"Chasing Manet" cast profile: Sue Addis

GCP veteran Sue Addis tackles three different roles with flair in "Chasing Manet"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
SA: I actually have three characters. The first is a resident of the nursing home. She is a nervous Nelly and has no lines. I envision her as being a paranoid schizophrenic (that's the psychologist in me talking). The second character is Angelica, wife of Marvin and daughter-in-law of Rennie. She is the typical Jewish housewife who is a little embarrassed by her mother-in-law. The third character is Marie-Claire, the French art teacher at the nursing home, who is the subject of an infatuation from Charles.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SA: This is the first "straight" show that I have done at GCP. All the other shows have been musicals. I played the Rev. Mother in four "Nunsense" shows, which I love doing. I have played the Wicked Witch in "Wizard of Oz," Golde in "Fiddler on the Roof," and many more. If I calculate correctly, this is my 16th show with GCP.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Chasing Manet"?
SA: I love that this is a cast of mostly over 55 folks. We need more shows that showcase our golden years. Plus, I wanted to work with Jan. She is a wonderful director who really knows her stuff.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show, and why?
SA: The art scene. I get to play someone with a French accent, which I have never done before.

GCP Girl: What was your biggest challenge in preparing for this show?
SA: Getting the French accent down and being able to make sure that I am understood.

GCP Girl: What does "Chasing Manet" say to you? Why should people see it?
SA: It is a great commentary on our older generation and how things have changed in our culture. It will make you laugh and will make you cry, all at the same time.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
SA: I would like to see them do "Gypsy" because of the great music and roles.

GCP Girl: Tell me one of your New Year's resolutions.
SA: To move forward with a positive attitude.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SA: I love to perform. It is great to be back on the GCP stage after an absence of 3 years.

Thanks, Sue! "Chasing Manet" opens the last week of its run tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Chasing Manet" cast profile: Dorothy Field

Dorothy Field joins in the fun as Iris in "Chasing Manet"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
DF: I play Iris. In her younger days Iris was a reserved, quiet lady who took pleasure in reading books authored by Pearl Buck and Edna Ferber. She is happy at Mt. Airy and, at times, remembers with fondness her brother, Arthur, and Spanky, the little dog they shared. She enjoys the companionship at Mt. Airy, and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind when the occasion arises, something she might not have done in her youth.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
DF: I have been privileged to perform bit parts in several shows at GCP including "Oliver," "The Crucible," "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Man Who Came to Dinner." At High Springs, I enjoyed roles in "Deathtrap" and "Dracula." At Acrosstown, I played in "Galileo in Gainesville" and "Richard III."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Chasing Manet"?
DF: Initially I hesitated to audition for Manet, fearful of the negative portrayal of characters. After reading the script it become clear this was about a group of people in their later years who came from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, not unlike all of us at younger times in our lives. This is a comedy for all to enjoy, including the characters themselves.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
DF: My favorite scene is the art class, when Henry, in a clear moment, tells us all about his experiences as an archeologist. We are in awe of his background, which we were not aware of until this moment.

GCP Girl: What was your biggest challenge in preparing for this show?
DF: Truthfully, midway through rehearsals I injured myself and had difficulty walking. But, not to worry. My character uses a walker, so I was saved. Biggest challenge was getting from the car to the stage.

GCP Girl: What does "Chasing Manet" say to you? Why should people see it?
DF: Residents of nursing homes may have their ups and downs, but they are no more happy or unhappy than the rest of us from time to time. Although the plot is outrageous, this is a comedy to be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

GCP Girl: Tell me one of your New Year's resolutions.
DF: I never make New Year's resolutions. Just try to live each day smarter and be a good friend to those around me.


Thanks, Dorothy! That's a plan I think we all can live with!

xo xo GCP Girl