A Streetcar Named Desire - meet cast member Tyler Everett Adams
What do you find appealing about your character and this show?
I play several parts, but the two that I connect the most
with are the Collector and Strange Man. The Collector is a very young man who
Blanche makes an effort to seduce at the beginning of the second act. The scene
is brief, but I love every second of it. I have to work to pull an innocence
and naivety out of myself to create the proper contrast to both Blanche and,
frankly, most of the male characters in the show. It's challenging and
satisfying because if I do it right, it helps to provide the audience with a
greater understanding of Blanche's true nature and intentions. It leaves the
audience pondering just how much you should sympathize with her character,
given her current circumstances and how she found herself in them. The Strange
Man is just the opposite. His character on the surface is kind and thoughtful.
However, his intentions aren't exactly pure, and his actions are most
definitely questionable.
A Streetcar Named Desire has always been one of my
favorite plays by Tennessee Williams. To create such poetry in such chaos is a
gift not all playwrights have. Usually at this point in a rehearsal process,
you might find yourself tuning out a little when your sitting off stage waiting
for your next cue. With this show, I still find myself hanging on every single
one of Williams' words.
What have you learned about yourself in playing the role
of Collector/Strange Man?
As an actor, Tennessee Williams is a tall order. I found
myself almost overwhelmingly hyper critical of my choices in the initial part
of the process. It's been preformed by so many brilliant actors over the years,
one can question if you're good enough to take a crack at it. Then one
rehearsal I finally said, "Screw it!" and just let it go. It has been
a completely process since. This show has reminded me that all you can do is
your best, and with a talented group like LTA's cast and artistic team, your
best will always create something beautiful.
What do you want the audience to experience/take away
from this show?
The themes of Streetcar are still so relevant because
they will always be: family, love, passion, lust, and betrayal. There is
something so beautifully human about all of these characters, not matter how
damaged they may be. We can definitely learn how we should and shouldn't treat
people. We must also examine how important it is to be honest with yourself and
those around you. Life under a lantern's glow isn't always the best way to
live, no matter how much more beautiful and magical it might make things seem.
How does this show differ from other shows you have
worked on?
This show is definitely different then what I've done
recently. I've done a lot of musicals and comedies the past few years, and you
leave the process feeling entirely different. With a musical or a comedy, you
leave feeling tired but energized and happy go lucky. With shows like
Streetcar, you leave feeling like every possible human emotion has been pulled
out of you. It's draining but in the best way possible and immensely
satisfying.
How long have you been acting and what made you get
involved in theatre? How did you get involved with LTA?
To be completely honest, I got involved with theatre
because I sucked at sports as a kid. I tried about every outlet that didn't
involve a ball. Then I made all county choir in 5th grade and my music teacher
told me she needed singing boys in the upcoming school play. I auditioned and
once I got on stage, I was hooked. And have been ever since. I can't imagine
life without theatre.
Streetcar is the first show I've auditioned for with LTA.
I heard about the auditions while I was doing The Producers and decided to give
it a shot. I am definitely delighted to be part of the LTA family.
What advice would you give others who are interested in
working in theatre?
Audition for everything. Everything. You might not think
there's a part for you, but you can be totally wrong. Go and see as much as you
can, especially the stuff that makes you uncomfortable or forces you to think.
Network. And never let one rejection dictate whether or not you are good enough.
Follow your heart and your passion and you will be successful.
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