BWW Interviews: 6 Questions & a Plug with STAGE KISS' Cat Brindisi

Cat Brindisi is likely a familiar face to many Twin Cities theatre goers. And not because her father is Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Director Michael Brindisi. Or because her mother is actor Michelle Barber (read BWW Interview with Barber from HELLO, DOLLLY! here). It's because she's been popping up on stages across the area steadily the past few years.

Cat Brindisi is popping this time on the McGuire Procenium at the Guthrie in Sarah Ruhl's STAGE KISS, and the bubbly young actor has a lot to say in this edition of 6 Questions & a Plug:

Tell the readers about STAGE KISS -- what's it about?

STAGE KISS is about two actors that used to date and get cast opposite each other in a play. They have to kiss over and over again and end up getting twisted up in what is reality and what is the play.

Sarah Ruhl is brilliant.

Describe your part of Millicent/Laurie -- who are your characters in relation to the leads?

Millicent is a character in the play within the play -- friend to Ada -- who simply can't be bothered with anything and is a bit of a lover of all things men.

Laurie is "HE"'s girlfriend. She is from Iowa and is VERY nice. She doesn't have any idea that any kind of relation is going on between HE and SHE. She also ends up getting mixed into their worlds in a strange but charming way.

What parts did you have previously at the Guthrie shows you were in, and how does this compare for you?

I was in the ensemble and the Eliza understudy for MY FAIR LADY last summer. I understudied MIDSUMMER this past year and though I never went on I still got to practice flying which I would do for a living if I could! So cool!

I also am a co-founder of 7th House Theater and we performed a new musical adaptation of JONAH AND THE WHALE in the (Dowling) Studio last December. Both were very different from this play.

MY FAIR LADY was a huge musical where I understudied the lead...which was a bit terrifying. And JONAH was a new piece that was devised in the rehearsal room. All were a blast in such different ways but I have to say... I'm really enjoying this straight play thing. The cast is unbelievable and close already, we have an insanely supportive and talented director, and there's none of that "musical theatre drama"! Can I say that? ;) But really, this is my favorite piece I've worked on in a long time.

What is it like to be working at the Guthrie as a person who grew up in the area and has acted on a lot of big stages in town?

The Guthrie is amazing and unlike any other theatre in the world. All of the out of town actors that I've worked with here say it's the cream of the crop. And it is! You get treated like a queen, and EVERYONE is incredible at their jobs.

I love every theatre I've worked at for different reasons.

Latté Da has become family to me and is one of my favorite companys to work for. There is no one like Peter Rothstein and his team. I love my job every single day when I get to work with them. And he challenges this city, which is really fun to be a part of.

Chanhassen is literally my family which is fun and sometimes hard... but mostly fun. I've gotten better at shaking the whole "director's daughter" thing, but I do think that fear of "what people think" is something that will just never go away completely. But I've learned to embrace it instead of run away from it. Cause, ya know, I love my dad. He's my dad. He's the best at what he does and is MY cream of the crop.

And with the Guthrie - it's just such an honor to have now worked on both stages. I realize every day when I walk into work just how lucky I am to be 26 years old and be in this building with these people in particular. This place is so magical and people dream of working here their entire lives. So, really, what can you say? I am truly, truly grateful.

What are the parts you most hope to do in the future?

Ohhhh this question is always so hard! I'm a tapper so I would love to eventually do MILLIE. And what's her name in 42nd STREET. And I suppose every woman my age has to say Cathy in THE LAST FIVE YEARS. And now that I've admitted I like plays better than musicals...I would really like to do more plays. Lots more plays. That would be the best ever. And I'd like to try film soon.

See?! My answers are always so "cliche actress" for this question! :)

You grew up in a theatre family - was there any question whether you'd follow in the footsteps of your parents and did you ever consider any other career?

Oh, ya know, I considered yoga and tried instructing Barre classes for a second and thought about being a detective or a lawyer or a murder mystery person (that's a job, right?) or a cop...ya know, all the things people consider.

Just me? :)

But, no. My heart is and always has been in the rehearsal room -- trying to tell good stories with good people to good people. Nothin' better than that.

Now for the plug: What is your next project after STAGE KISS?

I will be playing Sister Mary Robert in SISTER ACT this fall at Chanhassen and then going right into GYPSY as Louise with my mom as Rose with Latté Da. We are very excited for that one. Talk about some on stage therapy sessions! And she really needs them, ya know, so that will be good. For her.

Ah no, I kid... but do come see it!

This whole year, actually, is pretty much the best!

I'm incredibly thankful.

Cat Brindisi Bio:

Guthrie: My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol (1998). Theater Latté Da: Spring Awakening, Aida, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Mixed Blood Theatre: Chronicles of Kalki; Illusion Theater; Children's Theatre Company; Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Founding member of 7th House Theater: upcoming production in Dowling Studio in December. Awards: 2012 Ivey Award for Outstanding Production for Spring Awakening; 2013 City Pages Best Emerging Female Actress. Training B.F.A., Musical Theater, Dance minor, University of Minnesota, Duluth; National High School Institute Cherub Program, Northwestern University

More info:

STAGE KISS will play July 18 - August 30, 2015 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage. Single tickets start at $40 ($15 for select previews), and are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

Photo:

Cat Brindisi, courtesy of Guthrie Theater.

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