The MST Q&A: A One Woman Show

Anyone who has been coming to MST for any length of time will be familiar with Claire Hart-Palumbo. As both actress and director, she is part of our history and history in the making. She was the "original" Heidi in THE HEIDI CHRONICLES. The plotting and ruthless Regina in THE LITTLE FOXES. And of course there are the countless Noel Coward hits that she has directed for us over the years.

Currently she can be seen in the one woman tour-de-force THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING (left), that closes this Sunday, February 13th. Let's get to know a little more about Claire as she fills out the MST Q&A...

Full given name: Claire Hart-Palumbo

Hometown: Lexington, TX

Zodiac sign: Taurus

First Houston show ever saw: TUTS production of Oliver, the summer of 1973 or 1974.

Current show you have been recommending to friends: Candida at Classical Theater, with our own Shannon Emerick.

Favorite post-show meal: Soup, or a grilled chicken snack wrap.

Favorite show tune: All the music from Scarlet Pimpernel

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Alan Rickman

MAC or PC? PC, but I was a Mac person for years.

But Not Goodbye

Last book you read: Play it as it Lays

Must-see TV show: Bones, House, and Royal Pains

Last good movie you saw: True Grit

Favorite board game: Trivial Pursuit

Who would play you in the movie? The late Madeleine Kahn.

First stage kiss: long ago to remember

Worst onstage mishap: a champagne glass too vehemently in the first production of Heidi Chronicles. I cut my palm open, onstage.

The Heidi Chronicles

Worst job you ever had: Cleaning hotel rooms for Help People.

Speaking of Coward, Claire will once more helm our revival production of BLITHE SPIRIT.

And that's the word on the street!

The MST Q&A: Hear the Lion Roar

Making his Theater for Youth debut as Aslan (left), creator of Narnia, is Patrick D. Earl in THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW.

Parents might remember Patrick as a sort of "everyman" in this season's THE HEIDI CHRONICLES on the MainStage. If they didn't, they will get a second chance as he takes on the role of Charles II in the regional premiere of OR, this March.

Let's learn a little bit more about Patrick as he fills out the MST Q&A ...

Full given name: Patrick Damien Earl

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Zodiac sign: Aries

First Houston show ever saw: The Bacchae - Nova Arts Project

Favorite post-show meal: Wings

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Ian McKellen

MAC or PC? Mac

Most played song on your iPod: Mac

The Heidi Chronicles

Last book you read: Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia)

Must-see TV show: The Office, Bones, Weeds, and 30 Rock in any order

Last good movie you saw: The Town

Pop culture guilty pleasure: Stargate SG-1 (nerdy right?)

Favorite board game: Trivial Pursuit

Favorite cereal: Coco Puffs, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Count Chocula in any order

Special skills: I can juggle and do aerial silk...but not at the same time.

Who would play you in the movie? A Superhero...Especially Robin, but only if it was a Batman directed by Christopher Nolan.

Worst onstage mishap: Split my pants swing dancing in Midsummer... butt facing the audience.

My guess is Patrick meant he would like to play Robin in the movie. I can assure you, Patrick doesn't go around in tights and a cape usually. My next question though, is which Robin? Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, or Tim Drake?

And that's the word on the street ...

The MST Q&A: Masquerade!

Earlier this season, we learned a bit about Richard Solis the actor. Now we learn a bit more about Richard the artist. His talents have been put to the test with our current show THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW. The picture to the left was the model on which Richard based his own plan.

Producing Director Vivienne St. John says, "Richard Solis, Theater for Youth props, mask and puppet designer, created the mask Aslan wears in The Magician’s Nephew. Below are some photos documenting his process in creating the mask. In the show several of the actors wear masks. It is Richard’s job to make sure that they not only represent the director’s vision for the characters but also that they fit comfortably for the actor so they don’t inhibit the actor’s performance. Creating masks is time-consuming and requires lots of patience and creativity. Great job, Richard!"

Take a look at the progress of Aslan's mask as Richard once again fills out the MST Q&A...

Full given name: Richard Solis

Hometown: San Antonio

Zodiac sign: Aries

What inspired you while preparing for this production? In this production I had to really multitask, Not only was I responsible for the props, I was also responsible to build the puppets and masks used in the production. The Masks were ultimately designed by Troy Scheid and I was the artisan who constructed them. Origami inspired the puppets. And Aslan was inspired by the costumer Macy Perrone and I brainstorming different ideas. In productions utilizing puppets and masks usually they are work shopped weeks before the show begins rehearsals sometimes longer. The Lion King for example work shopped the puppets for almost 5 years before the production began. In our case we just do not have the time so all these mask and puppets have to be done quickly. A good example is I built ASLAN in TWO DAYS. In this case not one idea or inspiration was used but many from different people and different sources. The hard part is deciphering all the ideas and inspirations given and putting them into one Idea and then interpreting them into a object that satisfies everyone involved. But that is one of the exciting challenges of theater.

