"Forum" cast profile: Amy Smith

GCP newcomer Amy Smith is all that is lovely as Philia in "Forum"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

AS: My name is Philia! Philia is a silly, dim-witted courtesan in the House of Lycus. She is nearly always unaware of what's going on around her.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

AS: This is my first show at GCP, but I've been a stone cold diva since the age of 9, when I made my theatre debut in the role of "Ten-Year-Old Tommy." 

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?

AS: I LOVE the movie. Seriously, it's one of my favorites. When my sisters and I would stay up all night watching movies, this was one of our staples. I knew I had to make my siblings proud, so I auditioned! 

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

AS: Oh my goodness. I love being part of a show and the high of being applauded for, don't get me wrong, but I love the people I've met through this show most of all. I adore everyone. 

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

AS: "I'm Calm." I sit backstage during that song every night because I love it so much. I couldn't rock it like Thomas though, he's da bomb on that song. 

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

AS: Gosh, I hope they feel giggly and happy when they leave. I couldn't ask for more.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

AS: So many things. I am surrounded by beautiful people and things. I try to look for inspiration in everything.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?

AS: Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter. Yes, PLEASE! I would even volunteer myself to draft the script and play Hagrid.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!

AS: I love to read and knit. 

Thanks, Amy! Playgoers, get thee to this show before it's gone forever!!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Kevin Hanson

Kevin Hanson plays the henpecked Senex, who keeps looking for love in all the wrong places (literally!).

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

KH: From the Latin, the name "Senex" means old, aged or advanced in years. This does describe my character a lot, but for the most part he is just simply a browbeaten man looking for one last chance at freedom - freedom from the tightrope his "dominating" wife Domina makes him walk. There are many viewpoints in the show that center around the idea of freedom, whether it be from an all-consuming marriage, from childhood to a first love, or from slavery.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

KH:  I performed as Charlemagne in "Pippin" at the GCP, but the real bug was planted with all the public speaking and skits I performed in 4-H and student government. The GCP is a very professional, top-notch theater and it is an honor to be on the stage there.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?

KH: I had so much fun in my first show at GCP, I knew I wanted to do another show some day. The friendships that are garnered from this experience are always lasting.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

KH: Being onstage singing, of course! There is always a nervousness that goes with making that first step before my big number, but the excitement that gives me is indescribable.

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

KH: I think it would be "Bring Me My Bride," only because the soldier role is not terribly far off from Charlemagne.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

KH: Simply a great laugh and a moment's reprieve from the day-to-day of life.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

KH: In a word, accomplishment! Or put another way, I want to be able to say "Yes, I did that!" How else can I back up my statement, "I do not fear public speaking"?

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?

KH: The movie "Clue." I am probably not the first to use that answer because so much talk and quotes from that movie have been used backstage.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!

KH: I played Diana Ross in a lip-sync role while in 4-H as a thank you to volunteers, and for a certain amount of money I may post it on YouTube!

Thanks, Kevin! This week is your last chance to see "Forum" at the Vam York! Don't miss it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Thomas Sanders

Thomas Sanders is calm and utterly under control as Hysterium in "Forum"!

GCP Girl: Give me your name, your character's name, and a bit about your character.
TS: I play Hysterium in the show. I would say he is one of the more quirky characters in the show, but then, who isn’t quirky in this show? He’s just a jittery, nervous servant who kisses up to his masters. Now, the entire household has been left in his care. Naturally, things are bound to go wrong for him.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
TS: At the GCP, I’ve played the Lord High Executioner, Ko-ko (thanks for letting me keep the sword, Bob) in “Hot Mikado,” 33-year-old Chief Clerk Cornelius Hackl in “Hello Dolly!,” the Lost Boy Slightly in “Peter Pan,” and I’ve also played Don Lockwood in this past fall’s show, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Other shows I’ve appeared in include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Oliver!,” “Jane Eyre,” “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” and I even had a little cameo in “To Kill a Mockingbird”! 

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show? 
TS: Well, I had watched “A Funny Thing…” before on stage and I was familiar with the role of Hysterium. That character always stood out to me, possibly because it really doesn’t resemble anything I’ve ever played before. It is the complete opposite of Don Lockwood, that’s for sure! I wanted to give myself a real challenge, so I went out for that part and I was lucky enough to get it! I only hope that I capture the character that Sondheim meant for him to be. Making people laugh isn’t a bad feeling either…

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
TS: Definitely the reactions from the audience! There are certain scenes and one-liners in the show that just get the best laughs from the viewers. Hearing this means that they are engaged and very entertained and it gives you one of the best feelings. This is the very first show where I get to sing and act alongside Esteban Alvarez, and that has definitely given me the opportunity to act out and figure out the funniest way to do things!

