Debuting Artist: Andrew L. Brimhall

Please tell us a bit about your background and how you got into theatre!

I got the lead in my first show in the 9th grade; a one-act called Hangin’ at Sinimin City. It was a hilarious role in which I got to fake my death and dress in drag as a disguise. I was quickly hooked on the laughter and applause. I went on to do shows in High School, then community theatre for several years until work and life made auditioning impossible…until recently!

How did you first hear about OpenStage, and what drew you to work with us for this show?

I think I first heard about OpenStage when they were putting on one of my favorite shows: Reefer Madness. The show was phenomenal and it made me want to work with them.

What is your role in this show, and what excited you most about working on this particular production?

I play the “Host of the Garter Inn” also known as Master Quickly. I’m super excited to be performing Shakespeare for the first time.

What has been the most enjoyable or unexpected part of the rehearsal process so far?

Learning and understanding the Shakespearean language and finding the humor together as a cast has been an incredibly fun thing to explore.

What has been the most challenging part of bringing this character to life?

The Host is an extroverted hype-man, far different from my own personality. How does anyone have the energy to be “on” all the time?

What makes this show a unique kind of play to work on?

The collaborative nature of Kate’s direction has been really cool.  She really trusts the actors to find what works.  So many of the great jokes have come from cast members.

Why do you think this show is relevant to audiences now and should be performed today?

I think a lot of women can still relate to navigating the buffoonery of men, whether it’s the misplaced jealousy of an insecure partner, or dealing with a shameless moron whose unearned confidence becomes her problem. This play explores those relatable human relationships in a lighthearted and empowering way that pokes fun at the characters who deserve it while preserving the social commentary on behaviors we still see happening today.

What is your favorite moment or scene in the show, and why does it stand out to you?

My character has a catch phrase that is totally unnatural to my modern sensibilities. Finding new and creative ways to repeat myself has been a LOT more fun than I expected.

If you could swap roles with any other character in this play for a day, who would it be and why?

Probably Henry’s character, Robin. He gets to sing!

What is your favorite play and/or musical, and why?

I recently fell in love with Operation Mincemeat on Broadway and it totally blew me away.  It’s not easy to make World War II hilarious, but they did it! My favorite plays are Noises Off, and See How They Run for their brilliant comedic timing.

What is your favorite role you’ve played in the past? Why was that role special to you?

I played Senex in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in high school and nothing has beat that yet! It’s fun to be an over-the-top character, especially in a musical with friends.

 Is there a dream role or type of production you hope to work on in the future? OR What upcoming projects or roles are you excited about?

I think I’ve aged out of a lot of my dream roles, but I’d love to play a role like Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, or Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

What do you like to do in your free time (when you’re not working on theatre projects)?