Caroline, or Change was featured on Fox 45’s “Hometown Hotspot” yesterday morning with the young actors from the show: Aaron M. Bell, Bradley Bowers, Matthew Demetrides, Roland Haywood, and Brett Johnson. Although all seemed to drag their feet in at first, they soon got animated at the thought of being on TV.
The young men all agreed they preferred being on the Pearlstone Theater stage for the segment. “I like doing it here,” said Aaron Bell, who plays Jackie Thibodeaux. “It’s a comfort zone.”
Between the three segments we enjoyed juice and donuts and talked about their experiences in the production, now in its last week at CENTERSTAGE.
All the actors agreed director David Schweizer was great to work with. “He keeps working with you and asking questions,” said Bradley, who shares the role of Noah Gellman with Matthew Demetrides.
The actors have their share of embarrassing moments, too. Brett and Roland, who alternate the role of Joe Thibodeaux, agree the tendency for one of their shirts to become unbuttoned during dance scene was at first embarrassing, but then a little humorous in retrospect.
Matthew let us in on the fact he has a competition with E. Faye Butler, who plays Caroline. “We just have a staring contest on stage and try to be really mean.” When asked if he has ever lost, Matthew very seriously said no.
If the young actors’ demeanors and attitude this morning weren’t enough proof that they are professionals, their very interpretations of the show’s adult roles are very convincing—as they kept the still-sleepy adults laughing by dancing around onstage between segments, literally recreating the first 30 minutes of the play word-for-word in barely 10 minutes.
...However, it is odd to see a 13-year-old boy lament supporting four children on his own!
The young men all agreed they preferred being on the Pearlstone Theater stage for the segment. “I like doing it here,” said Aaron Bell, who plays Jackie Thibodeaux. “It’s a comfort zone.”
Between the three segments we enjoyed juice and donuts and talked about their experiences in the production, now in its last week at CENTERSTAGE.
All the actors agreed director David Schweizer was great to work with. “He keeps working with you and asking questions,” said Bradley, who shares the role of Noah Gellman with Matthew Demetrides.
The actors have their share of embarrassing moments, too. Brett and Roland, who alternate the role of Joe Thibodeaux, agree the tendency for one of their shirts to become unbuttoned during dance scene was at first embarrassing, but then a little humorous in retrospect.
Matthew let us in on the fact he has a competition with E. Faye Butler, who plays Caroline. “We just have a staring contest on stage and try to be really mean.” When asked if he has ever lost, Matthew very seriously said no.
If the young actors’ demeanors and attitude this morning weren’t enough proof that they are professionals, their very interpretations of the show’s adult roles are very convincing—as they kept the still-sleepy adults laughing by dancing around onstage between segments, literally recreating the first 30 minutes of the play word-for-word in barely 10 minutes.
...However, it is odd to see a 13-year-old boy lament supporting four children on his own!
***
Caroline, or Change runs through this Sunday, January 18th, so don't miss out! Tickets are available through the Box Office, 410.332.0033, or at www.centerstage.org
Photo: Aaron Bell, Bradley Bowers, Kelly McCreary, Roland Haywood, and Renn Woods
