Interview: Michelle Nash of TREY PARKER'S CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL at Overture Center

Trey Parker'S CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL makes it's U.S. Premiere at the Overture center for the arts with songs like "When I Was on Top of You" and "Meat my Destiny." The highly anticipated new production tells the hilarious, and (mostly) true story of Alferd Packer, the only person ever convicted of cannibalism in America- the show follows Alferd and his companions, on the hunt for Colorado gold, when they lose their way in the wilderness and are forced to consider unthinkable acts: Singing!...Dancing!...and possibly eating somebody.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with MichElle Nash who plays intrepid reporter Polly Pry to learn more about the show.

How did you get involved in musical theatre?

I've been involved in musical theatre since I was 11 years old and auditioned for a community theatre production of Annie. I actually didn't want to go to the audition, my mom forced me, but once I got in there was no turning back - I was hooked.

You play reporter, Polly Pry, which sounds like a juicy role in a crazy show. Please share with me a favorite part of playing Polly.

Polly is definitely a juicy role. My favorite part of playing her is her ferocity and determination to get the story and further her career above all else. She has a dry, modern, sarcastic tone which contrasts the other characters in the show - AND she's one of the only females that you'll see on stage, so she brings forth a feminine flair.

Do you have any especially challenging moments in the show?

Honestly, the most challenging moments in the show are backstage! We all have so many quick costume changes, myself included, and it provides us with a maze to maneuver ourselves through. I also have to fall off of a tall bar table, which can be a challenge!

How is it working in an ensemble on such an outrageous show?

It's awesome working in an ensemble for this show. We all have to rely on each other to keep the pace going and the energy up SUPER high. It's nice to not feel the stress and burden of the whole show resting on your shoulders, since every person on stage plays an important part of the whole piece.

How have audience responses been so far?

We have yet to perform for an audience, but the previous production in 2015 had all of the crowds roaring with laughter! So, we are hoping for the same reaction - maybe even better since there are new songs and lines to enhance the hilarity!

What should unsuspecting audience member expect when they attend the show? Or do you want to the whole thing to be a surprise?

An unsuspecting audience member should expect a shocking night full of laughs and maybe a little bit of cannibalism. There are surprises at every corner, and nothing is off limits. I laugh at something new every single rehearsal, and I can't wait for Madison to check it out! Follow us on Instagram @cannibalonstage for hilarious pics and updates!

When the run for Cannibal the Musical is complete, what's up next for you? Would you like to plug an upcoming project?

Next up, I will be joining the current touring cast of Disenchanted the Musical! We will continue the tour across the States, hitting up some great theatres in Ohio, Tennessee, Maine, Illinois and Florida just to name a few. You can follow the Disenchanted tour on Facebook and Instagram @disenchantedtour .

Trey Parker'S CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL will run at Overture Center for the Arts Tuesday, March 14th - Sunday March 19th, 2017. Tickets can be purchased at overturecenter.org, in person at the ticket office or by phone at 608.258.4141.

Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where national and international touring artists, ten resident companies, and hundreds of local artists engage nearly half a million people in educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture.org

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