INTERVIEW: Spotlighters SISSIES Speak Some More! (Part II)

As the only person in the cast who has never been in a play before, Tammy Kugler of Spotlighters’ Southern Baptist Sissies came to the show with no expectations, but is leaving with much more: “It is so much more than I ever thought it would be. It is an absolutely amazing thing to be in a family here – so much more than I ever expected. After this is over, I expect I’ll have ‘post-performance depression.’” That sentiment seems to be the case for the rest of her cast mates, too. Though they all come from different backgrounds and of varying experiences, the theme of family runs through the cast truer than most real families – Kugler fondly remembers laughing, crying, being mad and making up in the short rehearsal time afforded the production. And she is especially thankful for the help everyone has given her, particularly her main acting partner, Ed Zarkowski, who as “Peanut” Leroy, gives her character, Odette Annette Barnett a few lessons on sissy ways. “He was so patient. And he never got annoyed or angry anytime I asked for extra rehearsal or wanted to constantly run lines.” Some of her character, though comes from real-life experience in a way. “Odette” is on a quest to find her lost brother, whom she turned away when he came out to her. In reality, Tammy has a brother who is gay, but their experience has been much different. She is so proud of her brother, and has supported him throughout his coming out process. Kugler is also a former Mrs. Maryland (2000), a pageant title that gives her something kind of in common with one of her co-stars – David C. Allen.

Mr. Allen stars as Benny, the Sissy who is also a drag queen, Iona Traylor. Being in a dress onstage is not new to Allen, who created the role of Miss West Coast in the Baltimore premiere of Pageant, a part he has recreated several times since. Alex Peri, who plays TJ, a Sissy in denial, is the only straight actor of the four, but is no stranger to gay-themed plays, having appeared in The Laramie Project. For this production, Peri says it was all about “research of religion – dissecting it. Rehearsal itself was also like doing research, finding the characters together. Playing games that kids play at different ages to tap into as we age from about 8 to adult.” The adult content, including kissing another male actor and onstage nudity, was not really an issue either, he says. “We were completely safe in rehearsal – we were never judging or being judged.” A 2006 graduate of the Acting Program at UMBC, Alex now has a BFA to add to his growing resume. Andrew Syropoulos, who plays Andrew they shy sissy, is also a recent college graduate (2005 grad of Marietta College with a BFA in Theatre). SBS marks his first show since graduation, and it is a homecoming of sorts. A native Baltimorean, Andrew also went to the Baltimore School for the Arts.

As the narrator of the play, Mark is the most outspoken and questioning of the sissies. Tony Viglione, who by day is a physical therapist, has an extensive list of theatre credits (including The Laramie Project, Corpus Christie and Jeffrey), but “sort of just fell into acting. I have no formal training.” Viglione also has a personal connection to the cast: Ed Zarkowski is his husband of seven and half years – longer lasting than a lot of straight marriages!

In Part I of the Sissies Speak! Interviews, I wrote of the answers these gifted, generous people gave to common questions. What follows is the more individual questions and the candid answers they gave. Enjoy!

Tammy Kugler (TK) – Odette Annette Barnette

James Howard (JH): You are making your acting debut in SBS. What got you to audition for this show?

TK: This is an interesting question. I work with [director] Terry J. Long at a school for children with special needs. At the school I have performed small parts in fundraising events/ shows. He asked me to audition for a couple of his shows and honestly... I thought he was just being nice to me. He asked me several times and I just never had the guts to do it. He saw something in me that I did not see in myself and for that I am forever grateful. I decided that theater is something I really wanted to try. I thought... huh? Maybe Terry's right.... maybe I could do this. He told me about a casting call for one of his shows. Of course this made me more nervous knowing his amazing reputation. I performed a monologue and song as I felt like an earthquake was erupting in side of me due to fear and anxiety. I was ecstatic to find out that he wanted to add ME to the cast!!! Wow what a high! Scared to death.... I accepted the role!

JH: What do your husband, family and friends think about the show and what it is about?

