Hugh is taking the stage for the very first time with OpenStage for The Mousetrap!

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into theatre?

I grew up in Salt Lake City, where I was expected to fit into a mold that was not made for me. I found theater in a very simplified production of Romeo and Juliet in the 6th grade. It was a strange and ironic discovery of being able to truly express myself by pretending to be someone else. I was hooked, and did as much performing as I could within my limitations. When I saw a Broadway touring production of Wicked my Junior year of high school, I realized my passion could become a career.

 

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

I first heard about OpenStage when I was looking for somewhere to move shortly after graduating college; at the time, Northern Colorado had a lot of professional acting opportunities. I have an Acting degree, and I was thrilled at the chance to get to do more Agatha Christie. 

 

What is your specific role or area of expertise for this show, and what excites you the most about working on this production?

I play the “Ill-mannered and neurotic” Christopher Wren. I love a good play, The Mousetrap is a classic, and Brian Wilcox is a very close friend whom I haven’t had the chance to perform with since 2021.

 

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

I’ve really enjoyed working with our director Heather, she has a truly refreshing approach to the rehearsal process. I am forming strong friendships with my castmates, and I am exceptionally impressed with Ivan and the team for providing us a working set to practice on incredibly early on.

 

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

Finding who Christopher is and why exactly it is he’s arrived at Monkswell has been a surprisingly difficult journey. Extrapolating information from the script has taken a good bit of assumption and pure invention.

 

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

Murder mystery is it’s own breed of theater. The entire narrative and suspense hinges on the line delivery and glances of subtlety. There is a lot of nuance to be had in what information is given and how it is received by the characters.

 

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

I think an awareness of mental health and it’s affectation on trauma, and specifically what we do with that trauma is very telling. All of the characters in this play have a relationship with how they deal with past experiences, and when they have the choice to face or flee from those circumstances; what choice do we make? What’s the correct one? I think this show allows a canvas for us to view that question.

 

What is your favorite moment or scene in the show, and why does it stand out to you? OR Can you share any interesting behind-the-scenes moments or stories from the production? 

I have several! I’ll avoid the spoilers since those are pretty pivotal for a murder mystery. Christopher himself gets to have a bit too much fun in this show. Singing nursery rhymes and making people uncomfortable. Though I particularly enjoy Bradley’s entrance as Sergeant Trotter. 

 

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

Oh absolutely Sergeant Trotter. He easily has the most lines in the play, but he’s a deceptively rich character to portray.

 

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

Haha. I always wonder, “favorite show to watch or to do?” There’s so many, but I’ve always been fond of Phantom of the Opera, it’s a very nostalgic piece for me. But recently I have been very invigorated by Be More Chill. Maybe some day I’ll get to do it. The Scarlet Pimpernel remains a favorite I’ve done; give me a sword onstage and I’m living my best life.

 

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

See above! Though truthfully, I think one of my fondest roles was as William MaGee in Seven Keys to Baldpate. Or perhaps Dr. Givings in The Vibrator Play. Most of my career has been in an ensemble or supporting lead role. The satisfaction of getting to play a lead and do it well is a high I’ll constantly seek.

 

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’d love to get into some good Shakespeare. It’s been a long time and since becoming an Actor Combatant I’m eager to sword fight as much as possible.

 

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

I play a lot of video games. And when our schedules allow it; I have a small group of friends I play DnD with. I also enjoy going out blues/fusion dancing with my partner.