We have three interviews in one for you, as this time around we hear from some of the actors who make up the cast of Courting Disaster, the musical comedy that premieres tomorrow night in Charleston.
Taking part in the e-interview is my pal Mel Larch, Natasha Harris and Mark Felton.
Q: Tell us about Courting Disaster.
Mel: Courting Disaster is a musical comedy which pokes fun at the legal process and all those involved with it, from litigants to lawyers to judges. You could say we’re an equal opportunity musical farce — only with slamming gavels instead of slamming doors.
Q: Tell us about the part you play in the show.
Natasha: I play Sue N. Winn, attorney at law. I sue for lots and lots of money for my clients and win most of my cases. Sue lets love come in between her and her money in the end.
Mark: I play Hughie. I start out as the defense attorney. My defense strategy is always the same - to find as much dirt as possible on the plaintiff, so as to ruin her credibility. In the process, I fall in love with the plaintiff, Tiff, and things get complicated from there.
Mel: My character is Judge I. M. Fair, an elected judge who has a reputation of diginity, propriety, and fairness. She’s no-nonsense on the bench - let the record show that’s not in a ‘Judge Judy’ way (laughs) — but she doesn’t exactly play by the book either. Judge Fair wants everyone who comes through her courtroom to receive “the very best Justice” they deserve. She can’t help it if some are a little more deserving than others. Add in some hints of a wild side and she’s really quite a character.
Q: What made you want to be part of this show?
Mark: Well, based on the audition notice, all I knew was that the show was an original musical and involved Mark Scarpelli and Kelly Strom. So far so good, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. It has been a great experience. I have never before done an original show that had never been performed before. That opportunity doesn't come up very often.
Natasha: I wanted to be a part of this show because this was something new that no one had ever seen before. Each character would have to be built from scratch and it was going to be up to the actors to figure out who these characters were. My other intent was because I had never been a part of a musical.
Mel: Bringing a show to life for the very first time ever is tremendously exciting, especially when you have the opportunity to work closely with the writers during the process. For example, Judge Fair was originally written to be played by a male actor. When Kelly Strom (the director) and Mark Scarpelli (the composer and musical director) decided they wanted me for the role, they talked with Jeremy Eisler (book and lyrics) about changing the gender. He agreed, re-worked some lyrics, and fleshed out a scene involving the Judge and some of the other characters. And Mark’s always willing to work with actors and make adjustments to his music. This is actually the second time I’ve been involved with the premiere of one of his musicals — the first was Jack The Ripper, with the Contemporary Youth Arts Company back in 2008. Mark’s a great composer and a good friend, so it’s always a pleasure to work with him. While I’ve known Kelly for many years, this is the first chance I’ve had to work under her direction. She has an amazing eye for all the little details that make up the big stage picture. It’s also great that Kanawha Players, one of the oldest, continually operating community theatre companies in the U.S., agreed to present the World Premiere of Courting Disaster. When you’re that established, it would be easy to say “no” and not take the chance on a new work. But they did and I thank them for it!
Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?
Mel: Going from the first read-through to the finished onstage product in four weeks! (laughs) Like any show, Courting Disaster has its share of challenges. Luckily, I’m part of a wonderful cast of actors – Lisa Gandee, Craig Auge, Tasha Harris, Mark Felton and Sean Price — who aren’t just talented performers, but great people as well. As one of the characters says, “It’s a pleasure to go into work” when it’s time to head off to rehearsal!
Mark: The style of music is somewhat different than what I am used to singing, so I have had to make some adjustments. Hopefully, they are working. Also, because it is an original work, we each have to create our character, without seeing what someone else has done with it before. In a way this is probably good, as we are not biased by another person's interpretation.
Natasha: Character development. At first I had trouble finding all of those details of Sue's life and how all of those details shaped her as the woman the audience will see on stage.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Natasha: For one because it is the world premiere show, never seen, and in my opinion very special opportunity to be able to see the first show of a new production. Second, this show is absolutely hilarious and even I as an actor have even broke out in laughter during the show when I shouldn't have.
Mel: It’s a fun and funny story with over the top yet likeable characters and terrific songs. And besides, it’s not every day you get the chance to see the World Premiere of a musical here in West Virginia!
Mark: The music is great, the show is funny and the directors and fellow cast members are very talented. Because it is original, you can be among first to ever see it. I think people will really like it, and if they don't, well, it's fairly short.
Q: When and where will the show be presented?
Mel: Courting Disaster will be performed Thursday, May 27, Friday, May 28, and Saturday, May 29 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. All performances will be at the Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV. Tickets are $16.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and children under age 17, and can be purchased at the door or in advance. For more information, call 304-343-7529 or visit www.kanawhaplayers.org. Consider yourself served — with the chance to support original theatre!
Thanks, Mel, Natasha and Mark - now get out there and break those legs!
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