This is the first in a series of interviews with the cast of 1st Stage’s One Man, Two Guvnors.‘ Meet Doug Wilder.
Alex: How did you get involved in theatre? When did you know that you want to be an actor?
Doug: I was in all the plays during my required 12 years of education as a kid, and then I went off to school do make something of myself, but there weren’t any raw materials to make something out of, and the theater community accepted that.
Tell me about One Man, Two Guvnors. How are the rehearsals are going? What do you love most about the show?
It may be the funniest show I’ve read since Noises Off. This play is hysterical. The rehearsals are amazing, we’ve been encouraged to explore and bring as much zaniness and physicality to the proceedings as we can. Comedy is only funny when it’s perfect though, so we’re knee deep in failed jokes and ibuprofen. It always amazes me how many choices get tried and dropped in the process, and with a strong comic leader, the best stuff always rises to the top. We’re lucky to have Matt Wilson guiding us, you can feel funny pouring out of him, it’s very exciting.
Is this your first time at 1st Stage? If so what’s the experience like? If you’ve worked with us before, tell us what makes 1st Stage unique. What brought you back?
1st Stage has moxy. I’ve always felt like every show I’ve done here was straining to break the confines of the walls that housed it. Two governors is an ambitious play for 1st stage, and Francis is a role you wait your whole career for. We’re going to blow the roof off this place.
What kind of theatre inspires you as an artist?
Big, epic tragedies. I know it’s weird to say coming from someone who is the lead in a play about a man who is so hungry he takes on two personal assistant jobs just to feed his ever expanding waistline (actually, the makings of a big tragedy are here), but I always feel the need to balance out. I love the Oedipus and Hamlets of the world. One day, someone will give me a chance to ruin them.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work as an actor thus far?
My mentor Ray Ficca who taught me everything I know, and my work as Education Director of The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. Each day I see hungry young artists working to get better. It reminds me why I do this, and pushes me to do the same.
What is the one thing you are most excited about for the show?
All the things I can’t tell you about! Boy, when you see them they are going to rock your socks off!
One Man, Two Guvnors plays from November 21-December 28, 2014 at 1st Stage- 1524 Spring Hill Road, in Tysons, VA. For tickets, call the box office at (703) 854-1856, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 1: Doug Wilder by Alex Levy.
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 2: Megan Graves by Alex Levy.
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 3: Noah Schaefer by Alex Levy.
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 4: John Dellaporta by Alex Levy.
