Other Desert Cities: "impeccably-cast production"

This week on drama on the waterfront, we meet the cast of Other Desert Cities.

“I so much enjoyed Baitz’s play … the twists and turns are carefully exploited as each character creates their own history with such insight. I’d like to tell you what unfolded because it was that exciting. Don’t miss this one… it’s gripping!” said reviewer Kate Spencer about Other Desert Cities.

“Astutely crafted to explode secrets”, said John Smythe of Theatreview about “this impeccably - cast Circa production directed by Ross Jolly.”

So, lets meet this “amazing cast”:

Catherine Downes - Polly Wyeth

“I play the matriarch, Polly, who feels to me like somewhat of a 'Mother Courage' type of person, hauling the wagon and protecting the baggage that is her family. And she does this with wit, panache and staunch - What a great trip! 'Desert Cities' is provocative, heart- rending, challenging - and fun!”

Catherine is one of NZ’s finest theatrical talents, working in theatre, film and television on both sides of the Tasman as an actress, director and playwright. Recent Wellington performances: Four Flat Whites In Italy, A Shortcut to Happiness, The Year of Magical Thinking and Talking of Katherine Mansfield.

Michelle Langstone - Brooke Wyeth

“I just love this play. I love the rhythm and dynamism of the relationships. There is so much history present in every word the characters say to one another. Other Desert Cities is funny and sad, and that's my favourite kind of play. I'm very happy to be making my Circa debut with this production.”

With a starry, award-winning CV from both sides of the Tasman, Michelle is best known for her roles in the TV programmes The Almighty Johnsons, (Love Goddess Michele), and Go Girls (Sarah Bennett). Her recent stage roles include The Lover, and Under Milk Wood (Silo). Other Desert Cities marks Michelle's professional theatrical debut in Wellington.

Jeffrey Thomas - Lyman Wyeth

“Rehearsing this play has proven to be exceptionally enjoyable. Other Desert Cities, like so many great American plays, tells a fascinating and intriguing story. My favourite kind of theatre.”

Jeffrey is well-loved by Circa audiences, having appeared in many plays including The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, August: Osage County, All My Sons and Tribes - to name but a few. And he's enjoyed every minute of it. He also recently featured in The Hobbit – playing the Dwarf king Thror.

Paul Waggott - Trip Wyeth

"It's been such a blast working on such a great script and with such great people. There's something special going on!"

Working regularly at both BATS and Circa theatres, Paul was winner of the Most Promising Male Newcomer at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2010. Paul‘s recent work includes Tribes, Red, Eight, West End Girls, Clybourne Park, A Play about Space, and most recently A Play about Fear.

Emma Kinane - Aunt Silda

“A great role, an awesome bunch of people, and working with an awesome script – what more can I say!”

Emma’s versatility means she can be found acting, singing, and writing for film, radio and stage. And she has won awards in all fields! Her recent performances include All My Sons, Tribes (nominated Best Supporting Actress Chapman Tripp awards), No Naughty Bits, Pasefika, and the cult musical, Dead Tragic, (Emma’s favourite singing role - channelling various pop stars), which has a return season later this year at Circa.

 Other Desert Cities is on in Circa One until 17 May. To book, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz.

 Other Desert Cities production photos by Stephen A'Court.