatre?”
Edwards: “I was a freshman in high school, they did SOUTH PACIFIC that year and needed a bunch of guys to be in the ensemble! They asked me in my audition if I could tumble, so I did a small tumbling pass in the room and got cast in the show! I didn’t start working professionally until after my freshman year of college. I owe my professional start to the INCREDIBLE Hui Cha Poos. She was choreographing BRING IT ON in 2017 at the Pollard Theatre and, ironically, needed tumblers in the ensemble and brought me on!”
Easton (3rd from left) in Lyric’s production of GREASE (2020)
We love to hear the name of someone whom we’ve interviewed before! Hui Cha Poos is an incredible choreographer, and you can read about her interview in Blog 2! Do you remember the shows we’ve interviewed this summer? Fun fact, Easton Edwards has been in all three shows! Let’s see which one was his favorite.
Moody: “Of the three shows you have been in this Lyric season, which one has been your favorite?”
Easton as Sergei in MATILDA
Edwards: “All of them truly are so unique in their own way to me! Going on for an understudy role in MATILDA due to unfortunate circumstances was stressful, but thrilling all at the same time! Then performing gorgeous choreography to a stunning orchestra every night in CAROUSEL was a dream come true! But I will say… All the male-identifying ensemble who have been doing the full season with me have been talking about KINKY BOOTS since we started MATILDA!! It’s such a beautiful show with a beautiful message that I feel everyone needs to hear!”
Easton standing in as Rudolpho in MATILDA
Wow! Edwards has been a part of such a unique season, and his take on it is so interesting! With all of these shows being so close together, he must be worn out. Let’s kick into the next question and take a look into how he recovers so fast.
Easton (left) in the Ensemble of CAROUSEL
Moody: “How do you balance being in so many shows within a short amount of time? How do you take care of your mind and body (especially your vocal cords)?”
Edwards: “For me, I take as many Epsom salt baths as possible, tons of water and liquid iv to stay hydrated, as much rest as possible. But most importantly, it’s about listening to what your body needs and not pushing your limit. Especially when you have rehearsals for one show in the morning and a performance for another show at night, it’s essential to understand your own personal do’s and don’ts. I’m thankful to have worked with understanding directors/ choreographers this summer who listen to the needs of their performers and honor them!”
We are so grateful for our amazing team that takes care of our actors and actresses! Directors know what’s best, but sometimes what they plan doesn’t work out too well. Let’s strut into the next question.
Easton in the Ensemble of CAROUSEL
Moody: “What has been your favorite moment on stage or behind the scenes that was funny or wasn’t supposed to happen?”
Edwards: “There was a time during Smell Of Rebellion in MATILDA where Matthew Alvin Brown was supposed to climb a rope and sing. There was a moment when he started climbing that the rope was turning around itself! All I could see was his shadow spinning around on stage and couldn’t help but laugh the whole time! And shortly after the blocking got changed to avoid repeating history!”
Looks like the director took note of that to make the change! Now, for my favorite part of every blog, let’s get into some notes from Edwards about getting into theatre professionally.
Easton (left) as one of Lola’s “Angel’s” in KINKY BOOTS
Moody: “Do you have any advice you would like to share with people in theatre or trying to get into theatre?”
Edwards: “Every ‘no’ that you get in an audition is just one step closer to a ‘yes!’ Every person sitting behind that table is wanting you to do your best and is wanting to hire you. Be as authentically you as possible, because nobody can do you like yourself!”
Easton (front left – blonde) as one of Lola’s “Angel’s” in KINKY BOOTS
Edwards couldn’t have said it any better! Sadly, this is our last interview, so we hope you have been taking notes over the series so you can be confident and authentic in your next audition! We couldn’t have ended it off better, and we’re so happy that Edwards got to be the sparkle! If you missed some of the interviews, you can go back through and catch up; however, don’t miss your last few chances to see KINKY BOOTS at the Civic Center through July 24th!