TK: I surround myself with very positive people. My family is extremely supportive.... my mother, brother, and husband have come to see the show twice now, each time bringing more friends to see it. My friends have spread the word and now their friends are bringing friends!! The running joke backstage is... "Okay Odette... how many people do you know in the audience tonight?" I am truly grateful. My friends and family LOVE this show! Not to mention that I couldn't ask for a more supportive and loving husband.

JH: What about your character can you relate to most easily? What about it has been the biggest challenge? What do you think is the purpose of your character?

TK: Odette is a social butterfly and full of personality! I can relate to her enthusiasm and love for life! The biggest challenge is playing the role of someone who sacrificed her brother because of societal norms and religion. This I would NEVER do! My brother is my best friend and the way I see it... It's a two for one.... if you can't accept him... well then I guess you can't accept me either. He is a huge influence in my life and I love him with my whole heart. We are the "dynamic duo!" I think the purpose of my character is forgiveness. Learning to forgive yourself and asking forgiveness from another. Odette is going to these bars as a way of looking for her brother (trying to forgive herself) and looking for him so that she can make things right again and to ask him for forgiveness.

JH: Have the guys been a big help? How? What is it like having such a strong sidekick (Ed Zarkowski, "Peanut") to work with?

TK: The guys, momma, Shannon, and Terry have been so wonderful to me. They are like a new little family unit. I miss these people between shows and can't wait for the next opportunity to see them again. Ed Zarkowski is a kind hearted, genuine, beautiful, and above all patient man!!! I could have never been successful without him! He is the BACKBONE! Never have I met someone so supportive.... willing to do anything to see another person...(me) succeed. We worked so hard and he has been my MENTOR! I had to thank him especially in the program.... words cannot express the deep admiration and respect I hold for Ed Zarkowski.

David C. Allen (DA) – Benny/Iona Traylor

JH: You give an excellent drag performance. What experience have you had in this area of theatre? How is this play different?

DA: I was part of the original Baltimore cast of "Pageant" and reprised the role each time that show was re-launched. So I have been on stage in a dress before. However, during that show there were six of us, not just me, so this is quite a bit different. This show is also a challenge because I wanted those scenes to be so much more than "oh look, here comes the guy in a dress". To me each of those scenes is tied to the other part of the story going on at that time. So I spent a fair amount of time deciding what each song would be, just to be sure it made sense for the character and the story. The only number dictated by [playwright] Del Shores is the one at the end of Act I.

JH: Each time your drag character comes out, she portrays a completely different mood. How does this effect your portrayal? Which is your favorite? Why?

DA: As I mentioned above, each time Iona is on stage it is linked to the story, not just an "insert". So it is actually easier that they are all a bit different. It gives me a chance to not have to compare one to the other. I love the Dolly number because everyone probably knows that song and it is just classic Dolly- fun, fun, fun. The Wynonna number shows her amazing talent and was probably the most challenging, because I wanted to do her justice and because of the context in the show. Also, because I have the least amount of time for that complete transition. The final number, Reba, is also fun, but has a totally different feel than Dolly. I think it has a little more 'edge' to it, and it is always fun to play with an audience that way. I don't know that I can pick a favorite, because I am a fan of all three singers, and each of the songs is amazing in its own way.

JH: Considering all of the characters in the play, which more closely resembles your own coming out?

DA: That would likely be a combination of Benny and Mark. I was the "smart" kid in the family, but I learned early on there was a life outside of my parents. I think Benny knew early on that there was something more for him beyond the trailer park. And there can be no question that Mark is a thinker, even as an eight year old.

JH: What steps do you take to keep your characters separate, and still show them to all be related? (Iona Traylor campy, serious, Benny as a boy, a teen, and adult, etc.)

DA: Great question. I never thought about it, but I suppose it is a kind of "an actor, playing a character (Benny), playing an actor (Iona)". There are little things I try to do in each of them that shows a link throughout. One example is when we are singing "The B-I-B-L-E" song, I have Benny sing the final chorus right in T.J.'s ear. It is just a way to show him that Benny can get to him, even though he is just doing what everyone else is doing. I think that gets at a theme in the play, that these characters get certain parts of society all whipped up, just by "being there".

