Audience Influence

Those brandy filled glasses no longer clink in the Head Theater here at CENTERSTAGE, as the curtain closed on Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? November 30. However, one important part of this provoking show remains, and that is the audience.

The audience that hesitated walking into the theater knowing there would be over three hours of uproar, sarcasm, rage, and pain transitioned to the audience that walked out of the theater deeply engaged, moved and touched in watching the two couples loose themselves in games, gossip and agonizing secrets.

And they will soon return. CENTERSTAGE's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? received many positive reviews, as The Baltimore Sun claims "The talented director Ethan McSweeny elicits first-rate performances from his top-notch cast." I recently found out it is our audience here at CENTERSTAGE that has made that cast rise a few more notches than usual, as I had the opportunity to speak with Leah Curney (Honey) about her experience.

As we sat in the downstairs lobby, Leah and I talked about Baltimore, and I asked her how the Charm City differs from other cities she has performed in. While she was not able to explore as much as she would have liked, she could sense this is an area that is being revitalized, an area full of history and on the verge of creating more. Leah particularly enjoyed the Farmers Market on Guilford Avenue, and the variety of restaurants up on Charles Street, since she tends to crave Indian and Nepalese food. However, one thing that stood out in Leah's mind about this area is the Baltimore audience here at CENTERSTAGE.

“CENTERSTAGE really reaches out to a diverse crowd, bringing in young and old people, from all sides of the spectrum" she explained. “There are no bells and whistles in this show. It is a talkative play, and most people are not used to that. To go on that journey we actors go through on stage is demanding of the audience, and here, they have chosen to journey with us.”

Leah admitted there are days she came into work tired after performing this exhausting three hour and ten minute play night after night, with the occasional matinee. Yet, once she steps onto stage, and after not only listening, but feeling the response of the audience, she is recharged and forgets how tired she once was.

“We play off of the audience's energy. We feel the response; although it is an intangible thing, it is so important, and at CENTERSTAGE it has been different than other places I have performed in. These audiences night after night have been so attentive and responsive, and I am really going to miss that."

~Emily

(Photos: Leah Curney onstage (above) and onstage with Andrew Weems (top) in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Photo by Richard Anderson)