What sort of person is going to love this show?
I truly believe this is a story for anyone. There are so many things to relate to and love, from the characters and their relationships to adventurous and fun storytelling. And of course if you love musicals, this is one of the most beautiful scores that truly shows off vocal capabilities.
What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
Staying true to the heart of the story, the humanity with in it, and not getting too swept up into the production elements. There’s a lot that makes this show, and if you just focus on things like lighting, sound, or costumes you can lose sight of what really brings it to life- the characters and their journeys.
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I adore this show and I am always eager to bring it to life again! I continually hope for an opportunity to share it with new people, as well as welcome back old friends to this story.
Who should not come see this show?
Scrooge McDuck, I don’t think he’d understand the March family’s struggles or the fact that they’re not interested in pushing for material wealth. Also, he’s a duck.
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
How much fun they had, how moved they were by the story. And, hopefully, they saw a little something that spoke to them and who they are.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
This production is bringing a bigger journey through Jo’s creative storytelling mind. We are working to bring her memories to life, by telling the story within the attic where she felt most inspired. It is a new presentational approach to this story, and one I am enjoying exploring with this cast.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
How adventurous and upbeat this show can be, and how it’s a story for men and women! I am continuously surprised by the people who come to me and say it is their favorite musical. Most of the time it is guys! So gentlemen, we urge you to give this show a chance as well!
Which is the best night to come?
Well, I am a lucky goose in getting to be there every night, every run thru, and every rehearsal. I get to see the inspirations within the cast, see the first time a scene just CLICKS, be there for the emotional roller coaster of opening night excitement to closing performance tears.
But for the audience? Opening night for our delicious free appetizers!
Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
My wish list of people I want to come see this show is large!
Jonathan, Paul, Jeff, Jacquie, Katie P- if you folks have the time to make it down to see the show I’d be honored!
Mark, Jason, Jeff, Richard- You four are my best guy friends, and a lot of my inspiration for the friendships within this show.
My previous casts, crews, and volunteers of Little Women- I would love for you to see this show and see where it’s as grown, changed, and stayed the same. Having this be the third production I’ve staged it is always fun seeing where it has come- and from where it started!
Holly & Charles- This show, and every opportunity I have to direct or produce it, is wholly dedicated to the two of you. You both are my life, and it is the two of you who make the clouds disappear. Love you!
Who has the best costume?
I am in love with the dress Lisa is wearing as Clarissa. It has been seen in an OTE show before, but I’ll leave that to you to figure it out. Hint: it was previously worn by another lady named Lisa.
Who in the show is most like their character?
My mom, Dawn Doherty, as Marmee. In more ways than I think she knows, and perhaps a lot through my own eyes.
Who’s the least?
Kerry Hedley as Aunt March! I think it is only onstage that I ever see a mean side of her!
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
There are too many wonderful moments! However, it is the line “It was several days before Christmas…” which still brings me chills and tears. Every time.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A wife and mother who can magically balance her directing life with everything else.
If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
Natalie Portman or Kristen Bell. See “Garden State” or “Fanboys,” in which they’ve already played alternate dimension me.
Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
Arcadia. One day, I will direct it.
Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
Actor- My mom. Her work ethic and full investment into her productions takes my breath away.
Director- John Tiffany of ONCE, the creative team behind Peter and the Starcatcher, and the creative team behind The 39 Steps. In case you can’t tell, I love imaginative staging!
What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Reading a book indoors while it’s raining, drinking hot cocoa and eating popcorn, snuggled up next to my fiancé.
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
Break? When are there breaks?? Probably frantically running to the bathroom.
Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
Depends on your preferred type of humor! But Jarrod can always make me laugh- I’ve known him for so long that it doesn’t take much. Too many years of jokes!
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
Keep people caffeinated. Plan the next big project. Right now, planning my wedding.
If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Les Miserables, I have big plans for that one!
What’s the last thing you do before the curtain goes up?
Take a deep breath, pray, and let my stage manager know she can start the show.
LITTLE WOMEN the Broadway Musical opens Friday, December 19 for 4 performances only.
Performances will be held at Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Seat reservations: call 949-707-2692 or email dwalezak@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
More information about On the Edge Theatre Productions go to www.otetheatre.com