In Part 6 of a series of interviews with The Playwright, Director, and cast of Tying the Knot at the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival, playing at Fells Point Corner Theatre, meet Suzanne Young (Priest).
Tell our readers where they may have seen you on local stages.
Some may have seen me play Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at Spotlighters this past spring, Marge and other characters in The Laramie Project in Howard County, Grand Duchess Olga Katrina in You Can’t Take it With You at Laurel Mill Playhouse and Yenta in Fiddler on the Roof at Spotlighters, among many others.
Tell us about the character you play.
The priest character is a product of Michael’s subconscious, since the priest only appears in Michael’s dream. Without giving too much away, I play a multi-religious, gender-fluid, facilitator/comedian/gameshow host!
What is most fun about playing the character?
I have complete freedom to be as silly and over-the-top as I can be.
What have been some of the challenges in preparing for the role?
The biggest challenge for me was to dissect the various bits and jokes and to assign a sub-character to each, as well as keeping them all straight! Our director, Daniel Douek took the time to work with me one-on-one to find the right voices.
Which character is in the show is most like you, and why?
I believe I am most like Michael in that I have a tendency not to commit to intimate relationships for fear of being hurt.
What do you admire most about your fellow cast members?
Regardless of the level of experience, they are all vastly talented actors and each brings a unique facet to their respective roles.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching Tying the Knot?
I would hope that folks will enjoy a cathartic belly laugh or two (or hopefully more). Also, I hope they (along with me) try to have greater faith in people and try to conquer their fears and vulnerabilities.
What does Tying the Knot say to theatregoers and how is it still relevant?
One thing it says is that funny is funny, regardless of the differences we perceive among us.
Tying the Knot plays from Friday August 14th through Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Fells Point Corner Theatre – 251 South Ann Street, in Baltimore MD. For tickets, purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Playwright, Director, and Cast of ‘Tying the Knot’ Part 1: Playwright James L. Beller Jr. by Daniel Douek.
Meet the Playwright, Director, and Cast of ‘Tying the Knot’ Part 2: Brian S. Kraszewski by Daniel Douek.
Meet the Playwright, Director, and Cast of ‘Tying the Knot’ Part 3: Nancy Blum by Daniel Douek.
Meet the Playwright, Director, and Cast of ‘Tying the Knot’ Part 4: J. Hargrove by Daniel Douek.
Meet the Playwright, Director, and Cast of ‘Tying the Knot’ Part 5: Felix Hernandez by Daniel Douek.
Review of Tying the Knot by Morgan Woodle on DCMetroTheaterArts.