First Houston show ever saw: The first show I saw at Main Street was the first show I worked on in the youth theater in 2002, It was SIDEWAY STORIES FROM THE WAYSIDE SCHOOL.

Current show you have been recommending to friends: MAGICIANS NEPHEW of course, But I am also in The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Country Playhouse, I play Barfee. Come see my Magik Foot!

Favorite post-show meal: I really do not like to eat before a show, So I eat small snacks, Beef Jerky, Gummie candy etc.

Favorite show tune: I like almost all musicals.

Performer you would drop everything to go see: The Cure, Lady GaGa, Of course Im not paying 800.00 for two tickets!!! to her April show here in Houston.

MAC or PC? Either as long as it works, I have an old Sony Vaio right now.

Most played song on your iPod: Deadmau5 Afterhours

Last book you read: Barkers The books of Blood on my I-Phone

Must-see TV show: Kill it Cook it Eat it..If you havent seen this you really have too, Anything with Chef Ramsy!

Last good movie you saw: TRON in IMAX 3d

Pop culture guilty pleasure: INVICTA WATCHES, STAR WARS, TATTOOS

Favorite board game: I really get BORED when I play these games so I stay away from that.

Favorite cereal: All of them!

Special skills: I can litterally make anything out of Masking Tape! I know WEIRD!

Most “happy mistake” on a production: I really dont know I make so many mistakes that turn out to be somewhat happy?

Worst job you ever had: Lets See? HEB, Mail Boy, PLASTIC INJECTION FACTORY worker, Pharmacutical plant worker

Richard, thanks for the progress report! I would say you certainly passed the test with flying colors!

And that's the word on the street...

The MST Q&A: It May Be Cold, but the Costumes Are Hot!

How do we love Macy? Let me count the ways! Ms. Perrone is dressing up MST in fine fashion this season. She brought the 80s back in THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, provided scarves and hats for MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS, and this week she brings Narnia to life in THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW (left).

Macy was also the force behind our recent hit, A CATERED AFFAIR. From a beautiful wedding gown, to dressing the neighborhood gossip mongers, to the everyday cab driver, 1953 Bronx, NY was dressed up wonderfully.

Let's learn a bit more about Macy as she fills out the MST Q&A...

Full given name: Macylyne Malmstrom Perrone

Hometown: Price, Utah

Zodiac sign: Leo {before all this uproar, now I'm just confused :) }}

What inspired you while preparing for this production? The music, definitely! As well as, the other design elements. I have also, previously, worked with quite a few of the actors, and I particularly enjoyed collaborating with them to find the heart of each of their characters.

The Light in the Piazza

First Houston show ever saw: Ages, and ages ago I saw Agatha Christie's THE UNEXPECTED GUEST as part of The Alley's Summer Chills Series...it was great!

Current show you have been recommending to friends: A Catered Affair

Favorite post-show meal: Tacos!

Favorite show tune: The Ballad(s) of Sweeney Todd

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Gary Allan

MAC or PC? MAC!!

Most played song on your iPod: at the moment...anything Damien Rice

Last book you read: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Must-see TV show: Modern Family

Last good movie you saw: True Grit

Pop culture guilty pleasure: Reality Television...those Real Housewives and Toddlers wearing Tiaras are a real trip!

A Catered Affair

Favorite board game: Clue

Favorite cereal: Oh's!

Special skills: I can complete many tasks with my feet...picking up seam rippers and other sewing objects, turning on and off the bath tub faucet, petting my cat, etc.

Most “happy mistake” on a production: I had to come up with a quick/temporary pregnant belly for Lucy Brown in THREE PENNY OPERA, and the closest round object was a bowler hat. It turned out to be a great schtick when she revealed the "non pregnancy" and pulled it out of her dress on stage. Win. Win!

Worst job you ever had: VHS production warehouse...not my forte BUT I was the Shrink Wrap Queen.

Thanks Macy! Tomorrow we learn more about Richard Solis, fellow designer on THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW and his fantastic masks!

And that's the word on the street

The MST Q&A: Christina is a Wonder!