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?
TS: Wow…this is a tough one. I probably would have the most fun with “Bring Me My Bride,” just because I think that would be pretty fun to emote on stage with! Michael Antinelli does a fantastic job, though, and definitely brings more brawn to the table than I would!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
TS: Simply, if they had fun and left the show feeling happier than before, I will go home satisfied. I’m there to make them smile. Trust me, my character goes to great lengths in order to achieve that!

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
TS: Oh, lots of things. Definitely my family, each and every one of them. They all have individually pursued various dreams and have taught me to leave all doors open to things that I love and engage in. How else could I be a singing and dancing Chemical Engineer? My friends have always driven me to keep up acting, which I’m so, so grateful for. I say “driven” in every since of the word. Not owning a car can be pretty strenuous, but my friends have always been pretty gracious with rides!

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?
TS: I think anyone who knows me knows the answer to this: L O S T. How epic would that be? It would definitely be original and one-up everything else! A helicopter on stage? Whatever, here’s a plane crash! Singing cats? How about a singing polar bear?? Rapping in Spanish? Let’s go with a ballad in Korean! Oh, and a flying witch? Well, here’s an all-encompassing smoke monster! Pure epicness…

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
TS: Well, with any luck, I will definitely be coming back to perform at the GCP again, so keep an eye out for me in future shows!

Thanks, Thomas! "Forum" starts off its third week tonight – only this week and next left to see it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Spencer Reeder

Spencer Reeder waxes philosophical about life, target shooting and bells as a fashion statement...

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
SR: I play Tintinabula, the bell-wearing courtesan. I am particularly noisy walking around—both on and offstage (everyone can hear my costume from a mile away).  I get a very “I Dream of Jeannie” vibe from her. I don’t think she is the brightest courtesan in the world, but she means well and deserves an “E” for Effort. (haha) 

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SR: I am currently in another show—the Commedia dell’arte Project at UF, where I play the Innamorata, or the female lover.  Some of my favorite past roles include Helena from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and Kathy from "Vanities," which was one of seven plays chosen for the mainstage category in the 2008 Florida State Thespian Festival. Some other shows include "Courting 101," "Pippin," "Cinderella," and "The Dinner Party." I have also been in two educational films on drunk driving. I have always wanted to be involved with a production of "1776"—I love that musical! 

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
SR: I had not been in a musical for a while, "Forum" is a fun show, and I heard good things about GCP—it sounded like a good combination to me! 

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SR: Although I enjoy many aspects of the show, I always love when a play finally comes together. When the lines, blocking, set, music and costume all fall into place and the curtain is finally raised on opening night—that is the best experience.  Because then everyone sees their hard work and time pay off and can enjoy the audience’s reaction.

 
GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?
SR: I think it would be fun to sing “Everybody Ought to have a Maid” and replace “maid” with “courtesan” in a reprise. I mean, who doesn’t need a courtesan or two?

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
SR: Laughter and a feel-good attitude.  Although everyone worked hard to put this show together, after the time and effort have been put it, it’s really about playing.  I think a lot of the time, the world gets caught up in a very serious, regimented schedule.  I hope that those who come to see the show leave feeling less weighed down by their routines and have a good laugh.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
SR: When a person has unrelenting determination—we all get pushed down, but those who get up, dust themselves off, and try again, I have a deep respect for.  Also, people who live honestly—it is always so refreshing to meet people who have such a love for life that they do not let the crap of the world deter their goals. And of course, a well-written book that makes me think always inspires me. 

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?
SR: Well, "The Princess Bride" has always been my favorite movie—I want to think it was being made into a musical but did not get off the ground.  However, I believe "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" would make yet another awesome Mel Brooks musical. 

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
SR: I’m such a dork—I love video games and comic books. I also love target shooting—my favorite gun right now is a Ruger 22. And one of my New Year’s resolutions was to get my motorcycle license. Oh, and I can do 40 diamond push-ups. Grr—hardcore!

Thanks, Spencer!

xo xo GCP Girl

Our Condolences

Our heartfelt condolences go to the Pierson family. Dr. Kendall Pierson passed away Wednesday and will be greatly missed.  A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Mormon Church on N.W. 16th St. and N.W. 38th St.  His obituary is in the Gainesville Sun today.

"Forum" cast profile: Azhya James

Azhya James makes her debut at the GCP as the courtesan Vibrata, who is "lithe as a tigress...for the man whose interest is wildlife!"

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

AJ: My character's name is Vibrata; she is a courtesan in the House of Marcus Lycus.

GCP Girl:  Tell me about some of your previous shows. 

AJ: My previous theatre experiences were all middle and high school productions. In "Cinderella and the Wolfman," I played one of the wicked stepsisters, and recently a small production called "Frances," where I played a young woman living in 1950s America.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show? 

AJ: To have something other than school and work to think about. I had not done theatre since high school and felt it would be fun.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

AJ: Meeting new people. My cast is full of amazing people from all different walks of life and theatre. 

