Interview: Modern Comedy at Old Opera House Proves Beauty is More Than SKIN DEEP

Opening this Friday at the Old Opera House in Charles Town, WV, Skin Deep proves romance is based on more than just appearances and beauty is really much more than skin deep.

Written by Jon Lonoff and directed by Steven Brewer, Skin Deep is a romantic comedy about a blind date between loveable and awkward Maureen Mulligan, played by Ashley Snow, and sweet but forthright Joseph Spinelli, played by Micheal George. Set up by Maureen's quirky sister, Sheila, played by Jen George, and Sheila's eccentric husband, Squire, played by Will Heyser-Paone, Maureen and Micheal must see if they can move past their appearances and their own hilarious self defenses to reveal their true feelings for each other.

Skin Deep is an intimate, modern comedy with a single set and four actors. It is stark departure from some larger production musicals and comedies recently produced at the Old Opera House and the actors enjoyed working together in a smaller cast.

"There are only four of us, so we get a chance to get the relationship details right and work off each other" said Will Heyser-Paone.

"The cast and crew have been great. I have worked with every single cast member before on several shows and I'm married to one of the cast members. So the rehearsal process was just plain fun" said Micheal George

The actors also enjoyed developing dimensional and emotionally realistic characters in this comedy.

"Bringing these characters to life has been fun! We each have vibrant and obvious personalities, but some real insecurities underneath. There is definitely more than meets the eye and it is fun to dive those depths with the characters" said Ashley Snow.

"This is my first time in a non-musical show, not in the ensemble, and playing one character. That being said, it was challenging to develop a [single] character over the show. Making Joe a real person with real emotions and personal growth during the show was not easy for me" said Micheal George

The Skin Deep cast faced several additional logistical challenges while working on a modern comedy.

"There is lots to do in each scene, from getting ready, to cleaning, to eating, and more and it has been challenging, yet fun to make sure everything and everyone is in the right place at the right time" said Snow

"The fact that there are only four of us is also challenging because you've got to bring your A game to everything you do. There are a lot of moments which happen between the lines, so we're all working on getting the timing right and not just rushing through it. It's important to give the quiet moments their own life" said Heyser-Paone

The Skin Deep cast and crew hope the audience will emotionally connect in real life to the story onstage.

"This is a great show for audiences because of the wide emotional range it covers. There will be lots of laughter and some tenderness too. It is a great romantic comedy!" said Snow

"Some people will really connect with the situations that happen on stage because they have experienced those situations in real life or know someone that has [experienced them]" said Micheal George.

"It's a sweet show with a lot of heart and some fairly subtle emotional messages, but it's also really funny. The audience is going to have a good time, really care about the characters and root for them. The story is simple, but it uses that simple story to say a lot, including some messages which are important for today's audience. Plus it's a great cast with excellent direction, so why wouldn't you want to see something funny, sweet, and well-made?" said Heyser-Paone

Skin Deep will run April 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and May 1 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees and $12 for students at all performances. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Old Opera House

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