The Little Theatre of Alexandria

What do you find appealing or interesting about your character and this show? Oh my . . . where to begin?   In Act I, Edith “has it all,” and by the time Act II begins, has lost it all, supposedly.   But not in her mind, as she still has a will of iron to survive as best she can.   And she does. What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Edith Bouvier Beale? Vulnerability.   Edith doesn’t sound, look or act vulnerable, but she is.   She’s certainly controlling, but underneath that she is frightened and vulnerable. What single word would you use to describe your character in Grey Gardens? Survivor! What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show? Compassion.   So often we are quick to pass judgment on people, their choices, and the resulting consequences.   Edith and Edie could (and were) called “crazy cat ladies,” and there is no denying that, but maybe there for the grace of God go al...

Meet Kate Brown playing Young Little Edie in LTA's Grey Gardens! What do you find appealing about your character and this show? I love that three women play Big Edie and Little Edie and that the first act takes place in a completely different time than the second act.  I also love the score.  I am truly fascinated by Edie, both who she was on camera for the documentary and as a girl, because she truly was the "it" girl, poised for take off, destined to have a glorious life.  I like how the show takes the audience on her journey. What single word would you use to describe Little Edie? Dreamer. What have you learned about yourself in playing this role? I am more grateful for the little things, like a clean cup and running water. What do you hope the audience takes away from Grey Gardens? I hope that the audience truly enjoys this true life musical.  I want the audience to feel they know these colorful characters, feel inspired by this amazing story, and lau...

Meet Joel Respress who is playing Brooks Sr. and Brooks Jr. in LTA's Grey Gardens. What do you find interesting about this show? The story of Big Edie and Little Edie is fascinating... upper class to recluses. What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Brooks? While my role is small, it helps support the story, so maintaining focus and matching the intensity of actresses who portray Little Edie in the first and second act is important. What single word would you use to describe your character? Glue. What do you want the audience to take away from this show? Just to feel the ups and downs, as well as the humor that is in Grey Gardens. How does Grey Gardens differ from other shows you have worked on? I have never worked with a small cast. How long have you been acting?  How did you get involved with LTA? I've been acting for sixteen years.  I got a late start so I learned on the job.  I started with voice lessons, then at the suggestion of...

What do you find appealing about your character and the show itself, Grey Gardens? My character, Jackie Bouvier, is such a well known figure in history and it is intriguing to explore what made her into the person she ultimately became.  In the play, there are a lot of foreshadowing details and glimpses into her future life and what will become of her.  The show itself is intricate and layered.  For example, one line that Little Edie speaks in the beginning of Act 1 becomes an important lyric in a song that helps to define her character in Act 2.  The deeper you dive into it, the more connections you see. What have you learned about yourself in playing your role? She is just a little younger than me at the time of this play, so I can definitely relate to her.  Of course, it is set in a very different time and place.  Jackie is a proper young lady, and she takes to heart a lot of the good advice her grandfather gives.  Playing her has given me a per...

What do you find appealing about Grey Gardens? The characters.  It's a mix of complex characters.  Edith and Little Edie are seen at two distinct moments in their lives thirty years a part and we ask the question, "How did we become like this?" What single word would you use to describe yourself as director of Grey Gardens? Determined. What have you learned about yourself while working on this show? It's easy to reflect on who I am and who I was years ago, when doing a show like Grey Gardens.  And also, how nutty part of me is. What do you hope the audience takes away from Grey Gardens? I hope they embrace the love of the two Ediths. How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on? The cast is small and the production is technically complex.  Three actors play two parts across thirty years -- that's really different to do. How long have you been directing and choreographing?  How did you get involved with LTA? Directing and choreogr...

Meet Marshall Cesena who is playing Jerry and Joe Kennedy Jr. in LTA's Grey Gardens. What do you find appealing/interesting about your role in Grey Gardens? I love the parallels between Joe in Act I and Jerry in Act II.  Whether they mean to or not, they both seem to exist (in the context of the show, at least) to stir the pot between Big Edie and Little Edie, providing a catalyst for the larger conflicts in each act.  This show has layer after layer; I probably discover something new each time I read through the script and every time I perform a scene.  It's incredibly well written. What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Joe and Jerry? I've been on a small hiatus from theatre and this show has set the bar very high as my first production back.  It's really rekindled my love of performing, especially with this amazing cast and production team.  The role itself has taught me about real character work.  Both these guys come from w...

Meet Penelope Gallager who is playing Lee Bouvier in LTA's Grey Gardens. What do you find appealing about Lee in Grey Gardens? My character is a real life princess! What have you learned about yourself in playing this role? Her older sister becomes the first lady of the United States.  That's pretty cool!  It's fun to have an older sister, even if it's just for a show because I don't have any sisters. What single word would you use to describe Lee? Tomboy. What do you want the audience to take away from this show? The love between mothers and daughters is powerful. How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on? It has a really small cast. How long have you been acting and how did you get involved with LTA? I've been acting for six years starting with drama camps.  The LTA summer camps are great! What advice would you give others who want to get involved with theatre? Never give up!  You'll have a lof of no's at auditi...