"The Murder Room" Director Profile: Pat Thomson

Director Pat Thomson sits down to talk about directing, revisiting "The Murder Room" and farces.



"The Murder Room" is running through February 6th!

"The Murder Room" gets a great review!

Congrats to the cast and crew of "The Murder Room" on a great review!

"The Murder Room" cast profile: Kristin Mercer

Is she evil, or just misunderstood? Kristin Mercer plays Mavis Templeton Hollister, a newlywed with something to hide in "The Murder Room"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.
KM: She is over the top and I adore her (um, from an acting standpoint, anyway). To say much else would be to say too much.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "The Murder Room"?
KM: I wanted very much to play this character after reading the script - she is wonderfully written and over the top! I also wanted a chance to work with Pat as a director (not to mention several very talented and very dear friends who were also auditioning).

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
KM: Too many to mention without spoiling it for everyone!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
KM: Laughter and high spirits.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
KM: Everything. It is my passion, my therapy, and my second home.

GCP Girl: What would you say to someone who is thinking about auditioning for a GCP show?
KM: Join us! And, if you have never done this and have always wanted to, take a risk - it is worth it!

Thanks, Kristin! The fun resumes tonight at the Vam York!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Spelling Bee" cast list!

Congrats to the cast of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"! Now we're expecting even more from you - make it good!

Olive Ostrovsky- Sarah Viskovich
Douglas Panch - Richard Healey
Mitch Mahoney - Giovanni Barrio
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere - Tova Blasberg
Rona Lisa Perretti - Susan Christophy
Leaf Coneybear - Peter Romberg
William Barfee - Bryan Faux
Marcy Park - Mara Abeleda
Chip Tolentino - Nickolus Turner
Dan Dad - Nicholas May
Carl Dad - Robert Lencki

"The Murder Room" cast profile: Jan Cohen

Jan Cohen finds herself in a houseful of chaos in "The Murder Room"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.
JC: I play Lottie Molloy, the housekeeper, who is not the brightest spark on the block.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "The Murder Room"?
JC: Pat Thomson is the director!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
JC: A pointless conversation with Esteban and Kristin.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "The Murder Room"?
JC: Laughter!

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
JC: It is my "job" and my passion.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking about auditioning for a GCP show?
JC: Be prepared. Read the script and return said script to the director on time (ask Robert, our newest actor). Be polite, prompt and motivated.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
JC: We are also doing a wonderful play about Rwanda on Jan. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. Come to both plays, please!

Thanks, Jan! Break a leg on opening night!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Murder Room" cast profile: Danielle Pagliara

Danielle Pagliara plays Susan, the incredibly ditzy daughter of the house, who returns home from college to find all is not as it seems...

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.
DP: Susan is a blast to play! Susan is ditzy and sweet and head over heels for her fiance, and though she's by far the stupidest person ever, she has the best possible intentions. Being as empty-headed but lovable is the hardest thing ever!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "The Murder Room"?
DP: I auditioned for "The Murder Room" because it had just been too long. I needed my onstage fix. I hadn't performed with a character and lines for almost three years, though I've been lurking backstage since "See How They Run." I also love working with Pat Thompson and I knew that anyone cast in the show would be amazing to work with, and they all are!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
DP: My favorite scene in the show is a Act 2, Scene 1 for two reasons. One, I get some one-on-one quality time with stepmommy. Kristin Mercer is a phenomenal actress and I have learned so much just from watching her. The other reason is Susan and Barry show some affection, and have you seen Robert T. Alldrink? :)

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "The Murder Room"?
DP: I hope audiences all leave laughing. That's what the whole show is about. Farces are hilarious and spoofs are ridiculous, and this is a farce of a spoof; it really doesn't get better. Between the characters, the set, and the sound effects, I want the audiences laughing on the way home.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
DP: To me, community theatre is a place to belong. There are working professionals, college students, high schoolers, children, and everyone in between that take part in GCP, and everyone belongs. Everyone at this theater is so talented and so welcoming and it is a joy to come to the GCP every day and watch those inspirational people work, be it onstage, backstage, or yelling from the house. And when those people stop what they're doing to laugh at a stupid joke with you, take you under their wing, or make silly faces for the camera with you... it blows my mind.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking about auditioning for a GCP show?
DP: This is so cliche, and I promised I wouldn't say it if I ever got to write one of these things, but here it goes anyway: DO IT! There is nothing stopping you! The worst that could possibly happen is you is you conquer a fear, have fun, and meet amazing people. From there, you can work on run crew, front of house, costumes, onstage, lights, sound, and hang out with some of the most incredibly rockin' people on the planet. You'll have the opportunity to learn a lot from the people and build life-long friendships. It's the best idea ever.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
DP: Between running my own camp program and working toward my teaching degree, perparing for this show was intense for me. But with the support of the cast, crew, and Pat, and my friends and family, I think I've been pushed to do my best and contribute to this all-star cast. We have all put a lot of hard work into the show and I know it's going to be amazing. Castmates: break a leg. Audiences: laugh your ass off. Love you!

Thanks, Danielle! Tonight is the preview performance - tickets are $5 at the door for general seating. Don't miss it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Murder Room" preview article!

The preview article for "The Murder Room" is in today's Gainesville Sun!

GCP Outreach Show!

GCP is taking advantage of two of its dark nights later this month to bring you something a little different. "I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me By a Young Lady from Rwanda" (how do they fit that on a poster?!), directed by Jan Cohen and starring the fabulous duo of Jeff Nowlin and Madeleine Escarne, will grace the Vam York stage Sunday, January 30, and Monday, January 31, at 7:30 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5 for admission; all donations will benefit a children's arts group. Seating is general admission.

Sonja Linden's play recounts the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide by introducing Juliette, a young survivor, to Simon, a poet who has volunteered to help refugees write and share their stories. A talk-back session will occur after each production, featuring an African Studies professor from UF and a nurse from Shands who has helped survivors of the genocide.