In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the writer, producer, and director and the cast of Girl with Two Belly Buttons, meet Matthew Sutphin.
In Girl with Two Belly Buttons, Izzy, at age 60, is sick and alone. She has had so many relationships. Why did they all fail? Then Izzy meets Izabela, her 30-year-old self, and the two explore what went wrong (or right) with their once and future boyfriends.
Today we interview Matthew Sutphin, who plays Hugh, the third of the six boyfriends portrayed.
Introduce yourself, and tell us about your performing background.
I am an actor in the Washington, DC area. I enjoy acting, exercising, and traveling. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University and currently reside in Old Town Alexandria. I also enjoy making short films and have been in several television shows, including House of Cards, Veep, and the AMC series, Turn. I also performed as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby last summer in DC.
Why did you want to appear in Girl with Two Belly Buttons?
It has a great storyline to it; and I think Jeryl did a terrific job writing it. I think the majority of people in my generation can relate to it. We all have our own story in life, and I am sure a lot of us wouldn’t mind having the opportunity to revisit different chapters in our life, all while narrating it yourself.
How do you personally relate to the character of Hugh?
I can relate to a couple of traits of Hugh. He is very self confident and a quick responder. I, however, would rather be humble and cordial in some instances, instead of coming off as arrogant or conceited. I think we can all agree nobody wants to be around people like that, any more than we have to.
In the script for Girl with Two Belly Buttons, Hugh is described as “The Know-It-All.” Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?
I do. Hugh initially portrays himself as extremely confident and boastful. Eventually Izabela’s charm, wit, and intellect show Hugh he isn’t the hotshot smartypants he thought he was. He is actually just a self-centered individual.
What are your goals as an actor?
My goal as an actor is to be a part of memorable great productions, from theatre to film. I want to become as flexible and versatile an actor as possible. Becoming comfortable outside your norm is a key component of being an actor. I want to look at a play or a film and be amazed and shocked at the character I have created..
What excites you about participating in the 2015 Capital Fringe Festival?
It’s a big thing in DC. I have heard about it from friends and fellow actors over the years, and have always wanted to be a part of it. Jeryl has done an amazing job, all the way to the smallest detail. So far it has been a great experience. I hope to see memorable stories and meet fascinating people.
PERFORMANCES AT:
Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Sprenger –1333 H Street, NE, in Washington, DC 20002
Saturday 7/11 at 8:45 PM
Sunday 7/12 at 9:00 PM
Sunday 7/19 at 10:15 PM
Sunday 7/26 at 4:45 PM
FOR TICKETS, CALL (866) 811-4111, OR PURCHASE THEM ONLINE.
LINKS
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 1: Jeryl Parade.
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 2: Kathryn Martin.
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 3: Matthew Sutphin.
Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 4: Scott Duvall.
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 5: Peter Markey.
For more info about the show, please visit: jerylparade.com.
