In part five of a series of interviews with the cast of Loves and Hours, meet Heather Warren.
Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on the stage before. What roles did you play in these shows?
My name is Heather Warren. I’ve lived in Maryland for almost three years and have performed in five other productions at Laurel Mill Playhouse. I played Myrtle Mae in Harvey, performed Reclaiming C- in The Vagina Monologues, Caroline Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, Irene in Happy Hollandaise, and was a part of the ensemble cast in Silver Linings.
Why did you want to be part of the cast of Loves and Hours? I have never heard of this play before. Had you known about it before? And what intrigued you about the play?
I wanted to be a part of the cast of this show, because I’ve never been in a contemporary play like this one. It seemed hilarious, relatable, and current. Both the play and playwright are new to me, but this has now become one of my favorite plays I’ve performed in.
Who do you play in the show? How do you relate to him or her? What traits do you share? Does this character remind you of a similar character that you have played before?
I play Charlotte Walker and I have a lot in common with her. We are both 25 years old with dreams of following a creative career path. We both hate cluttered homes and beer. Charlotte and I both have divorced parents and haven’t spoken to our fathers in years. But before you ask, I have never had a romantic relationship with a man twice my age. Charlotte is unlike any character I’ve ever played before. I had so much fun exploring her personality.
What is Loves and Hours about from the point of view of your character?
From Charlotte’s perspective, Loves and Hours is about the first time she’s ever fallen in love and the man who made her believe in love again and that not all men were like her father. Love is found where you least expect it, like at the IRS or with your childhood best friend or at work. Love is not dictated by age or gender.
What challenges have you had preparing for the role, and how did Director Daniel Douek help you through these challenges? What was the best advice he gave you on how to play your role?
Daniel in no way told me to say the following, but he is honestly the best director I’ve ever had. He sent everyone in the cast a questionnaire to fill out from the perspective of our characters. This helped me understand why Charlotte was drawn to Dan Tilney in the first place.
What is your favorite line or lines that your character says, and what is your favorite line that someone else says in the show?
Some of my favorite lines that Charlotte says: “You have to want me along for the entire ride, because I am not interested in a short side trip… Why am I even doing this? I have never chased after anyone in my entire life. Forget it, Dan. Just forget it.”
And…
“I can’t help but feel my whole life is sort of in front of me, you know?”
I also love Andrea’s lines: “You just pretended to, Harold, to get into my pants, which is so. Much. Bullshit! Well guess what? I don’t like what you read, Harold. I don’t like what you eat and I don’t like what you have to say. As a matter of fact, right at this moment, I don’t particularly like you!”
And…
“What’s really upsetting, is that by dating girls you both are reinforcing the American cultural stereotype that says the only value women have in our society is their sexual attractiveness. Something I would rather not pass on to our daughter, Dan.” (Linda)
And finally…
“Yeah, well, you know, youth. Everything works.” (Dan Jr.)
What does Loves and Hours have to say to today’s audiences?
In order to find happiness, you need to make the best decision for yourself at the time, even if it scares you. Don’t just go with the flow.
If you could change what happens to your character – what would you like to see happening to your character at the end of the play?
I honestly couldn’t change what happens to my character without changing fundamental aspects of Charlotte’s personality. Charlotte was very confident in her choices throughout the play and she is an optimist. I look at Charlotte’s decisions and know that they are not the right ones. But by the end of the play, everything works itself out for the best.
Why should local theatergoers come and see Loves and Hours?
Local theatergoers should come and see Loves and Hours because they will laugh out loud at many scenes in between touching and meaningful scenes that will make the theatergoer think about their own lives and relationships. Each theatergoer will likely find at least one character they can relate to due to the diversity of ages and genders and sexualities. Even if they haven’t experienced for themselves what the play depicts, they likely know someone in their own lives who has gone through what these characters are going through. In that, they will find humor as well as important lessons.
What’s next for you on the stage?
I don’t currently have another production lined up after Loves and Hours since this show is my fourth in a row in three months. I am addicted to the thrill of being onstage, but I am also ready for a bit of a break. I will be moving back to California in five months where I get to find a whole new community theatre to participate in. Hopefully I get to be a part of at least one more play at Laurel Mill Playhouse before I relocate.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission.
Loves and Hours plays through February 5, 2017 at Laurel Mill Playhouse – 508 Main Street, in Laurel, MD. For tickets, call (301) 617-9906, or purchase them online.
LINKS:
Review: Loves and Hours at Laurel Mill Playhouse by Ilene Chalmers.
Interview: Meet the Cast of ‘Loves and Hours at Laurel Mill Playhouse Part 1: Alan Barnett.
Interview: Meet the Cast of ‘Loves and Hours’ at Laurel Mill Playhouse. Part 2: Terri Laurino.
Interview: Meet the Cast of ‘Loves and Hours’ at Laurel Mill Playhouse. Part 3: John Dignam.
Interview: Meet the Cast of ‘Loves and Hours’ at Laurel Mill Playhouse. Part 4: Taylor Duvall.
