Denise Samuels has been a member of RCLT since 2012, either helping in the lobby or acting on stage. Her most recent role was Miss Stephanie in To Kill A Mockingbird. She has enjoyed getting to be a part of this play with her husband and friends.
Thanks for taking time to speak with us today. Tells us about your character, Madge Larabee.
Denise: There is more to Madge than is first seen. She is definitely not your “warm and fuzzy” type. She is very cold and determined. I think it’s due in part at least to a sad childhood. I mean, anyone who tells their own child that they aren’t worth a bucket of spit, well that’s just horrible parenting! So Madge has developed that same hard edge herself. She is extremely frustrated with her bumbling brother and really wishes he would just let her settle things her own way. She would never let some stupid emotion get in the way of what needs to be done.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in portraying this character?
Denise: It’s been fun playing someone so different from myself, but I’ve had to work on my facial expressions. Madge is bitter and angry all the time. I never get to smile as her, the closest I get is a smirk, and I’ve had to remind myself to keep that scowl on my face and stay in that frame of mind.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
Denise: I hope the audience enjoys the story, it’s a great one with some twist and turns. I love the theatre because you can really get pulled into the story. With movies you can sometimes zone out to an image on a screen, but theatre is real live people performing right in front of you, and it’s enchanting. I hope people enjoy our interpretation of Sherlock Holmes because its been a blast to bring to life!
Lynetta Zuber has been in so many stage productions during her young life that it almost seems like she was born in the theatre. She has either directed, performed in, or assisted backstage in a good portion of the shows produced at the RCLT during the past decade. Lynetta is a super talented actress and director in her own right. We are extremely glad she decided to be part of this production!
Ty Whatley has been involved with several productions at the RCLT, most recently portraying Uncle Henry/Emerald City Gate Guard from The Wizard of Oz. He is an extremely accomplished and adept actor. We are excited that he is part of this production!!
Chris Samuels has been involved in many roles over the past few years. You might recall his performance as Nathaniel Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird. We are thrilled he decided to be part of Sherlock Holmes!
Don James is an active member of RCLT. He has been involved in many productions including: The Odd Couple, Birds of a Feather, One Child, Black Coffee, The Beams are Creaking, The Curious Savage, Arsenic And Old Lace. He also recently assistant directed for To Kill A Mockingbird.
You might remember Will Atkinson from The Lion In Winter or An Evening Of Culture. His love for the theatre combined with his exceptional talent are an unstoppable combination!
Zack Anderson is one of the most talented performers on RCLT’s stage. We are excited to see him use those talents as a director!
Meet Michael Bozeman, he is an artist extraordinaire! We are absolutely excited that Michael has agreed to help us paint the set for Sherlock Holmes! Talk about incredible!!! We can’t wait to see the finished product! If you want to see the final product you’d better come and see Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure!
Charles Lathrop is not a new comer to RCLT stage, however, it has been some time since we’ve seen him here! We are glad he’s decided to come back, he’s quite talented!!
Gina Montague is a regular on RCLT’s stage! You may remember her as Becky, in Small Talk, Elaine, in Arsenic and Old Lace, or Glenda the Good Witch, in The Wizard of Oz. We are blessed to have her talents portraying Irene Adler!