JH: What is the most emotionally difficult part of the play for you? Why?

DA: There are several emotionally difficult parts of the play for me. Two of them are with Mark and the really difficult part is that my character cannot comfort him at either point, it just wouldn't work in the story. One is at the end of Act I, and the other is in Act II when he is yelling at Benny in the dressing room. At least there Benny gets to give him a sign of the depth of the friendship. These are difficult because the pain he is in at the time is a universal pain. One is realizing the loss of a romantic love and one is the verbalization that he is not happy. I think everyone, who is honest with themselves, knows both of those things. I know I do. The last one is the final scene. It is so real, and as I have said to others, I have been to that event in real life. Twice. I think it is difficult for me on two levels. One is that it brings back memories. The other is that there are people who believe exactly what the preacher is saying during that scene and people do die because of those words and those beliefs. That reality gets me every performance.

Alex Peri (AP) – TJ Brooks

JH: How did being straight in "real life" impact your characterization, the rehearsal process, etc.?

AP: Well, it never really bothered me playing a homosexual. I’ve never seen anything wrong or foreign about the lifestyle. I mean that’s all it is, a way of living. Plus, being a part of a cast of people that I already considered close friends, any insecurity I might have had, was pushed away with knowing we were rehearsing in a safe place.

JH: As a straight man in a clearly gay working environment, and considering the content of the play, what do you think is the one thing other straight people with little or no direct contact with homosexuals either don't understand or incorrectly believe? Do you think this play and others like it change attitudes?

AP: What people who don’t know much about homosexuals or have friends that are gay need to know they are just like straights. Same thoughts, same daily routines. It’s funny because one of the comments I hear from people my age the most when they aren’t exposed to the gay lifestyle is, "Well, I am cool with them...just as long as they don’t try and hit on me". It’s not like there’s some bizarre change that happens in you when you come out and turn into a sex crazed maniac. These people continue living their lives as they have before and are still the same beautiful human beings they always have been. Just now they are open and accepting of the fact they are attracted to people of the same sex...I have no idea what this play will or has done for the people that have came to see it, but all I can hope is that it is at least giving them the insight to be accepting and understanding of people’s life choices even if they don’t agree with them.

JH: What has been the reaction of your family and friends to this controversial play?

AP: My family and friends have been very supportive of this role. Other than the occasional joke from one of my roommates about having to kiss a guy in the show, they all have been incredibly supportive throughout the process. They all know how important theatre is to me, especially theatre with a message.

JH: What, if any, difficulties did you face when you found out the extent of sexuality you'd be responsible for portraying - i.e. nudity, simulated masturbation, etc.?

AP: The nudity wasn’t really that big of a deal to me. Hey, what can I say, a butt is a butt. But the masturbation I was a little worried about. I can’t stand gratuitous nudity, violence, or language in a show when it’s just for the sake of shock. There’s no point to that. But when it’s there for a reason - to express or highlight something about the overall power and message of the show, then I can find the justification for it and not let it bother me at all.

Andrew Syropoulos (AS) – Andrew Thomas Ford

JH: How do you mentally (and physically) prepare yourself for the amazing journey your character takes each show? Were do you find all of those emotions within you?

AS: Physically, I do the warm up I’ve been doing since high school. Stretching, yoga, and a vocal warm up with articulation exercises. Helps to loosen everything up. Mentally, I reread some of my journal entries I wrote as “Andrew”. I have a huge section in the back of script for his journal and read over that as we near curtain. The emotions come with going through the show. Once the show starts, it’s kind of like a train ride that you can’t get off. It’s going and going and I have to prepare myself emotionally for the big crash. It’s very difficult to find a place in my head where I can justify doing myself harm, but there is a very dark place I go, and I have to be very careful not to let it run me once I’m there. I have to take control.

JH: What is it like dying on stage? What has been its biggest challenge?

AS: Fortunately I don’t have to die in front of everyone. You just see the “right before” and “after”. I’ve always enjoyed when I had to die on stage. It’s a fun challenge to lay still and (kind of) regulate my breathing. The most difficult thing is wanting to watch that last scene. I hear Cathy and Tony and all I want to do is jump up and hug them both and tell them it’s ok.

