In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the Director and cast of Peace Mountain Theatre Company‘s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, meet Charlene Sloan.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell readers where they may have seen you perform on local stages.
Charlene: My name is Charlene Sloan and I most recently played Chris Gorman in Rumors at The Providence Players of Fairfax. Favorite roles have included Mrs. T. and the Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q at the Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA), in Blithe Spirit at Potomac Theatre Company, and Jean Perkins in Funny Money at LTA. I do mostly comedies and British farces, so the drama of All My Sons is a welcome change for me.
Why did you want to appear in this production of All My Sons?
Well, I really wanted to do a drama, and even though my character is not a very dramatic one, I wanted the chance to be involved in such a serious play. I also was excited to work with Director Laurie Freed again. She directed me in Blithe Spirit and I learned so much from her that I was eager to be challenged that way again.
Tell us about who you play in the show.
I play Lydia Lubey, the always-cheery neighbor. She’s a seemingly carefree and happy person who doesn’t appear to be affected much by the situation of others around her. But, in my mind, she really is aware and maybe chooses to ignore that which upsets her.
Why is this show relevant for today’s theatregoers?
Well, everyone faces an ethical and moral dilemma at some point in his or her life. I think this play is relevant because the point it makes about the cover up being worse than the crime will always be true. Lies eat away at people, as can pride and guilt.
What stands out most to you about All My Sons?
It really is timeless. The issues faced by the characters are exactly the same today as they were in 1947. People today compromise their beliefs to protect loved ones; they lower their standards to get what they think they need. Fashion changes, but people don’t.
What do you want audiences to take away with them after seeing All My Sons?
Mostly, I want the audience to be entertained. If they forget about their lives and can be transported into the lives of the characters in the show, that will be great. But, after the show, I would love if the show impacts them and forces a little self-reflection. If our production of All My Sons makes them think, “What would I have done in that situation?” then we’ve done our job.
All My Sons plays from Peace Mountain Theatre Company performing at Congregation Har Shalom – 11510 Falls Road, in Potomac, MD. For tickets, call (301) 299-7087, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 1: Director Laurie T. Freed.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 2: Elyon Topolosky.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 3: Chris Daileader.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 4: Michael Sigler.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 5: Natalie McManus.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 6: Julie Janson.
Meet the Director and Cast of ‘All My Sons’ at Peace Mountain Theatre Company: Part 7: Charlene Sloan.
