Maddy most recently graced the Middleton Players Theatre stage as The Witch in Big Fish. If she had looked into her crystal ball then, she might have seen herself joining the cast of Merrily We Roll Along as Gussie Carnegie, an unapologetically ambitious performer and tastemaker.
Merrily We Roll Along moves back through the memories of three friends. What do you hope the audience will remember from this production?
Everyone has the choice to make the right decision. What is the right decision? What do you value most? Also, try to enjoy where you’re at right now because things change.
What makes having OLD friends so meaningful?
Old friends have been there through the good and the bad, but are still here. It’s very special to see someone you’ve known forever grow to be authentically them.
What’s the best thing about making NEW friends?
The hope in life is that you’re constantly growing. Sometimes it’s nice to have a fresh slate and meet someone exactly where you’re currently at. No throw back to when you embarrassingly did the wrong thing that one time in middle school.
What’s your favorite line or lyric from Merrily We Roll Along? Why?
I really like Merrily for the lines/lyrics that foreshadow other scenes. For example - thinking about “Not a Day Goes By” and the context that you have after seeing both versions gets me every time. Also, it makes for a fun rewatch!
As you’ve been rehearsing this story about creative people, how have you reflected on your own creative process?
I really enjoyed diving into discussion about each character and how they relate to each other. Being as prepared as I can be is big for me. If I feel confident going in, it makes for a much smoother process. Every day I try to study my lines and blocking outside of rehearsal. Sometimes fun things like making a playlist for my character helps me get in their mindset too!
Charley, Frank, and Mary all have big dreams. What was your big dream when you were younger?
To be a singer!
What is your big dream now?
To be doing the things that make me happy every day: singing, theatre, spending time with my husband and fuzzy son, Ollie. Fun answer: It would be cool to be in a band someday.
Don’t miss Maddy onstage in Merrily We Roll Along May 9-18! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.