We asked ensemble member Elyse Dolan (director) a few questions about her work on COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA.
What drew you to this project?
When I first read this play, I was struck by how modern it felt. Though written 75 years ago, the struggles & pressures that Lola, Doc, & Marie face in this piece—loss & infertility; a marriage abraded by addiction; the scrutiny & judgement of a woman’s sex life—are still deeply relevant today. Plus the opportunity to collaborate with Wendy & Phil (both attached to this project from conception) was impossible to turn down!
As an ensemble and staff member of American Blues, you’ve seen the work of many of your fellow artists in the cast. What are you looking forward to with this talented bunch?
I’m thrilled to have so many ensemble members, artistic affiliates, and past collaborators in the cast, especially as we celebrate our 40th season here at American Blues! One of the great gifts of working at an ensemble theater is the level of earned trust between artists. It’s especially valuable on a show like Come Back, Little Sheba, which requires a great deal of emotional vulnerability from its actors. With performers of this caliber working on their “home turf” – I have no doubts that the audience is in for an unforgettable experience.
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Without revealing too many secrets, what will surprise the audience about this production?
It’s going to be up-close & personal. We’ve chosen to stage this piece in our black box studio theatre to heighten the immediacy of the piece. This isn’t a mid-century museum exhibit. We want audiences to sit in the Delaney’s parlor and experience the emotional wallop of this show firsthand.
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What are you working on next?
As a director, I’m collaborating with Sheba cast member Maya Lou Hlava once again on a reading of The Best Damn Thing by Hanna Kime, here at American Blues. As Associate Artistic Director, I’m helping produce the remainder of our current season and our soon-to-be-announced season 41!