In Part 7 of a series of interviews with The Playwright, Director, and cast of Tying the Knot at the Baltimore Playwright’s Festival, meet Claire Malkie (Server).
Daniel: Tell our readers where they may have seen you on local stages.
Claire: This is my first production in the Baltimore area. My most recent work includes Into The Woods at City of Fairfax Theater and The Comedy of Errors at Hofstra University.
What has been the most fun playing this character?
The most fun part about playing the server is her constant changing mood and her interactions with Lance. The server at the Bongo Bongo Café has an attitude and she’s not afraid to let everyone know what she’s feeling. She is fun to play because her persona is very different from mine.
What have you learned about yourself the actor while performing your role in Tying the Knot?
Although the server is a “small role,” I learned to make the most of her. I enjoy my moments on stage, and I try to explore what her life is like each moment I am on stage. I’ve learned not to throw away my lines. I’ve been working on my specificity with the server. Although the play revolves around Michael, the server has her own story and life; it’s my job to honor her story.
Which character in the show is most like you?
What do you admire most about your fellow cast members?
My cast members always come into rehearsal with good attitudes and are always ready to work. They bring good energy and pass it on to me. Everyone keeps high spirits during long rehearsals. It’s hard not to laugh at rehearsals. There is always some sort of joke running backstage, throughout the show.
What has been the craziest thing that has happened on the stage during the run (that was not expected)?
The Diet Coke glasses for the Bongo Bongo Café are unexpectedly heavy, and once during the run I almost dropped them during my entrance. J’s character, Lance also makes me laugh almost every time I walk on stage; some days I simply do not expect J to be so funny.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Tying the Knot?
I want the audience to take a sense of self-love and vulnerability. Although Tying the Knot revolves around comical events, in reality Michael undergoes a serious heartbreak. I want the audience to realize it’s okay to be vulnerable and take risks. Without risks, not only would theatre not exist, but also the world would lack most of its amazing accomplishments. I want the audience to also take away the idea to not let something good die.
Tying the Knot plays 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.
Meet the Playwright, Director, and Cast of ‘Tying the Knot’ Part 6: Susanne Young by Daniel Douek.
Review of Tying the Knot by Morgan Woodle on DCMetroTheaterArts.
