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.
