On Co-Directing "ANNA CHRISTIE":

 

This was to have been Sean's production. Last year at this time it was decided that he'd be directing "Anna Christie," while for the first time in 7 years, I was to have taken a step back for some much needed R&R. Fate, however, had other plans and propelled Sean back onto the stage in the role of 'Mat' in this production, with both of us now sharing in the overall direction of the play.

 

Not knowing what pitfalls and traps to avoid when co-directing a production, we weren't really "looking out" for anything, as our only intent was to have a good show, and to have fun partnering in another joint theatrical effort, and in our 3rd O'Neill production together. The fact that Sean and I have been working together on 7 productions since 2007, we already know how the other thinks artistically, our visions for plays very closely resemble the other's, and the fact that we have a similar sense of the dramatic and theatrical, has all managed to work in our favor and pave a very smooth walkway for us with our first time out as co-directors. Sean directed Act 1 and Act 2 up until the point where his character arrives on stage, at which point I took over the other half of Act 2, as well as Acts 3 and 4.  We consulted with each other throughout, maintained the same vision, never gave conflicting messages to the cast ... and it couldn't have worked better. 

 

In fact, while it was my every intent from the time Sean and I decided on our current season last year to take some time off with this play, I'm very happy that fate brought me back and permitted me the joy in sharing this production with others, rather than solely controlling it as in the past. It is without a doubt one of the most pleasant and enjoyable theatrical experiences I've had in a long time. We're blessed with a truly superb cast of skilled and creative actors who not only understand O'Neill, but who make their jobs as actors and Sean's and my jobs as directors seem effortless, while at the same time providing new meaning and clarity to O'Neill's brilliant words and characters. 

 

This production has been a privilege, in that I could not be more pleased with and proud of everyone who I have joined and who has joined US in "Anna Christie", and we look forward to having this same wonderful company of actors remain on board with us for many more enjoyable and mutually rewarding productions in the future.

 

Karey Faulkner

Producing Artistic Director

 

SEAN COE  ('Mat Burke')

 

I am not the most analytical of actors. I always prefer to take an overall view and then work the rest of it out in rehearsals.  I have tossed almost all analysis after the first rehearsal and gone on "feel" in playing a character who sees the world in black and white and finds it grey. Who loses his innocence but gains compassion. A man infatuated with a dream who falls deeply in love with a beautiful, flawed being far different from what he imagined, and yet so much more. I think that's the very essence of O'Neill.

 

 

 

 

 

CRAIG MILLER  ('Chris Christopherson')

 

In the role of Chris I have seen the opportunity to explore creating emotion while trying to use a heavy accent. The trick is to avoid playing the Swedish Chef in the Muppets. O'Neill clearly knew these Anglofied-Swedish Americans in the way the dialogue is written. The rhythm of the dialogue is very precise and helpful in creating the character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMILY MORRISON  ('Marthy Owen')

 

Although O’Neill describes Marthy Owen as a sort of shuffling, spitting, course woman – ‘rode hard and put away wet’ - Karey and Sean wanted to go in a different direction. They gave me a long leash and I’m grateful for that opportunity to explore. And so I found Marthy to be a strong, brave, kind, sexy woman who says what she means, means what she says ... and loves a good joke. With a heart that's big and loving and knows when its time to say goodbye. Beautiful. I initially found the play rather dreary, but as the characters, played by a really talented bunch of actors, revealed themselves, so did the play. And there I found a work of depth and beauty that engenders a ground-swell of emotion. Sometimes, it feels just right to be wrong. Thank you Karey and Sean!

 

MICHAEL COVENTRY ('Larry, the bartender')

 

Working on “Anna Christie” has been a wonderful experience.  It’s an honor to work with such a talented cast and crew, who make the words of O’Neill come to life in a way that is fitting to the legacy he left behind.  With O’Neill there is no going halfway.  His plays evoke emotions, which is the goal of great entertainment.  The text forces an actor to tap into so many complex feelings, which is a real treat for the audience as they witness the twists and turns of O’Neill’s morality plays.  “Anna Christie” is no different.  The hard work that we all put in to make this a success will shine through, and I hope people enjoy this play as much as I do.