In Part 3 of a series of interviews with The Playwright, Director, and cast of Calendar GirlsĀ at McLean Community Players meet Liz Weber.
Tell our readers where they may have seen you on local stages.
Ā I last appeared in Rockville Little Theatreās production of To Kill A MockingbirdĀ and in a new musical play at Woolly Mammoth called Tangles, about Alzheimerās disease. Previously, I played Grandma in Kensington Arts Theatre’s production of The Addams Family, and Desiree in Damascus Theatreās production of A Little Night Music.
Tell us about the character you play and how you relate to her. Does she have any of your personality or character traits?
Ā I play the part of Celia, who is the wife of a wealthy man who plays golf all the time. Even though she may be wealthy, she is actually very down to earth and real. She despises the fake, pretentiousness of the golf club women she is forced to hang out with in order to spend time with her husband.Ā This is why she goes to the WI meetings, to be with āthe real womenā of Yorkshire.Ā I can relate to her feelings about these golf club women ā Iād much rather hang out with the WI girls too!
What has been the most fun playing this character?Ā
I am having a great time being full of myself, and a bit over the top, but in a fun way. Celia is a bit full of herself, in a good natured way. She kids the other girls, but is down to earth at the same time and pokes fun at herself. She dresses very expensively and lets everyone know what designer she is wearing, and she is supposed to have a great figure and be well endowed.Ā Those are not particularly my traits, but I am having fun pretending!!!
What have been some of the challenges you have had preparing for your role and how did your director help you with these challenges?Ā
The British accent is a bit of an obstacle as it changes my natural vocal inflections. As I work with the accent, I am finding it actually helps with the character development and line reading. Also, Celia has a monologue in Act 2 where she reveals personal feelings to the WI girls, which is something Celia doesnāt normally do. Bob (director) is helping me find those nuances and changes and asking me how I feel about what I am revealing. He is allowing me to find those levels, which I really appreciate.
Which character in the show is most like you?
I think in some ways, I was pretty well cast as Celia. I may not have the physical attributes and the money, but weāre making it work (ha!). Bob and the producers did a great job casting this show.
What do you admire most about your fellow cast members?
First of all, the entire cast is really nice, really talented and lots of fun! Secondly, they are perfectly cast in their roles so theyāre all having fun and hitting their marks already even though we are still early in the rehearsal process.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Calendar Girls?
Ā I want the audience to laugh and cry with us. We are all, as our characters, learning something about ourselves during this play. I want the audience to leave the theatre feeling great and loving life.
If you were a Calendar Girl, what would your page look like, and which month would you be and why?Ā
I would be July, my birth month. I love the beach so I would probably be walking along the waterās edge with a glass of wine right before dusk, my favorite time to be on the beach.
What is your favorite line that your character says? What is your favorite line that another character says?
I particularly like my line: āGet down to the WI, girls.Ā Come and hang out with the real women of this county and learn a little debauchery before itās too bloody late.ā
Coraās line: āYo ho, sodding ho!ā cracks me up! But this play is full of wonderful lines, happy and sadā¦there are so many.
Calendar GirlsĀ plays fromĀ September 18- October 3, 2015Ā at the McLean Community Players performing at McLean Community Centerās Alden Theatre ā 1234 Ingleside Avenue, in McLean, VA.Ā For more information, call (703) 304-3176, or visit their website. Tickets are available at the Alden Box Office, through OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111, or online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of McLean Community Playersā āCalendar Girl’: Part 1: Diane Sams.
Meet the Director and Cast of āCalendar Girlsā at McLean Community Players, Part 2: Kathryn (Katie) Johnston.
McLean Community Players Presents Tim Firthās āCalendar Girlsā September 18 ā October 3, 2015.