BWW Blog: Amanda Grillo - Our School, Our Show, OUR TOWN: Among the Dead

This week takes a turn to the future...well, sort of. The future of Act three is the topic of the week. We find ourselves in an implied graveyard with rows of chairs and the inhabitants of those chairs represent the gravestones of the dearly departed.

One of the characters that I play is Man Among the Dead. I'd be lying if I said this role wasn't a challenge. The dead ensemble is supposed to be portrayed in a very still manner with as little emotion as possible. This takes a lot of control being that I am the stereo typical Italian that talks with her hands. We also stare in the same spot throughout the duration of the act. It definitely challenges my control. I've actually developed little tricks to stay still for as long as I can. One of the tricks is I try to figure out a way to implement movement that is too subtle to read to the audience unless you are solely staring me down analyzing the slightest detail. For example, if I can get away with it for my choice of footwear, I occasionally curl my big toe in and out, so that I can resist the urge to move more noticeable body parts.

My character is definitely interesting. I consider this character one of the most unintentionally profound and philosophical roles. I greet Emily on her arrival, I comment on the weather, and the only other time I chime in is to brag about my son who knows so much about stars. In that not so humble brag, I explain that it takes millions of years for the spec of light to get to earth, according to my son. I, personally, identify it as a metaphor for the fact that you don't usually cherish the little moments until they're too far gone to get them back.

Let's hear what some of the cast thinks about their role in the dearly departed ensemble:

Francesca Fontanez (Mrs. Gibbs): "This experience has been extremely challenging, for a number of reasons. Throughout the show, I've been playing Mrs. Gibbs as a very zesty, vivacious woman. To suddenly have to try to play her with as little emotion and movement as possible has been something completely new for me, and very trying. It's a unique experience, and I'm very glad to have the opportunity to broaden my horizons."

Tim Sheehan (Wally Webb): "This was honestly the hardest part I've ever been given in terms of my acting skills. I find myself to be a very fidgety person, and even find it difficult to play videogames with a mouse without finding my hands to be shaking the entire time. It's hard to stay in one place, perfectly still, with my feet on the ground while sitting; I hardly ever have my feet firmly on the ground when sitting. Sometimes, if I try to relax too much, or didn't get enough sleep, I'll wind up falling asleep (something that has happened once during rehearsal). However, it is perhaps one of the most powerful ensembles in the production, and is extremely rewarding when done right."

Greg Pease (Simon Stimson): "My experience with this has been interesting in a way that explores how well I can translate my character to the audience while sitting in a chair. Not to mention the sore backside. Among the dead I'd say I'm the most bitter and I have to show that with my tone alone. So it's been fun but indeed a challenge."

All in all, the consensus seems to be "challenging, but worth it" as we combat the urge to sneeze, flinch, or take care of that annoying little itch on our nose. The ending image is extremely rewarding when we are all sitting in the same position looking off into the distance.

Come See Our Town November 16th thru 19th at Bucknall Theater

All shows start at 8pm with a 2pm matinee on the 19th

Tickets available now at www.newhaven.edu/theatertickets

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