Sam Taylor returns to Middleton Players Theatre after his debut as Edward Bloom in Big Fish. This year Sam plays Franklin Shepherd in Merrily We Roll Along, the ambitious friend whose personal life is sometimes at odds with his professional success.
Merrily We Roll Along moves back through the memories of three friends. What do you hope the audience will remember from this production?
I hope audiences will reflect on their own relationships and the impact friends and loved ones have had in shaping who they are. If it happens to inspire folks to reconnect with friends lost with time, even if a simple text saying "Hey, I'm thinking of you," that'd be pretty special, too.
What makes having OLD friends so meaningful?
There is a general comfort that is hard to otherwise attain. A comfort in yourself, a trust in the other person, and the ability to exist in a space without overthinking or pretending. You can just BE together; that’s really special.
What’s the best thing about making NEW friends?
So many things to learn from others! You can find new passions, new tastes (in music or food or movies, you name it), new places, new people. They help break up routine and open the door to new opportunities you may not have otherwise explored.
What’s your favorite line or lyric from Merrily We Roll Along? Why?
Right now I have "Growing Up (Part 1)" stuck in my head. Specifically, "Facing facts, not escaping them. Still with dreams, just reshaping them. Growing up." The song is an honest reflection of how we navigate when our dreams face off with the real world. Can you be both a realist and a dreamer? Where is the line between compromising your dreams and abandoning your dreams?
As you’ve been rehearsing this story about creative people, how have you reflected on your own creative process?
For me, collaboration is key. I find my best work is brought about when I'm surrounded by interesting, creative, and passionate people. It's more fun, it's more interesting, and there's always opportunity to learn and grow.
Charley, Frank, and Mary all have big dreams. What was your big dream when you were younger?
As I recall, there were two big dreams throughout my childhood, to either be a professional baseball player or an "elephant farmer." The former was unrealistic because I definitely did not have the skills to back it up (but boy did I have spirit), whereas the latter was unrealistic because it's simply not a thing. Thinking back, I'm pretty sure I was imagining working on an elephant sanctuary, which still sounds pretty nice.
What is your big dream now?
I wouldn't say I have one big dream anymore, just a bunch of little ones. For instance, I want to visit Banff National Park and spend more time in nature. Or, I hope one day to make an album of original music. Oh, and I guess I still wouldn't mind being an elephant farmer.
Don’t miss Sam onstage in Merrily We Roll Along May 9-18! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.