BWW Interviews: THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL to Debut at Old Opera House

Grab a six pack and your plastic pink flamingos, because The Great American Trailer Park Musical is coming to the Old Opera House in Charles Town, WV. Described as an "episode of Jerry Springer set to music", The Great American Trailer Park Musical takes a hilarious and often touching look at the lives of the residents in one of Florida's finest trailer parks when Pipi, a stripper on the run, comes between Dr. Phil-loving housewife Jeanne and her husband Norbert. The show is directed by David Porterfield, musically directed by Alison Shafer and choreographed by Ed Conn.

"The show really is funny and has an amazing score. You'll be humming these tunes for days" said Ed Conn, who also plays Duke. "I loved the music rehearsals! There are fun uptempo songs, really cool character songs and heart breaking ballads. There is also a very interesting combination of musical styles" said Denise O'Brien on playing Betty.

In fact, the unique songs were what first interested director David Porterfield in the musical.

"Initially I was attracted to this musical by the music. I purchased a CD of the original Off-Broadway production and I found the music to be an interesting mixture of country rock tunes and beautiful ballads set to delightfully clever and many times outrageous lyrics. It was quite a while before I read the script and, after I did that, I was more anxious than ever to direct it" said Porterfield

Of course, one of the most entertaining factors of The Great American Trailer Park Musical is the colorful cast of "trailer trash" inhabitants.

"The biggest challenge of the piece (besides the logistics of having two trailers on stage) is taking these extremely off-the-wall characters and allowing them to play everything to-the-hilt but also finding the reality and believability in all of them. Because if you look slightly beneath the surface of all the characters in the play, you very well may see aspects of yourself or someone you know" said Porterfield.

"I play Norbert Garstecki, a simple man with a kind heart who is going through a mid-life crisis as he tries to deal with his wife's affliction (agoraphobia). The challenge has been finding a happy medium in portraying him as a real person while still giving him some of the 'redneck' qualities audience members are expecting when they come to see a show titled The Great American Trailer Park Musical! said Jeff Wine on playing Norbert. "I think it is very challenging for an actor or actress to open themselves up to pretend to be intimate with another human being" added Irina Price, who plays Pipi.

" I've fallen a bit in love with my character Betty. She comes off like this tough woman but she has a very soft heart and really cares about the other people in her trailer park. Betty also morphs into a number of really fun and interesting characters, including a famous TV show host, a "red-neck" at a strip club and a disco queen. Who wouldn't love to play this character?" said O'Brien. "The most challenging aspect of the show was being playing a character type I've never played before. Also, the numerous props I have at any given time are hilarious" said Conn.

The cast is ready to welcome an audience into the wacky world of the Armadillo Acres Trailer Park on opening night.

"This show is a lot of fun!! It's a bit different than your average musical and the show is rated R, so it's not for everyone. But if you are up for a wonderfully tacky, slightly off color roller coaster of humor, music and characters that you will fall in love with, then this is the show for you!" said O'Brien

"The witty dialogue and catchy, country-flavored tunes provide for entertainment at its very. The show has heart and, although some of the language and content come with a warning label, everyone is encouraged to come in with an open mind. Just be prepared to sit back and enjoy non-stop laughter from beginning to end!" added Wine.

"This show lends itself to many interpretations. Its interesting to see which aspects of the story people relate to. Audiences will enjoy the humor as well as the amazing music the show provides" said Price. "Any adult who is interested in spending a few hours laughing at and sympathizing with the foibles of Stark, Florida trailer trash will love this show. If people want to hear great music sung by some of the best vocalists in the area, they should not miss The Great American Trailer Park Musical" said Porterfield.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical also features Holly Legg as Jeanne Garstecki, Jennifer George as Linoleum "Lin" and Karilee Grossnickle as Donna "Pickles". The Great American Trailer Park Musical will run April 24, 25, 26, 30, May 1, 2 and 3 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM, the Thursday performance is at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $15 for adults for the Thursday evening performance, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees and $12 for students at all performances. The show is rated R for strong adult language and situations and NOT recommended for children. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Old Opera House

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