In Part 9 of a series of interviews with The Playwright, Director, and cast of Calendar Girls at McLean Community Players meet Carole Preston.
Joel: Tell our readers where they may have seen you on local stages.
Carole: I have performed with The Vienna Community Players, Silver Spring Stage, Cedar Lane Stage, The British Players, Reston Community Players, Vpstart Crow Productions, Chevy Chase Players.
Tell us about the character you play and how you relate to her. Does this character have any of your personality or character traits?
My character, Marie, seems very rigid and bossy, but it comes from her insecurities. I definitely have some of the same insecurities, however, I deal with them differently.
What has been the most fun playing this character?
The fact that Marie is the “outsider” and is constantly being frustrated by the Calendar Girls.
What have been some of the challenges you have had preparing for your role and how did your director help you with these challenges?
Marie goes through a transformation at the end, and I was having trouble making and understand the shift. Talking it out with Bob was extremely helpful in making the transition.
Which character in the show is most like you, and why?
I guess I have a bit of a combination. Ruth’s shyness, Annie’s sense of responsibility, and Chris’s inability to bake cakes!
What do you admire most about your fellow cast members?
Their talent, and ability to work together so well as an ensemble. Also, how incredibly nice they are!
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Calendar Girls?
A deeper understanding of true friendship, and of course, I want them to have fun.
If you were a Calendar Girl, what would your page look like, and which month would you be and why?
I would be June when everything is in bloom, and there would be lots of colorful flowers.
What is your favorite line that your character says? What is your favorite line that another character says?
My favorite line is: “This is you, naked behind a fruit loaf?” I love Annie’s line; “At this age, this is as high as my teacups go.”
Calendar Girls plays from September 18- October 3, 2015 at the McLean Community Players performing at McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre – 1234 Ingleside Avenue, in McLean, VA. 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 Players’ ‘Calendar Girl’: Part 1: Diane Sams.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 2: Kathryn (Katie) Johnston.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 3: Liz Weber.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 4: Jennifer Levy.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 5: Jennifer Greene.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 6: Anne Megan Hilleary.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 7: Frank Gorrell.
McLean Community Players Presents Tim Firth’s ‘Calendar Girls’ September 18 – October 3, 2015.
