GCP newcomer Asia Stryker makes the most of her first experience on stage as Jack's Mother in 'Into The Woods'!
Character: Jack's Mom
GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself:
Asia: I'm brand new to theater! I have a BA in Film and have been a singer my whole life, but theater is a new world. And man, is it nuts.
GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.
Asia: Jack's mom is a super interesting character. She begins the play worried about her home and asking everyone for help, but by the end, she is only worried about her family and comes to rely on no one but herself. In a way, she's kind of tragic, but the character is so funny that her depth is hidden behind her snark. It's a lot of fun.
GCP Girl: What is your favorite piece of music to sing in 'Into The Woods'?
Asia: I have a personal connection with the lyrics of "No More", the song between the Baker and his estranged father, the Mysterious Man. Melody-wise, however, I really enjoy the beginning of Act II ("I never thought I could be so HAP-PY!") because it's so grandiose and musically complex. Plus we look so happy it's almost painful, which is a fun irony to play with.
GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in the show?
Asia: Hmm. Honestly, the scene in Act II where Jack's mom comes out with her dukes up to fight with anyone who means Jack harm (including an enormous giant) is pretty profound. It's a great statement about the love of a mother and how far she's willing to go for her child.
GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for 'Into The Woods'?
Asia: It's been a bit of a "Bucket List" item for me to be in a musical and when I found out that so many people I knew were auditioning, the idea of participating seemed less intimidating.
GCP Girl: What do you hope audience members take away from this show and why?
Asia: The trouble with this show is that there is SO MUCH to take away. I've seen it dozens of times at this point and each time I find new messages for people in different stages of their life. Mostly, it's a story about getting through life the best way you can and holding on to the people you find in it.
GCP Girl: If you had to pick another classic Fairytale to incorporate into Sondheim's story, which would you pick and why?
Asia: Why not throw a mermaid into the mix?
GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member.
Asia: Oh gosh. I saw Mama Mia! with my mom on Mothers' Day once, which was a bad idea because that song "Slipping Through My Fingers" is so dang depressing. But as a performer, I will always remember the neat experiences I've had on 'Into the Woods'. I started the process super terrified because there is so much talent and I was so new to theater, but as I've become more familiar with the story, my character and my fellow cast and crew, it's become an enriching and invigorating experience. GCP really is a family and I feel blessed to now count myself as part of it.
Thank you, Asia, for such thoughtful answers! You are fantastic as Jack's Mother and we are delighted to have you as a part of the GCP family!
This is your last weekend to catch 'Into The Woods'.... it closes forever on June 15! Please visit the GCP Website or the Facebook Event Page for ticket and show information.
xoxo GCP Girl
No comments:
Post a Comment