In Part 10 of a series of interviews with The Playwright, Director, and cast of Calendar Girls at McLean Community Players, meet Shayne Gardner.
Joel: Tell our readers where they may have seen you on local stages.
Shayne: I last appeared on stage with MCP’s production of Born Yesterday in 2006 in a couple of walk-on roles.
Tell us about the character you play and how you relate to her. Does this character have any of your personality or character traits?
Cora was a rebel, and is surprised to find herself settled in middle age. I relate to that because in my mind’s eye, I’m still in my twenties and have a hard time reconciling that with being in my 50’s.
What has been the most fun playing this character?
The most fun is just the chance to be on stage again!
What have been some of the challenges you have had preparing for your role and how did your director help you with these challenges?
For me, comedy is easy and drama is hard. Bob has been a great help in finding the dramatic levels of Cora.
Which character in the show is most like you, and why?
Aside from being a single mother, for me Cora is typecasting; I am known for making wisecracks and constantly singing snippets of songs.
What do you admire most about your fellow cast members?
I admire their experience and instincts; they’ve made developing the bond we must display so easy.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Calendar Girls?
We should cherish our friends, support them, enjoy them, and never be afraid to still kick up your heels.
If you were a Calendar Girl, what would your page look like, and which month would you be and why?
I would definitely be July, in the iconic Coppertone pose with a dog tugging at my swimsuit bottom and a beach ball covering the naughty bits!
What is your favorite line that your character says? What is your favorite line that another character says?
My favorite line is when asked what the difference between nude and naked is, and I reply, “Whiskey!” My favorite line from someone else is: “We’re going to need bigger buns.”
Calendar Girl 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.
Meet the Cast of McLean Community Players’ ‘Calendar Girl’: Part 8: Sam David.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 9: Carole Preston.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ at McLean Community Players, Part 10: Shayne Gardner.
McLean Community Players Presents Tim Firth’s ‘Calendar Girls’ September 18 – October 3, 2015.
