BWW Interviews: THE OTHER PLACE's Zoe Perry on Memory, Mothers and Red Meat

The vagaries of memory and time are but a taste of the depths the production descends, but that hasn't prevented Perry from approaching her role with humor and grace. "We've definitely discussed different interpretations and the way things go back and forth in time, yet I still feel that I'm in a place of discovery as the audience rides this train with us."

Perry's method of revealing to the audience the multi-layered roles she inhabits is simplicity itself. "My approach is literally what is being told in the scene. I try to be as real as possible and I try to find my own truth in it and figure out how to best serve each character." One of her challenges is one most women have to face every day. "My extra curveball is when I have to wear heels, to try and stay upright as best as possible. The set also moves me - it feels like we're inside a literary experience where there's plenty of room for your imagination. I really like the freedom of the set, it's very evocative that can just whip from one moment to the other, rainy or not."

How does she burn off energy before or after such a demanding role? "I guess I don't have any one specific thing," she said. "Sometimes I take spinning classes. At the end of the play I feel that my brain has had a good cleaning out. Your body doesn't know you've been lying, so it reacts the way it reacts. I just try not to ask too much of myself and take it easy afterward.

"But I must admit sometimes when the play is over I am just starving, and feel like I need some red meat!" she laughed. "Although lately I've also developed a bit of a sweet tooth and Ben & Jerry has this peanut butter-something ice cream that's delicious."

The Other Place, by Sharr White, directed by Joe Mantello, with sets designed by Eugene Lee and Edward Pierce. It's at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre under special arrangement with MCC Theater, through Feb. 24. Runs 70 minutes with no intermission.

Naomi Serviss is an entertainment/spa writer whose roots include covering Broadway. She has written for Newsday, The New York Daily News, The New York Times and numerous magazines and websites.

More Articles by This Author...