When we last saw Christina Stroup at MST, she was wacking Jamie Gieger, the husband with the roving eye, with flowers as the firey Franca in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. This month you can catch her once more paired with Jaime in A CATERED AFFAIR as the ever practical Janey looking for a quick wedding to earn a free honeymoon. Learn more about Christina as she fills out the MST Q&A...

Full given name: Christina Michelle Stroup

Hometown: George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Zodiac sign: Pisces

Audition Monologue/Song: "But the world goes round" by Kander and Ebb, "Is it really me?" from 110 in the shade, and "Alone" by Heart.

First Houston show ever saw: Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf at the Alley.

Current show you have been recommending to friends: "The Marvelous Wonderettes" at Stages. I'm going back to the show in February but those girls are powerhouses don't miss it!!!

Favorite post-show meal: As many dairy products as my body can take with a giant diet coke.

Favorite show tune: "The Miller's Son" from A Little Night Music

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Josh Groban

MAC or PC? Mac

Most played song on your iPod: Josh Groban's new cd.

Last book you read: The Runaway Jury by John Grisham

Must-see TV show: CSI, NCIS, and Law and Order SVU

Last good movie you saw: Going The Distance.

Pop culture guilty pleasure: The Nanny and Roseanne

Favorite board game: Apples to apples

Favorite cereal: Special K with strawberries

Special Skills: Knitting, high notes, impersonations (julie andrews, cher, celine dion, britney spears), accents/dialects, looks exotic with mystic tan.

Who would play you in the movie? Jennifer Garner

First stage kiss: Will Luton, my constant costar in high school.

Worst mishap on stage: In high school I played Cinderella in Into The Woods and after my quick change into my ball gown I completely popped out onstage had no idea until the end of the finale. That's the night we taped for archives. Ha ha lucky me!

Worst job you ever had: Working at Build A Bear.

We will miss you when you go back to THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. Know you are welcome anytime!

And that's the word on the street!

Happy New Year!

Can you believe that 2011 is, literally, only days away? December is always a great time of year. Not only is the world looking back on the year that was 2010, but so many of us have a month full of holidays that make you brim with happiness and joy from the inside out.

Many of these holiday traditions carry with it an annual trip to the theater. Whether is be time honored productions like A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker ballet, or seeing the latest production at your favorite theater like The Heidi Chronicles at MST, these trips help create special memories for us all.

While growing up in Massachusetts, my family and another clan took a trip from Williamstown to Boston to see a production of A Christmas Carol. There was some snafu in the box office, for when we arrived there was no matinee production of the show that day! A holiday disaster in the making, yes?

Thanks to the diligent efforts of the theater’s box office, disaster was averted! Though they had no production for us that afternoon, they did know that the Boston Ballet was presenting a school matinee that afternoon. A few quick phone calls, and we were redirected to the ballet’s theater and ushered in for what would be my first viewing of The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky.

Do you have any favorite theatrical holiday memories? Be it New Year’s, Christmas, or the Fourth of July, sit down by the fireside and tell us the tale!

And that’s the word on the street! Happy New Year!

The MST Q&A: Hello Heidi Holland

We have known for years the directing talent of Cheryl Kaplan, but THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, closing this Sunday, December 19th, marks Cheryl's first opportunity to trod the boards at MST. And aren't we glad she did! After winning raves from both critics and theater goers alike, I think it is time to learn a bit more about Cheryl as she fills out the MST Q&A...



Full given name: Cheryl L. Kaplan Zachariah

Hometown: New Jersey/Iowa split

Zodiac sign: Libra

First Houston show ever saw: Copenhagen at Main Street Theater

Current show you have been recommending to friends: The Heidi Chronicles, of course

Favorite post-show meal: Granola bar and an apple - I have to be able to fit into the pants by the end of the run!

Favorite show tune: "Lullaby of Broadway"

Performer you would drop everything to go see: I basically drop everything to see shows as it is!

MAC or PC? PC but considering converting

Most played song on your iPod: podcasts of "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" and "This American Life." Total nerd.

Last book you read: "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks

Must-see TV show: Re-runs of "Quantum Leap", currently "Medium," "Caprica" and "The Closer"

Last good movie you saw: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Favorite cereal: Granola or grape nuts with yogurt on good days, Froot Loops or Lucky Charms on bad.

Special Skills: I can cross only one eye at a time, but can't do it for long. Odd that this has never come in handy.

