Talking with the Cast of Pippin

This weekend the James Street Players will perform Pippin and Patch spent some time with cast members to talk about their roles, their acting inspirations and why community theater is so important.

Actor: Franklyn Butler, 29       Character:  Leading Player

What do you like about playing this character?

“He’s a very nuanced character and has fantastic music.  I love all the songs and I’m a big fan of Ben Vereen. I like the transition from the beginning where he just seems like a harmless clown through this fanciful little adventure; to the end where it’s apparent that he’s the Devil. The twist that Chris, the director, went for, was that everyone in the cast was at one time playing the role of Pippin.  I do this to eventually consume their souls.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

“I’m not a particularly good dancer, and it is a really dance heavy part. I also suffered an injury to my knee, which makes it more difficult to move that it used to be. It’s a difficult role to begin with, and putting the movement with it becomes very hard.”

Tell me about the rehearsal process.

“It was generally three nights a week. We bumped it up to four, as we got closer. It was fun. It was interesting working with younger people. But, the kids were very good. They put in tremendous effort, and I think the show has shaped up quite nicely.”

Why should people come see this show?

“It’s loads of fun and all the proceeds go to benefit the church, like the other programs the church hosts like, the soup kitchen and Alcoholics Anonymous. And it’s a beneficial thing for everyone to promote the arts in your community.”

Actor: Steven Kennedy, 19       Character: Pippin

What do you like about playing this character?

“Essentially, Pippin is trying to find the meaning in his life, and I’ve always had that struggle. I would say that in that way, Pippin and I are one and the same!”

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

“The director has directed the other actors not to look at me because they are all ‘coming after me’. He wants them to be completely separate from me. It’s hard working off of people if they can’t look at you. I can’t see any of their facial expressions. It’s awkward at times, but I’ve gotten used to it.”

Tell me about the rehearsal process.

“Being Pippin, I’m here every single night. We focused a lot more on the dancing early on. Then we did the vocals. Then, put it all together.”

Why should people come see this show?

“It’s a different kind of show. The fourth wall isn’t there a lot of the time. There’s a lot of audience interaction, like the Sing Along Song.  Everyone has that time in their life when they are trying to find their purpose, so I feel everyone can connect with the show in some way or another.”

Actor: Chris Loucas, 17       Character: Lewis

What do you like about playing this character?

“Lewis is Pippin’s strong and stupid step-brother. He is the favorite of his mother Fastrada, and father, Charlemagne.  We also have hints within the show that he has an inappropriate relationship with his mother. I’ve played a couple characters so far in theatre, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Seymour in Little Shop, but this is a very different role for me. He’s a little more on the antagonistic side, which is kind of fun.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

“Because it was a different kind of role for me, I really had to think about the character choices I was going to make.”

Tell me about the rehearsal process.

“It was hard for me at first.  I’ve never done a show outside of my school.  It was a much faster pace.  In school we have six months to rehearse.  This was a two and a half month process.  But it was easy to adjust to after awhile.”

Why should people come see this show?

“It’s a fantastic show. Completely different. It will get people thinking. Our interpretation of the plot and characters are a little different. It will catch the audience’s attention. Plus, the people here are very talented.”

Actor: Christine  Antolini, 19       Character: Fastrada

What do you like about playing this role?

“I like that I can step into a whole new world. She’s very out there and very sexual. I usually keep to myself. She’s loud and in your face all the time. It’s kind of taught me to put myself out there a little bit more. I wouldn’t be who I am today without playing this role.”

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

“The dancing was a challenge, because I’m not really a big dancer.  I work from 6-4 then come to rehearsal. So, being tired and pushing through that was a challenge… just keeping up that energy and that excitement.”

Tell me about the rehearsal process.

“It was very long and strenuous, but it was worth it.  We’ve bonded. We were 25 strangers, but now we really depend on each other so much for everything. We’re a big family now.” 

Why should people come see this show?

“It’s so funny! We’ve made it more modern. I’m hilarious. Chris Loucas, who plays my son, is hilarious. Everyone has great stage chemistry and presence. If I wasn’t in it, I’d see it and be amazed.”

Actor:  Geri Ossana       Character: Berthe, The Grandmother

What do you like about playing this role?

It’s funny and my character says outrageous things. Plus, I like to sing.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

“Remembering lines at my age is very difficult. I have a lot of experience, but it’s very challenging.”

Tell me about the rehearsal process.

“You go up there and sing and do your lines and eventually you have to get off the book. That day was yesterday for us. Being that Connie and I split the role, we split the rehearsals as well.” 

Why should people come see this show?

“It’s funny and it’s different. It’s sometimes confusing. People have seen Oklahoma and Carousel until it’s coming out of their ears. You have to challenge yourself to see something a little bit more modern and more interesting sometimes and enjoy that.”

Actor: Connie Pancella        Character: Berthe, Grandmother

What do you like about playing this role?

“I get to work with young people and they are wonderful! And they remember my lines so when I forget them, they tell me what my lines are!”

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

“The same as Geri.  Learning a song is one thing. But, learning dialogue within a song is more difficult once you pass 35 and 45 and 55 and 65!”

Tell me about the rehearsal process.

“It’s hectic. We rehearse four nights a week. It’s boring. The excitement doesn’t build until dress rehearsal.”

Why should people come see this show?

“It’s a great show. It’s funny and the kids work their backsides off.  They are very talented children. They love what they’re doing. People should celebrate what’s on that stage, not the show, not Pippin.They should celebrate these young people who have dedicated their time to this… not the streets.”