In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of I Hate Hamlet at 2nd Star Productions, meet Malarie Novotny.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you in the past year on local stages?
My name is Malarie Novotny and you may have recently seen me as Betty Haynes in White Christmas at Laurel Mill Playhouse, the Snake in Children of Eden with 2nd Star Productions, and a featured dancer in Hello, Dolly! with 2nd Star Productions.
Why did you want to be part of I Hate Hamlet?
When I read the script after the show was announced I fell instantly in love with the character of Deirdre and the way she interacts with Andrew Rally. It is really exciting to play against Zak and have no boundaries and is also fun to play that hopelessly in love character who just wants it all in terms of a whimsical romance. I also wanted to be a part of this show because it is not just hilarious but it also holds a lot of depth in certain moments, which I really enjoy. The interaction between Andrew Rally and John Barrymore is really interesting to watch and is very captivating the way Zak and Fred portray the characters. It’s hard to describe but this show just really stood out to me and was different than most comedies.
What does the show have to say to audiences of all ages?
There are always moments of highs and lows and theatre and life are equal. You will have your ups and downs in both but you have no choice but to keep going and learn.
Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to your character?
I play Deirdre and I feel like her and I are alike in many ways. I try to be optimistic and so does Deirdre. She is also very bubbly and happy and a hopeless romantic and wants everything life has to offer. I can say that I tend to be the same way, but I definitely try to be more realistic. I know I can’t own a unicorn.
Have you appeared in other productions of I Hate Hamlet before and who did you play and how is this production different and unique?
I have not.
What is your favorite scene in the show that you are not in and why? What is your favorite scene that you are in and why?
I love the fight scene between Andrew Rally and John Barrymore. There is a lot of growth in the scene and it isn’t just the fighting, you see Andrew build confidence and it is very climactic. The favorite scene that I am in is probably the first scene I am in with Andrew alone. It’s that moment where her excitement is at it’s peak and they get to be playful together.
Which character in the show is most like you and why?
I think I like Andrew Rally the most because he goes through a lot of changes in the show. He is the only character that you really see grow over time and evolve and I love how he molds into someone new over the course of the show.
What do you admire most about your fellow castmates’ performances?
All of my cast mates are strong and dedicated actors. They are really great at bringing each character to the stage and always invest as much as they can into their performance. I have had the honor to work with some of the cast before and those I haven’t have been a true joy to work with. It always amazes me how wonderful these people are on and off the stage. They are all just overall wonderful people and very talented, each bringing their own creativity to the characters and the show.
How did you prepare for your role and what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you resolve them?
Recently I have been in more serious shows or shows where I wasn’t in much of a “character” role, so I had to learn not to hold back and just be fun and flirty. I think the biggest challenge was playing opposite Zak and staying in character because he and I got pretty goofy during our scenes and there were moments that we had to just pull it together and remember the characters we are playing are different than us in real life. Also, for Deirdre’s “epiphany” I found it pretty hard to transition but it was pretty fun to play around with.
What was the best advice or suggestions your director gave you about playing your character?
I loved the way our director gave notes. He was very on point and good with describing the way he saw the characters. For me, I really took away the fact that Deirdre is in absolute love with the idea of a Shakespearean romance and she isn’t just this wacky and bubbly character. She has a lot of things she wants to be and do with her life and she is just trying to prioritize, making sure things don’t go wrong. My director really gave me insight into who she really was and helped me to explore her more in depth than just what was on the surface.
Why should audience goers bring their families to see I Hate Hamlet?
It’s an overall good time full of laughs, fights, and some good character moments. A good night of entertainment for all!
I Hate Hamlet plays through February 22, 2015 at 2nd Star Productions performing at Bowie Playhouse – 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, in Bowie, MD. For tickets, call (410) 757-5700 or (301) 832-4819, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of ‘I Hate Hamlet’ at 2nd Star Productions: Part 1: Fred Nelson.
Meet the Cast of ‘I Hate Hamlet’ at 2nd Star Productions: Part 2: Zak Zeeks.
Meet the Cast of ‘I Hate Hamlet’ at 2nd Star Productions: Part 3: Carole Long.
