Interview: Actress Loraine O'Donnell

Loraine O'Donnell is a Buffalo gem.

She has proven herself a hardworking and talented actress.

I appreciate her answering a few questions for BWW.

MCL: You've been in the Buffalo theater world for a while. When and where did you start acting?

LO: I started acting in High School at Adirondack High in Boonville New York.

MCL: What made you want to be on stage?

LO: I wanted to be onstage when I saw the Carol Burnett show when I was a child. She wasn't classically beautiful but was still a star...and she was FUNNY!!!!!

MCL: Any local mentors?

LO: Too many mentors to mention. I get inspired by watching all my collegues work every time I walk into a theatre.

MCL: Best advice you were given you still use on stage?

LO: Don't ACT...LISTEN.

MCL: What roles turn you off and what kind do you look for?

LO: Roles that aren't challenging to me. I look for roles that will stretch me or roles people would never expect me to be able to do. HEDWIG was a great example. VERY few people supported me when I first took that role on...I enjoy proving people wrong about me and my talent.

MCL: What role do you dream of playing and haven't?

LO: SOMEDAY....Martha in WHO'S AFRAID OF Virginia WolfE.

MCL: What's coming up for you?

LO: I'm playing Mama Rose in GYPSY at Musicalfare. SHE used to be the dream role I havent gotten to play but all that changes for Curtain Up this year!

MCL: Tell us about some of your favorite roles?

LO: Favorite roles change as I get older. HEDWIG would be my number one...and I'd like to take her on again before too long. I try not to look back but forward. And as we get older the roles change and there's always more to look forward to.

MCL: What's some advice for those new to acting?

LO: Advice to new actors: Watch older, more experienced actors and learn from them. About EVERYTHING...not just acting, but the way actors should be treated and how PROFESSIONAL actors should treat each other and the crew. We are priveleged to do what we do but we also need to demand respectful treatment from the Theatres we work for. Just because you were hired to do a role does not mean you should put up with disrespect. Too many actors are just grateful for a job so don't speak up when a theatre is taking advantage of them. DEMAND that your time and talent be respected. DEMAND IT!!!!!

MCL: Who do you admire in the theater world?

TO: I admire Female directors trying to break through that glass ceiling.

MCL: What's Buffalo, New York Theater like?

LO: Buffalo Theatre is exactly like ALL theatre all over the country, including New York. Different companies, different personalities...we just need to figure out where and if we fit. Different mission statements, different levels of professionalism...with time you start to figure out where you want to be.

MCL: What are some of the good and bad changes in local theater since you started?

LO: Bad things...Studio closing. Good things? More theatre companies who are finding their way...Torn space, Second Generation Theatre....these companies and others are the future of Theatre in this town so I'm excited by that idea!

MCL: Finally, what's coming up for you 2016/2017?

LO: For Curtain Up I'm Mama Rose in Musicalfares GYPSY! In November I am directing and performing in the Christmas musical IT WAS A WONDERFUL LIFE at Forest Lawn and in June I am Directing LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA for Second Generation Theatre. Between those gigs I am busy writing a one woman show about Female serial killers...because I'm NOT BUSY ENOUGH!!!!

For more information about Loraine O'Donnell:

https://www.facebook.com/loraine.odonnell

To post a comment, you must register and login.