Devin D'Andrea plays against type as the unhappy Mayella Ewell in "To Kill a Mockingbird"...
GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.
DD: My name is Devin D'Andrea. I play Mayella Ewell, the young woman who lies about being raped by Tom Robinson. She has been neglected, abused, and molested (as referenced in the novel) by her father, and accuses Tom of rape after being caught coming on to him by her father, Bob Ewell. Bob then goes on to beat her savagely, another crime with which Tom is accused.
DD: My name is Devin D'Andrea. I play Mayella Ewell, the young woman who lies about being raped by Tom Robinson. She has been neglected, abused, and molested (as referenced in the novel) by her father, and accuses Tom of rape after being caught coming on to him by her father, Bob Ewell. Bob then goes on to beat her savagely, another crime with which Tom is accused.
GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
DD: Well, my favorite role, Beth March, the second youngest sister who dies of red fever, in "Little Women: the Musical." Elizabeth Dean played Jo, and she made the entire experience life-changing. She is one of the most intense and beautiful people I've had the honor of working with, and really made it easy to bring out the love and connection between the two sisters. Before that, I performed in several shows with Rhonda Wilson at the Star Center Youth Theater until I began auditioning with GCP. "Mockingbird" is my third show at the Vam York, following "Oliver!" in 2007 and "Jane Eyre" in 2008.
DD: Well, my favorite role, Beth March, the second youngest sister who dies of red fever, in "Little Women: the Musical." Elizabeth Dean played Jo, and she made the entire experience life-changing. She is one of the most intense and beautiful people I've had the honor of working with, and really made it easy to bring out the love and connection between the two sisters. Before that, I performed in several shows with Rhonda Wilson at the Star Center Youth Theater until I began auditioning with GCP. "Mockingbird" is my third show at the Vam York, following "Oliver!" in 2007 and "Jane Eyre" in 2008.
GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
DD: "Mockingbird" appealed to me because it is a somber, dramatic show. I had had no luck getting a part in any musicals the past year, and although it may be because of my disastrous dance attempts, I blame it on my seriousness altogether as a person. I'm afraid I usually lack the over-enthusiastic happiness it takes to be a lead in a musical production. (GCP Girl: I doubt this.)
DD: "Mockingbird" appealed to me because it is a somber, dramatic show. I had had no luck getting a part in any musicals the past year, and although it may be because of my disastrous dance attempts, I blame it on my seriousness altogether as a person. I'm afraid I usually lack the over-enthusiastic happiness it takes to be a lead in a musical production. (GCP Girl: I doubt this.)
GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
DD: Being able to appreciate acting, I mean really appreciate it, for the first time. It takes so much to delve into a character and really become that person, in that place and situation. I have never worked so hard to do justice to a character, and hope it shows in my performance. Great thanks to Esteban for character development!
DD: Being able to appreciate acting, I mean really appreciate it, for the first time. It takes so much to delve into a character and really become that person, in that place and situation. I have never worked so hard to do justice to a character, and hope it shows in my performance. Great thanks to Esteban for character development!
GCP Girl: Why do you think "To Kill a Mockingbird" is such a popular story?
DD: The fight of black versus white is timeless. It has been a struggle in America for centuries, and unfortunately racism still exists today. This novel shows an evil that is beyond measure. An innocent man, sent to prison and killed only because of his color. It's a marvelous storyline, and plays with the heart-strings of the reader.
DD: The fight of black versus white is timeless. It has been a struggle in America for centuries, and unfortunately racism still exists today. This novel shows an evil that is beyond measure. An innocent man, sent to prison and killed only because of his color. It's a marvelous storyline, and plays with the heart-strings of the reader.
GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
DD: The stunning and horrible truth that justice is not always served. The fact that a white woman, ignorant and scared, can point her fingers and send an innocent man to his death. And be cheered on! Racism is a disgusting institution that should never have existed, and should be purged from America today.
DD: The stunning and horrible truth that justice is not always served. The fact that a white woman, ignorant and scared, can point her fingers and send an innocent man to his death. And be cheered on! Racism is a disgusting institution that should never have existed, and should be purged from America today.
GCP Girl: What inspires you?
DD: The actors/actresses surrounding me on and off stage. I've gotten to know dozens of incredible people, and astounding actors. The pain in Troy's (Tom Robinson) face and body language, Mike (Bob Ewell) and his ability to make you cringe with his every step, Amanda (Jean Louise) and her way of carrying you through the story as if you were really in Maycomb, Alabama 1935. They are amazing to work with, and it is constantly a learning experience. The old souls and wonderful friends I've made inspire me the most.
DD: The actors/actresses surrounding me on and off stage. I've gotten to know dozens of incredible people, and astounding actors. The pain in Troy's (Tom Robinson) face and body language, Mike (Bob Ewell) and his ability to make you cringe with his every step, Amanda (Jean Louise) and her way of carrying you through the story as if you were really in Maycomb, Alabama 1935. They are amazing to work with, and it is constantly a learning experience. The old souls and wonderful friends I've made inspire me the most.
GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
DD: The kids are my favorite part of the show, because one conversation with them will make any bad day brighter. Jack Polefko, who plays Jem Finch, has become as close to me as a brother. In his 12-year-old face I can see so much potential. These kids are truly an inspiration.
DD: The kids are my favorite part of the show, because one conversation with them will make any bad day brighter. Jack Polefko, who plays Jem Finch, has become as close to me as a brother. In his 12-year-old face I can see so much potential. These kids are truly an inspiration.
Thanks, Devin!
xo xo GCP Girl