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

AJ: I wouldn't. 

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

AJ: I hope the audience laughs until they shed tears and takes home a feeling of being completely entertained.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

AJ: My family inspires me.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical? 

AJ: That is a hard question and one that I would really have to think deeper on before attempting to answer.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!

AJ: I am a junior USF student taking classes online right now for my BS in health science. I have recently been asked to publish a book of work I've written called "Mixed Emotions," which should be available for purchase later this year.

Thanks, Azhya! 

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Katie Crozier

Are we seeing double, or are there really two of Katie Crozier in "Forum"?

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

KC: I play Geminae #1, one of the Courtesan twins – "...an infinite number of mathematical possibilities!"

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows. 

KC: I was in "Pippin" last spring as Bertha, Pippin's lecherous granny. I had an incredible time in that show and got to perform my very first solo song in a musical. Before that, I played Peep Bo in "Hot Mikado" and danced in the chorus in "Cinderella." I've also stage managed a few shows, such as "The Sugar Bean Sisters" and "Over the River and Through the Woods." 

GCP Girl:  Why did you audition for this show?

KC: I auditioned for "Forum" because I love a good comedy, and let's be honest, I was born to play a Courtesan. Also, the production team was packed full of folks I enjoy working with. 

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

KC: As cheesy as it sounds, my favorite part of any show is getting to make new friendships and renew old ones. The fact that I can do that while making some theatre magic is pretty sweet.

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

KC: I think I would want to sing "Dirty Old Man," because Kelley makes it look like so much fun. 

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

KC: I hope the audience takes away a belly ache from laughing so hard.

GCP Girl: What inspires you? 

KC: I'm inspired by the endless supply of love, hope and beauty found everywhere, if you know where and how to look.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?

KC: I would like to turn the movie "Connie and Carla" into a stage show. 

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know! 

KC: I'm preparing to go into business for myself as an event and wedding planner for hire. It's very exciting and a little scary, but it's time to make a change! Wish me luck (and hire me if you need a good planner!).  ;)

Thanks, Katie! "Forum" resumes tonight at the Vam York! It's a great cure for the mid-week blues!

xo xo GCP Girl

Congrats to the "Funny Money" cast!

Congrats to all, but be warned -- we are expecting an excellent show!

Jean – Leannis Maxwell

Henry – Henry Wihnyk

Davenport– Michael Glover

Bill – Malik Grady

Betty – Lola Hassan-Adams

Vic – Adam Lishawa

Slater – Pat Thomson

Mr Brerfcurse – Robert Wagner

Spotlight on Stephen Sondheim

In celebration of the opening of "Forum" and tonight's gala fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center, let's wish a happy 80th birthday to the show's composer, Stephen Sondheim.

For anyone who doesn't know, Sondheim is perhaps the foremost living composer in musical theatre.  After being mentored by the great Oscar Hammerstein, he went on to write the lyrics for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," and was the composer and lyricist for "Forum," "Company," "Follies," "A Little Night Music," "Sweeney Todd," "Sunday in the Park with George" and "Into the Woods." Sondheim has received eight Grammy Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, seven Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize (for "Sunday in the Park with George") and an Academy Award (for best song, "Sooner or Later," from "Dick Tracy"). He also received a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008.

GCP has produced many of Sondheim's works over the years, and will include "Company" in the 2010-11 season.  Happy Birthday, Mr. Sondheim, and thanks for sharing your talent with us!

"Forum" cast profile: Esteban Alvarez III

Playgoers, Esteban Alvarez III opens tonight's performance of a comedy in which there truly is something for everyone!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.

EA: Pseudolos is the classic "clever slave" stock character. All he wants is his freedom and he is willing to use his cunning and guile to get it.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
EA: I've done several shows at the GCP. You might remember me from such roles as Cogsworth, Mr. Bumble and Groucho Marx.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
EA: Pseudolos is a role that has been on my short list of "dream" roles. I couldn't give up the opportunity to try crossing that role off my list.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
EA: I have really enjoyed being able to work with such talented people. It is always fun playing off of Jacob, and it is great acting with Kevin and Amy. Also, for the first time, Thomas and I have several scenes together, and those are, by far, my favorite scenes!

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?
EA: To be honest ... I just wish I could sing my OWN songs properly. But, if I could, I would like to sing "Bring Me My Bride." The lyrics are so funny and he gets some great power notes!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
EA: I just hope people laugh and enjoy the show.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
EA: My family and friends inspire me, plain and simple.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?
EA: "Clue!" I am just WAITING for there to be a GOOD "Clue! The Musical"!

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
EA: I have never seen any of the "Godfather" movies.

Thanks, Esteban! Break a leg tonight! GCP fans, keep your eyes open at Napolotano's for a cast appearance at karaoke night after the show!

xo xo GCP Girl