In Part 6 in a series of interviews with the cast of Carousel at Catholic University, meet Mary Efimetz.
Joel: Introduce yourself to our readers and tell them what other shows you have appeared in and some of the roles you have played?
Mary: My name is Mary Efimetz and I am a junior musical theatre major at Catholic University. I most recently was in Les Miserables at Montgomery College Summer Dinner Theatre. Some other roles I have played are Coriolanus in Coriolanus, Martha Jefferson in 1776, and Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly!
Why did you want to be in Carousel at CUA? What did you sing at your audition?
When I heard that CUA was planning to put on Carousel, I was very excited for the opportunity to audition for such an incredible show. I auditioned with “Come Home” from Allegro and a monologue from Look Back in Anger by John Osborne.
Had you ever been involved with Carousel before or heard about the show before?
I have never been in a production of Carousel, but am so happy that I got to know the stunning score and the moving story.
What does Carousel have to say to your generation of theatregoers?
Although Carousel takes place in a time that is far from our present day, some of its themes will continue to be relevant to generations to come. Forgiveness and redemption, love, sacrifice, and coming of age are topics that the generations to come will continue to struggle with and try to understand.
Who do you play in Carousel and how do you relate to him or her?
I am playing Nettie Fowler, who is a mothering, matriarchal figure of the town. I can relate to her because of her nurturing and caring nature.
What do you admire about your character and what do you not admire?
I admire that Nettie isn’t afraid to take charge and confront people. She also has a great capacity to care and is able to comfort her friends and family during their time of need. Based on the text, she doesn’t appear to have any major flaws or faults in her character and remains steady throughout the time period of the show. Not to mention, she can eat more clams than anyone else at the clambake!
What have been the challenges you have encountered while preparing for your role and how have you overcome these challenges? How did your director help you?
Some challenges that I have encountered when preparing for this role was being able to find the honesty of Nettie’s character. It is so easy to make her into a caricature, but she is just a normal person like everyone else in the show. Jay was able to help me through our character discussions we had about Nettie and being able to break down some of her more important moments.
What are your solo(s) in the show and what do we learn about your character when you sing it/them?
My solo numbers are “June is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” During “June,” we see Nettie’s fun and celebrating side, but during “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” we get to see Nettie comforting Julie and lifting her when she is at her lowest point in the show.
What have you learned about yourself – the actor and singer- during this whole process?
I enjoyed working on this role because as Nettie, I am able to work the soprano side of my voice and playing a mature character. Although I often am cast in more mature roles, every performance is an opportunity to be a learning experience.
How do you describe the Rodgers and Hammerstein score and what is your favorite song that you are not performing and why?
The score for Carousel is among my favorite Rodgers and Hammertein scores. The music is grand and beautiful and the songs really stick with you. My favorite song that I am not performing would have to be “Soliloquy.” The song’s musical changes follow perfectly with Billy’s thought process about becoming a father, making it one of the most interesting moments of the show.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Carousel?
I would like the audience to be able to be inspired by Nettie and to be reminded that no matter what struggles they are experiencing, that there is always hope and a reason to keep on living.
Carousel plays October 17-25, 2014 at Catholic’s University’s Hartke Theater – 3801 Harewood Road, in Washington, DC. For tickets, purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of ‘Carousel’ at Catholic University: Part 1: Meet Philip da Costa.
Meet the Cast of ‘Carousel’ at Catholic University: Part 2: Meet Luke Garrison.
Meet the Cast of ‘Carousel’ at Catholic University: Part 3: Meet Harrison Smith.
Meet the Cast of ‘Carousel’ at Catholic University: Part 4: Meet Catherine Purcell.
Meet the Cast of ‘Carousel’ at Catholic University: Part 5: Meet Hasani Allen.
Meet the Cast of ‘Carousel’ at Catholic University: Part 6: Meet Mary Efimetz.