Who would play you in the movie? Drew Barrymore

Worst mishap on stage: The baby burning in "Wondergirl" I think is tied with the time I fainted on stage in front of about 300 Kindergartners and made them cry because they thought I died. Is the worst over?

Worst job you ever had: Picking up animal carcasses and dropping them off at the incinerator. Also the psychology experiments were pretty awful. I only worked for one day on each job so the damage wasn't too steep. Made waiting tables a luxury.

Hmmm... I just think Cheryl won the "Worst Job Ever!" prize for the fall!

And that's the word on the street!

Everyone's a Critic! The Heidi Chronicles

THE HEIDI CHRONICLES opened Thanksgiving weekend to all but sold out houses. Did you see it? What did you think? We would love to hear your opinion, so comment away!

One patron via email said, "We saw it last night. Great performance. Keep up the good work."

Another saw the same performance, and promptly called and donated $1000.00!

Way to go Heidella!

The MST Q&A: Bonne Annee Madeline!

Tomorrow is our last day of Family Matinees for MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS. It has been a wonderful run at this most wonderful time of the year.

Madeline is played by Caroline Menefee. Many of you know her from last year's Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business. As we bid Madeline bon voyage, let's learn a bit more about Caroline as she fills out the MST Q&A...

Full given name: Caroline Ashton Menefee

Hometown: Alvin

Zodiac sign: Leo

Audition Monologue/Song: Still Hurting- The Last 5 Years or Show Off- The Drowsy Chaperone

First Houston show ever saw: Macbeth at The Alley

Current show you have been recommending to friends: I don't get to see too much theater with my crazy schedule, but I recently saw Blithe Spirit at my old Community College and loved it!

Favorite post-show meal: Normally finishing my coffee and I'm a cracker fanatic.

Favorite show tune: I did Into the Woods earlier this year and fell in love with No One Is Alone.

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Muse, John Legend or Judy Garland if it were possible.

MAC or PC? PC unfortunately.

Most played song on your iPod: Dancing by Elisa

Last book you read: I just finished a Greg Iles thriller.

Must-see TV show: Weeds or How I Met Your Mother

Last good movie you saw: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Pop culture guilty pleasure: Trash Tabloids or reality t.v.

Favorite board game: Me and my family always play this card game Nerts.

Favorite cereal: Bran.

Special Skills: My eyes can do some crazy tricks, I can get rid of anyone's hiccups, and I can recite the entire movie Home Alone...maybe that will come in handy one day.

Who would play you in the movie? I would hope Meghan Fox but probably someone like Anne Hathaway or Rachel McAdams

First stage kiss: Senior year in 42nd Street and it was an old friend who was too scared to kiss me so my dad yelled from the audience during a rehearsal, "Just kiss her already!"

Worst mishap on stage: When people trip it's normally bad because I cannot keep it together after that but once during a youth theater show, a co-star had a booger on his face and we couldn't seem to tell him so we tried not to crack up the whole rest of the show.

Worst job you ever had: When I was about 13 I twisted and stripped iron one day for my dad in 105 degree heat. Worst job ever.

Thanks Caroline! Hey, maybe you can replace Meghan Fox in the next Transformers film!

And that's the word on the street!

The MST Q&A: Light Floods in Stage Left

Say hello to Carrie Cavins! Newly transplanted to the Houston area, lighting designer Carrie Cavins makes her Main Street Theater debut with our MainStage production of THE HEIDI CHRONICLES.

Let's learn a bit more about Carrie (and take a look at previous work) as she fills out the MST Q&A...


Full given name: Carrie D. Cavins

Hometown: Fort Worth and many others

What inspired you while preparing for this production?
The complex issues that Heidi has to move through to get to a place that she feels she has a place in a world full of one-sided thinking. The courage she has to be able to stand up in what she believes in and the ability to help make a change in a world that is resistant to change.

First Houston show ever saw: An India Festival

Current show you have been recommending to friends: The Heidi Chronicles

Favorite post-show meal: Anything that sets right.

Favorite show tune: Master of the House - Les Miserable’s

MAC or PC? PC

Last book you read: The Colorado Kid

Must-see TV show: HBO - True Blood

Last good movie you saw: Red

Favorite board game: Monopoly – Trivia Pursuit

Favorite cereal: Most any that isn't good for you.

Special skills: Can out talk most anyone and annoy them.

Carrie also tried to introduce us to the greatness she knows as Grippos Potato Chips. I got Cheddar with a touch of jalapeno. A touch? I think I am still feeling the heat! Ooooo-Weeeee!

And that's the word on the street