Meet the Cast of Little Montgomery! by Ilana Jael
Now that Little Montgomery is finally open—and has already been getting off to an amazing start as attested to by the tears and laughter of the show’s initial few cohorts of audiences—it feels like the perfect time to catch up with some of the amazing actors who have spent their last few weeks devoted to bringing this heartwarming and hilarious story to life. Even cooler, a few of these actors are dedicated NCP company members who are not only starring this time around but also lent their talents to the 2020 podcast version of the show! If you haven’t already seen it, you’ll be glad to learn that you have two more weekends left to catch this incredible play, and I hope you enjoy their answers!
Timothy Mark Davis as Chet
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in theatre and with NCP!
I'm a South Florida based theatre and film actor, director, and producer with an MA in Theatre Studies. My first show with NCP was in April 2014 and it was NCP's first show!! At that time we were working under the City Arts Initiative. I was in a production of Godspell and then created a proposal to direct a production of Rabbit Hole. After that, the CAI said, "do you wanna take this thing and run with it?" and I said "...I sure do!" Almost 10 years later I'm still serving as NCP's Producing Artistic Director where I spearhead the accomplishing of our mission and pursuit of our vision. And I try to hop on stage once a year and have some fun!
2. What has your process as an actor been like, both in originally creating your character for the play’s podcast version and now in revisiting the role? How did you find working with these fellow cast members and this creative team?
The podcast was all about crafting very specific moments and not peaking the microphones and having a very calibrated vocal performance. We were all in our closets surrounded by pillows and clothes and anything to dampen the sound. It was so fun but a real challenge to act alone with just my co-stars in my ear. The play is all about the relationships!! The play version of Chet demanded a Texas accent of sorts, a goofy walk, and a larger than life personality. It's been a dream bringing another Stephen Brown character to life.
3. What’s your opinion of your character, and do you have any personal experiences that have informed your conception of them or your feelings about this piece?
I love Chet. I just freakin love him. I wish I had his puppy dog optimism. We definitely share a passion and zest for life and creating, but I don't have the hype-man stamina that that guy has. I was immediately drawn to this play because of Stephen's voice as a writer. That guy does "heartwarming comedy" like no one's business. I just want to keep doing his plays forever.
4. What is your favorite part about this play, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
That damn song. Little Montgomery. I cry every time. It's so so beautiful. I hope audiences walk away with joy in their hearts and a tear in their eye.
5. What’s something besides theatre that you’re passionate about?
Filmmaking! I'm currently in post-production for my debut feature film (more on that later...follow me on IG @timothymarkdavis). Stephen and I are also in talks about Little Montgomery the movie. Made it a podcast. Did the play. Why not make a film?! I want Little Montgomery in all forms!!
6. Is there anything else that you want to say about Little Montgomery, New City Players, or anything else in the universe?
NCP's 23-24 season subscriptions are on sale! It's going to be an amazing season. Go to www.newcityplayers.org/next-season.
Casey Sacco as Kimmy
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in theatre and with NCP!
I went to New World School of the Arts for college, and have been working in the SF theater scene for the past 8 years! I was drawn to NCP during the pandemic because of NCPLab, which was held over Zoom. The sense of community and the opportunity to express ourselves artistically was a savior during lockdown. I’ve been hooked ever since.
2. What has your process as an actor been like, both in originally creating your character for the play’s podcast version and now in revisiting the role? How did you find working with these fellow cast members and this creative team?
It’s been wild to return back to this play after all this time! Since it was a podcast the first time around, we were all so voice focused, not much else was being thought about. Getting the opportunity to do the play on stage is like being able to flesh out a character from 2D to 3D. The cast and creative team are so ridiculously talented. It’s been a joy.
3. What’s your opinion of your character, and do you have any personal experiences that have informed your conception of them or your feelings about this piece?
Sweet sweet Kimmy. I think she’s the coolest 16 year old ever. I love the way she is totally herself, with none of the shame so many of us felt as teens. I love the love of this play.There are so many big emotions, but the one that really sticks out for me is love .
4. What is your favorite part about this play, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
This play shows how possible it is to go from moments of silliness, to passion, to heartache, all in an instant. It is a total joy to be a part of it. I hope audiences go on the ride and enjoy!
5. What’s something besides theatre that you’re passionate about?
I am passionate about working together with a group of inspiring people. Whether that’s on a film set, cooking dinner, hosting an event, playing a game, or anything else. I want to spend my time with good people.
6. Is there anything else that you want to say about Little Montgomery, New City Players, or anything else in the universe?
Hello universe! Come see this beautiful little play! Also, I lost a watch at Universal Studios in 7th grade so if anyone sees it, please let me know!
Krystal Milie Valdes as Megan
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in theatre and with NCP!
I graduated from New World School of the Arts and have committed myself to creating in South Florida ever since with over 50 theatre roles completed since graduation. I auditioned for Rabbit Hole before we were a fully formed company and loved being part of it. We really missed working with each other and took a considerable amount of time to become a proper 501-C-3 and begin producing under Tim’s leadership. Other NPC shows I’ve acted in are The Glass Menagerie, Proof, and Clybourne Park. I haven't had thé pleasure to act on stage for us in over 5 years so this is an honor and such a treat to create with friends.
