Had a moment to sit down and have a mini-interview with Brandan
Skahill. Brandan Skahill is making his main stage debut at Players Club playing Eugene in our September production of
Brighton Beach Memoirs. Brighton Beach Memoirs opens on 9/14!
This is your main stage debut at Players Club-what shows
have you done in the area?
Brandan- This is actually the first show I've ever done at
the PCS. My director, Paul Kerrigan, is a teacher at my school, and he
suggested that I audition.
What was the audition process like?
Brandan-The audition process was a little different than
I've done before. The initial monologue was a bit longer than I've had to read
in the past, and Paul kept stopping me and asking that I go back and try a
different acting perspective. Once I made it to the callbacks, I was asked to
read a few scenes with some others, and then I was done. It was a lot shorter
than I expected, but it gave me a good feel for the character I was trying out
for.
What is the best part about working at Players Club?
Brandan- I really like the camaraderie that's been
established. All the other cast members are nice and easy to work with, and I
think we work together very well. If I have a question, I can easily go up to
any one of them and they'll give me a straight and honest answer. I think
something like that can only be achieved with a very small cast.
So far what is the most memorable or funniest moment so far in
the rehearsal process?
Brandan- A few nights ago, we were told that we were going
to be running the first act, when in actuality we ended up only running the
first 20 pages or so. This was because we just couldn't get the
"exchange", as Paul put it, into our heads. Once we got past that,
one of the actors just couldn't get his lines. Every time he called for line,
which was every line, we just started laughing.
What is best part about working with the director-Paul
Kerrigan?
Brandan- I've known Paul for a while, him being a teacher at
my school, and for the past two years he has directed my school's winter
musical. So I've worked with him before, but not with a show like this. He
gives direction very well, and he is clear and concise when he gives acting
tips. I think that's very important for a director. Beyond that, he's a
generally nice guy and I enjoy working with him.
This show has been produced numerous times over the
years-why do you think it is so popular with audiences?
Brandan- I think the show has a lot that audiences can
connect with. Younger viewers can relate to Eugene's innocence or Stanley's
principles and his "big brother" status. Older men can see how hard
it is to provide for a family through Jack's eyes. Younger girls can connect
with Nora's dreams. And older women understand how hard it is to be a mother,
either in Kate's or Blanche's position. Whatever the case, every character is
relatable. Other than that, it's a funny show, and it's also packed to the brim
with meaning.
What other shows are you excited about Players Club doing
this season?
Brandan- I'm particularly excited for Little Women. I've
always wanted to see that show.
Stayed tune for the next blog with Anthony SanFilippo- making his mainstage debut playing Jack!