JH: How (if it did) did it effect you during rehearsals to have to be so sexual, especially with another actor who is not gay himself? Was the experience similar to that described in interviews with the straight stars of Brokeback Mountain?

AS: Well, like the actors in Brokeback, Alex and I decided we had to commit to those particular scenes 100%. If we didn’t take it seriously it would become flat and unemotional. It’s always fun taking someone out of their comfort zone and bringing them into your own. You have a responsibility to make them feel safe and comfortable with you and what you’re doing. And Alex does a great job, he totally commits to every one of those scenes with me and Tony and I give him kudos for that.

JH: Describe how your college training as an actor helped &/or hindered your work here at Spotlighters.

AS: I’ve been trained, mainly in college, to do a lot of research for a character. To get to know what their essence is from the inside out (as opposed to putting him on like a coat and going outside to in.) I’ve been very analytical about this show and my character, researching St. Andrew and prayers and the like. I feel it gave me a really good view of what the author was trying to do, because that is the main goal: trying to find out what the author’s intention was and then reflecting that on stage. I was told early on in this show that the level of my professionalism was a “breath of fresh air”, so I was very pleased to know that my 8 years of acting experience and training was paying off and that people saw and acknowledged that.

Tony Viglione (TV) – Mark Lee Fuller

JH: Have you, like your character, Mark, ever loved someone who didn't love you back? What do you tap into as an actor to find that level of grief at the end of act one?

TV: I have never loved someone as deeply as Mark loves TJ and not had them love me back. I have definitely had longings or crushes on people who didn’t feel the same way. I try as an actor to throw myself completely into the character and feel everything Mark is feeling. At the end of act one TJ crushes Mark by telling him that he cannot see him anymore and leaves him and I try to think how would I feel if the most important person in my life, my husband Ed, left and walked out on me and I may never see him again -- how devastated I would be and then project those feeling to me as Mark when TJ leaves him.

JH: How is playing a character from boyhood to man a challenge? How did you prepare?

TV: It was hard because the show switches from one time period to another and not always in chronological order so it was difficult sometimes to remember “How old am I in this scene?” We did some improv/role playing during the rehearsal process in which we acted out different scenes with our characters at different ages like playing tag as kids, playing truth or dare as teenagers, coming out to each other as young adults. That really helped get into the character at all the different ages.

JH: Similarly, what do you do, or how do you build up that much anger and righteousness?

TV: Thank Del Shores for writing a good script. As an actor I try to really listen to the other actors on stage and listen to what they are saying and just try to feel as though they are saying them to me and how would I feeling in the same situation. Yes, the words and the direction are there. The script might say, "Mark yells angrily"… but when you hear someone saying at your best friend’s funeral that he is evil and turned to devil and is going to hell that makes me angry, upset or whatever other emotions may come out.

JH: Your character also exhibits/portrays a lot of sexuality - simulated masturbation, nudity, kissing another man - what do you think the biggest challenge is in presenting that aspect of Mark?

TV: To just be honest to the character and the message of the show. The show isn’t about the sex or the nudity. Mark isn’t just about the sex. He is truly in love with TJ and he even says it in the show, so trying to not make it to over the top or gratuitous that people are only talking about the nude scene or the sex scene and not what the play is really trying to tell. Yes those scenes make an important point during the show but that’s not the focus and I think that was hard.

It is my hope that this interview might provoke some discussion and thought. The insight, warmth and love these gifted actors have for each other, themselves, their work and this production are nothing less than inspiring. Would that all communities had this depth of feeling and honesty. What a great way to celebrate Gay Pride month!

Southern Baptist Sissies continues at Spotlighters in Baltimore through July 1, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM. Readers of this site are eligible for a $5.00 discount per ticket. Simply mention “BroadwayWorld.com” when you reserve by phone or at the box office, and receive your discount of 33% off the $15.00 ticket price - that’s $10.00 a ticket! Don’t miss this wonderful piece of live theatre!

PHOTOS: Courtesy of the cast and FUZZ Roark of Spotlighters Theatre.

To post a comment, you must register and login.