2. What has your process as an actor been like, both in originally creating your character for the play’s podcast version and now in revisiting the role? How did you find working with these fellow cast members and this creative team?
During the pandemic, we rehearsed via Zoom and talked all things character and relationship. It feels like ages ago! Revisiting Megan and giving her a fuller life has been a really beautiful discovery process, being happily surprised to find so many bits of myself in her. I’ve really dug into her view of the world and have found such joy doing things typically unlike myself like having my black nail polish and listening to Olivia Rodrigo on my way to every rehearsal. She is fierce and strong and hurt and resilient and I only hope to be as bold as her one day.
3. What’s your opinion of your character, and do you have any personal experiences that have informed your conception of them or your feelings about this piece?
Some of this is answered above. I really struggled with understanding my broken home when I was a teen and even now find myself processing it as an adult. I reacted out of hurt in my teenage years and see that in her and want to bring truth and validation to her feelings and experiences. Growing up isn’t easy. It’s more difficult when you’re a teenage girl and even worse when you’re trying to feel a sense of fulfillment, family, and belonging and it wasn’t handed to you the way you expected. She is FIRE ITSELF. I love her strength, courage, and honesty.
4. What is your favorite part about this play, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
My favorite part is the entire 12th scene. I can’t say much about it but it is so incredibly special and earnest. I hope audiences take away a sense of hope that sometimes what you need is right in front of you. That family doesn’t have a perfect mold and there’s something really beautiful about it. Even when things seem unconventional and difficult, the people in your path are there for a reason and will give you the love we all need.
5. What’s something besides theatre that you’re passionate about?
I’m passionate about movies and running and writing music and eating sushi! And trying desperately to keep my plants alive during tech weeks.
6. Is there anything else that you want to say about Little Montgomery, New City Players, or anything else in the universe?
I’m just so happy I get to do what I love FULLY and play a badass! But most importantly to get to do this all with people that make me feel like home
Todd Bruno as Rick
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background in theatre and with NCP!
I didn't get into acting until college really. I got a theater degree from Vanderbilt and then graduated from the neighborhood playhouse in New York. After that I did mostly stage work for 5 or 6 years and then started transitioning to film. I love NCP, had a terrific time working on Falling with them!
2. Were you aware of the podcast version of the play before getting cast, and is that something that you visited at all during your creative process? How have you found the experience of working with this cast and creative team?
I was not aware of the podcast, but I always love working with the folks at NCP!
3. How do you feel about your character, and do you have any personal experiences that have informed your conception of them or your feelings about this piece?
I love my character! I get to play the "straight man" surrounded by all of these crazy characters. I started out doing sketch and improv, and I very often play the straight man there. I really enjoy it—reacting is such a huge part of the craft for me, and reactions are a huge part of playing the straight man.
4. Is there anything else that you want to say about Little Montgomery or anything else in the universe?
My favorite aspect of the play is the importance of knowing yourself, and becoming okay with being that thing, even if it's not what you wanted it to be…
5. What’s something besides theatre that you’re passionate about?
I'm very passionate about animals, especially dogs!
Elizabeth Price as Patty
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in theatre and with NCP!
I've been doing theatre so long I CAN'T EVEN SEE REGULAR TIME ANYMORE (come see the show to get that reference).
2. What has your process as an actor been like, both in originally creating your character for the play’s podcast version and now in revisiting the role? How did you find working with these fellow cast members and this creative team?
My model for this character was Holly Hunter's portrayal of Ed in the movie "Raising Arizona." She is the epitome of a hilarious and tough Texas woman of the law. The playwright let us know that the genre this play fits in is the Cohen Brothers type feel, so I have tried to use that to inform many of my choices. These actors I'm working with are frickin funny, so yeah, that helps.
3. What’s your opinion of your character, and do you have any personal experiences that have informed your conception of them or your feelings about this piece?
I love her. She's a riot and I adore a woman in her power. I am a native Texas, born and raised, so there’s that. Also, my dad was a criminal psychologist and was super into the criminal justice system and the law and law enforcers, so that has given me some special fire. This performance is dedicated to him. He would have loved the show and my character.
4. What is your favorite part about this play, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
My favorite thing about this show is that it is hilarious and that IT HAS A HEART AS BIG AS TEXAS.
5. What’s something besides theatre that you’re passionate about?
Sleeping and eating and my cats. And movies and water.
6. Is there anything else that you want to say about Little Montgomery, New City Players, or anything else in the universe?
Don't believe everything you think.
Little Montgomery
by Stephen Brown
Directed by Michael Gioia
Megan and Kimmy are sixteen-years-old, best friends, and currently planning to commit grand larceny against country music star Rick Montgomery at his concert tonight. As they put their plan into play, songs will be sung, secrets will be revealed, and teenage girls will find out how difficult it is to exact revenge. Check out our podcast series adapted from this play!
WHEN
July 6-23, 2023
WHERE
Island City Stage
TICKET PRICE
$20-35