Debuting Artist: Kim Lancaster
Kim takes the stage with OpenStage for the first time in The Merry Wives of Windsor!
Please tell us a bit about your background and how you got into theatre
I have loved theater all my life and did my first play when I was in kindergarten. Throughout high school I spent countless hours in choir, band and musicals. It had been my hope to pursue musical theater as a career in college but, as it sometimes does, life took me in another direction. After many years, I rediscovered my love for theater as an adult and have simply adored the opportunity to be back on the stage, doing both plays and musicals, in community theaters across the front range.
How did you first hear about OpenStage, and what drew you to work with us for this show?
What drew me to OpenStage was the quality of their productions. I auditioned for two years, getting called back, and then finally getting cast in The Merry Wives Of Windsor. The people are amazing, the acting is inspiring, and the show is going to be so much fun!
What is your role in this show, and what excited you most about working on this particular production?
I am Mistress Page and what excites me most about the role is the friendship that is portrayed between Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. They are life-long friends and have clearly shared their highs and lows and their hopes and dreams together. The show demonstrates their deep trust in each other, and most of all their fun-loving natures and the playfulness of their friendship. This story of the camaraderie of women is a story that speaks to me.
What has been the most enjoyable or unexpected part of the rehearsal process so far?
Memorizing Shakespeare! It’s been a beat since I’ve had to get all that good ole English in my brain and well…it keeps wanting to fall back out! I love it though. I listen to the scenes recorded everywhere I drive, go over lines daily, and make anyone that will sit still for 5 minutes runs lines with me. And the more I listen and study, the more meaning I find in the lines. That is the beauty of Shakespeare. If you feel like you don’t “get it” at first, just stick with it! Suddenly it all clicks and makes sense. And then suddenly you see it and it’s so funny!
What has been the most challenging part of bringing this character to life?
Following all the twists and turns of the plot and the “plotting” (that’s all I’ll say on that!). My hope is to make the story clear to the audience and so first I’ve had to untangle it and make it all clear to me!
What makes this show a unique kind of play to work on?
Shakespeare’s comedies are timeless and the fun of it has been finding all the current connection points. Think “memes” and “sit-coms” and then you’ll get it!
Why do you think this show is relevant to audiences now and should be performed today?
Shakespeare is like Bach and Mozart. If someone doesn’t learn this craft, these masterpieces die. Keeping classic theater alive is a calling and a mandate. The beauty of the arts is something our world needs each and every day. This particular play I think is a great “entry level” Shakespeare for audiences of all ages. The physical comedy keeps the show moving and accessible. No one dies or kills their family members like in the tragedies. And with this particular cut version, the audience can experience this hilarious story in a way that keeps them from getting lost in the language.
Can you share any interesting behind-the-scenes moments or stories from the production?
I love the collaborative nature of the process. My favorite moments in the production process are the laughter and engagement that come from an actor trying something new that everyone then grabs onto. It’s really everyone’s show!
If you could swap roles with any other character in this play for a day, who would it be and why?
Falstaff! And (spoiler alert….) one day Ryan was out sick, and I DID get to play his role!
What is your favorite play and/or musical, and why?
My favorite musical (at the moment) is Kinky Boots. The message of inclusion and acceptance in this show is the definition of the beauty the world needs. As Don the tough guy says while wearing 6-inch heel red knee-high boots in Milan, “You change the world when you change your mind.”
What is your favorite role you’ve played in the past? Why was that role special to you?
You know, someone asked me this once before and I said, well I loved Morticia Addams so much, but then I loved Marmee in Little Women… I also absolutely loved playing Golde in Fiddler On The Roof (I’ve just been cast to play her a third time this fall!) ….and really even though its not a big role I love the ensemble role I’m playing now. This dear friend looked at me and said “You seem to really be very present and engaged in what you are doing. You love whatever role you are playing best of all!” And that is true. I love the theater and I love the chance to explore the life and thoughts of a character and bring them to life for an audience. The theater is a transformative place where we can try on the life of another person, their ups and downs, their triumphs and pitfalls. Every character has something to love.
Is there a dream role or type of production you hope to work on in the future? What upcoming projects or roles are you excited about?
Well, I’m MOST excited about THIS production! I am also cast in an upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof with the Greeley Stampede Troupe that will perform at UNC in August. My dream role – for the record – is Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia. Someday!
What do you like to do in your free time (when you’re not working on theatre projects)?
Well, during the daylight hours I am a K12 principal for a publicly-funded homeschool enrichment program in the St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont. That keeps me busy! I also teach private flute and voice lessons and direct a flute choir. But the most fun I have is snuggling with my adorable mini- bernedoodle puppy, Winston!
