Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma casts actors hailing from all over the nation, and also includes many local performers. This combination makes for phenomenal shows. A few leads from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC answered a few questions for us- get to know them below!
Dee Hoty
Desiree Armfeldt
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
Desiree is such an iconic role now, not only in the Sondheim catalogue, but in the American Musical Theatre! ‘SEND IN THE CLOWNS’ alone must hit a button with nearly everyone. The entirety of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a lovely journey for people just like us: yearning, flawed, unsatisfied, still trying, maybe a little desperate and/or suspicious of one another, but still always in the stream of their lives!
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
My most memorable role? NOT because it was my favorite necessarily, but I’d have to say ‘Donna’ in MAMMA MIA! I toured with that show in eight major U.S. cities for two and a half years before taking over the role on Broadway for a year. Wearing the neon spandex jumpsuits and platform boots wasn’t easy, but it was a lot of fun, and it fulfilled my childhood dream of being a rock star! Plus, that show just plain makes people happy! Me, too!
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
Playing Desiree requires a step back from modernity, and that is always daunting–Most of us do our best to stay current on the latest EVERYthing, from electronics to fashion to world events. This woman (and the people in this play) are from another century, another era: a simpler, more elegant, less rushed time. When the art of conversation and reading and listening seemed to carry more weight. I hope we don’t even ‘sound’ modern when we speak in this show!
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
Wacky rituals, huh? Well, I have a small deck of ‘inspiration’ cards–a gift from a cast member on a Broadway Opening night years ago. And I have a little memo/note holder–another gift from another show–I draw a card, put it in the holder, and read it aloud to myself. It’s been fun to notice when the deck recycles, i.e., “Oh, here’s the one about forgiving yourself.” But I find them very grounding. Alternatively, I have a cheap squeaky plastic Buddha from a gag shop. I call him Happy Buddha because he has in his hands (at all times) a cappuccino and a cellphone! I give him a squeeze before (and sometimes during!) every show, too! And sometimes, Happy Buddha ‘READS’ the inspiration cards, ending with an approving SQUEAK!
Now THAT’S wacky, right?
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
My favorite thing about musical theatre has always been that moment when an actor cannot speak anymore and bursts into song, or has to dance, to continue the attempt to express what they are feeling. That doesn’t occur anywhere else but in the living breathing LIVE theatre. And I love it!!!
George Dvorsky
Fredrik Egerman
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
I’ve finally grown into the role. I sang Henrik at the Covent Garden Sondheim Celebration years ago. I’m now old enough for Frederick! And Dee and Emily are good friends of mine.
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
George in SHE LOVES ME. It’s the perfect musical and I feel that role was written for me.
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
It’s SONDHEIM. Isn’t that enough??
Do you have any rituals you do before each show?
I pray.
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
Being able to play such interesting characters.
Maggie Spicer
Anne
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
Anne is a role I never thought I would play but still very much wanted to do and now I’m blessed with the opportunity to do so. I’m also very excited to be working with Lyric!
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
My first show was Peter Pan and I played Michael Darling (I cut off all my hair and put “M.S.” as my first name) and my mother played Peter and my dad was our director. My first line onstage ever was “I won’t go to bed, Nana!”.
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
I’ve never really played any soprano or ingenue roles before so having a role in both those categories is exciting as well as challenging.
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
I actually just lounge around or shop: some sort of “personal day”. 2 hours before my senior recital I was sitting on the floor of my living room eating cheesecake.
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
I love diving into a new character and thinking about what makes them tick, how they walk, what physical movements they might incessantly do and making the character an individual that comes off the page.
Russell McCook
Henrik
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
I’m most excited to be playing Henrik because I get to play the cello while I sing “Later”. I’ve been playing since the fourth grade and I knew it would come in handy some day!
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
I did The Sound of Music at a community theatre when I was in middle school, and rather than being cast as one of the von Trapp family singers, I was the Lonely Goatherd. I was pretty upset about it initially but by the time the show opened I realized I had it way more fun as a puppet.
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
Playing cello and singing at the same time has definitely been a challenge, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
Not especially… I just do a couple vocal warm ups and drink water.
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
I love being able to stop time and sing your feelings rather than just feel them. Sometimes I wish real life was that way!
