Interview with "Midsummer" Actor Valerie Biggs

   We’re just three days away from the one-and-only presentation of the Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will take the stage Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre.

   We’re been sharing interviews with the cast, and next we’re happy to hear from Valerie Biggs, who plays one of the very funny band known as the Rude Mechanicals!

Q: In 25 words or less, what is A Midsummer Night’s Dream about?

Valerie: Just about anything you can dream up; love triangles, unfit actors, love potion, fairies, donkey-human hybrids and a very un-intimidating lion.

Q: Tell us about the part you play.

Valerie: I am playing the part of Snug the joiner. Snug is a simple man, certainly not prepared to be an actor in a play put on before the Duke. He is given the task of portraying the lion that the show calls for. The troupe is afraid he may scare the ladies when he presents his fierce lion impression. So he gives a speech… to say he is not a lion. I have taken great delight in giving the smallest, cutest roar possible. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Valerie: I wanted to become more involved in local theatre shows and who can say no to Shakespeare? 

Q: How challenging is the Shakespeare dialogue?

Valerie: Thankfully, most of my scenes involve physical comedy instead of dialogue. I have watched the dedication my castmates have put into the memorization of the script and it really is impressive.

Q: What’s your background in theatre?

Valerie: I was involved in theatre as a child. Recently I have been a part of ACTC’s New Play Festival for the last three years. I’ve rediscovered my love of acting and can’t wait to do more.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Valerie: This is a good introduction to Shakespeare’s work. There’s drama and love but also a great deal of comedy. It’s an interesting show with beautiful costumes and wonderful actors, there’s something for everyone in this play. 

Q: What's your favorite quote from the show?

Valerie: “I am no yet so low but that my nails can reach unto thine eyes”

    Thanks, Valerie!

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre will present the play by William Shakespeare as part of the WV SHAKES festival on June 30 at 7 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre. Tickets are $20.