We are excited to have Anthony back this year! He first appeared in Shakespeare in the Hills in 2013 as “Dogberry” in Much Ado About Nothing. And now he is playing “Bottom” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
I think that fans of the show Downton Abbey will absolutely love what Aurora has done with this production. I also think that, any casual Shakespeare fan will love the fact we’ve stayed true to the language and spirit of the show. Other than that, I see it reaching out to a big audience because it’s such a well-known production. Not to mention anyone who’s seen, read, or heard of the Great Gatsby.
What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
The hardest part for me has been, finding out the points of the script where I need to pull myself back. Usually Bottom is so over the top crazy, that when there are parts he needs to be played down, it’s a difficult transition for me. However, I think I’ve found a good balance for him that will make everyone happy.
Why did you want to be involved in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS?
I was a part of Shakespeare in the Hills in 2013, as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. After working with Aurora, and seeing her passion for Shakespeare, it was a no-brainer for me to comeback for this production. I also, have just finished a production of The Merchant of Venice and wanted to do something a little bit (ok a whole lot more) light-hearted for the summer. The space is amazing, Aurora is amazing, the cast is amazing, and it was an easy decision for me.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
This production brings a new spin on a classic story, by combining the opulence, and decadence of the 20’s. To me it’s perfect timing, since we all know the 20’s to be a time of big parties and celebrations, and this production brings that all to life.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
I think the amount of detail put into creating our world will surprise people.
Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
Sarah McGuire, Taylor Magee, and Sierra Swift all simply must come by to see it.
What do you love about this character?
He’s just so fun to play. It’s great, when you get to make people laugh, joke around with the cast, and just overall have a great time getting to know your character as if he were real. I love how Bottom is so outspoken, which I could never be.
What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Finding the moments where I have to be, for lack of a better term, a jackass. Like I said before, Bottom is eager to do right by everyone. However, sometimes he takes it too far, and those are the moments that are really so very funny, so finding those are important and challenging for me.
Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
I would like to see Josh Gad, or Jason Segel take it on. They’re both really funny, and seem like they’d be awesome doing it.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“Lord what fools these mortals be…”
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Initially I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player. When I got injured in 11th grade, amongst other things, that went out the window.
When did you first perform?
My first performance was in Anything Goes in the Spring of 2004, my Junior Year in High School, as Moonface Martin.
Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
This is tough since I have so many, but I would say my absolute favorite musical is Les Miserables. My favorite play is Glenngarry Glenn Ross by David Mamet.
Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
As an actor I look up to the Late Robin Williams. Very few people put as much energy, and work into every performance, and I hope that I can do that as well.
What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Being in the stands for a game where the Yankees win. That’s enough for me.
Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
Edmund and Doug are easily the funniest two in the cast.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I can either be found working full-time at the Marriott Residence Inn Costa Mesa at the Front Desk, or looking for more acting work and going to auditions.
If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Thenardier in Les Miserables
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Quote my bible verse, Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
CONTEST FOR FREE TICKETS GOING ON NOW!
TRIVIA CONTEST RULES: answer a trivia question on the Facebook page for On the Edge Theatre Productions correctly and your name gets put in a drawing for 2 free tickets to the opening performance of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM on Friday, July 24!
Each day that you answer a question correctly is another opportunity to win. Contestant must have clicked “like” on the facebook page for On the Edge Theatre Productions in order for entry to count. Drawing will be held Wednesday night, July 22.
Here is the link to our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre?fref=ts
SHOW INFORMATION:
On the Edge Theatre Productions in cooperation with the Laguna Hills Community Center presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2015. This year we will be running two shows over a period of 3 weeks. Both shows are directed by Aurora J. Culver
Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM will play July 24, 25, 26, 31 and August 7. On opposite nights, Reduced Shakespeare’s THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED – a comedy where 3 actors perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in just 90 minutes! This show will run on August 1, 2, and 8.
The shows will start at 6:30 p.m. The shows will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the community center. Bring a beach chair, blanket, and a picnic dinner. Tickets are just $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free.
For more information write aurorajculver@gmail.com