Meet Anna Phillips-Brown (Bea) in LTA's "Something Rotten!"

 

What do you find appealing about your character and the show?
I have always been attracted to Bea’s strength above all else. She loves her family and will stop at nothing to support them, with or without help from anyone else. She’s the definition of a self starter, and a powerful woman.

What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Bea?
I’ve definitely learned a lot from Bea’s unapologetic persistence. Coming back into live theatre after(?) the pandemic has been very demanding and sometimes defeating, which is why Bea came at the exact right time for me. She reminds me every day that I define myself, my values and my future. What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show? I hope the audience can take away a newfound sense of ambition and the biggest of belly laughs. The show is hilarious but more than anything, it’s about trusting yourself and investing in what makes you truly happy. Sometimes the opinions of others get in the way of finding that for yourself, so I hope this reminds audiences that they deserve to find the things in life that are most meaningful and fulfilling for them.

How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on?
I would say that Something Rotten has a very direct sense of humor and storytelling style that is entirely unique from any other show. That and the complete and utter support from every member of the cast and crew is an amazingly special thing that you won’t find in every show.

How long have you been acting and what made you get involved in theatre?
How did you get involved with LTA?
I started performing 15 years ago, Kit and Jean were the costumers of my very first show! My mother is a singer so I started singing very young, and my parents encouraged me to audition for our church community theatre production of Seussical. I was so nervous and didn’t know anything about being in a show, but after that first production I never stopped. It unlocked this part of me that I didn’t know was there and now I can’t survive without. I never stopped performing after that, I love the feeling of making people smile and making the special connections with others that you can only make in this community. I can never be grateful enough for that.

I got involved with LTA after watching my friends perform here over the years and having nothing but great things to say. When I found out LTA was doing Something Rotten, nothing could have kept me away!

What advice would you give others who are interested in working in theatre?
It’s a cliché, but for good reason. You can never ever give up. No matter where or when you’re performing, take every opportunity to learn and grow as both a performer and a person. Some days it’s extremely difficult to believe in yourself, but those are the days that you need to treat yourself the kindest and remember that you deserve to love yourself and what you do. As long as you do it to feed your own soul, you’ll always be successful.