Welcome to Artist Features—an offering from Now & Then that provides depth and insight into the work of our artists. For show info and tickets, visit our box office.
Meet Actor Natalie Andrews
Natalie performs in Reach/Recover, the next #newworkshop selection in Now & Then's 3rd season. Artistic Director John Perovich had a chance to speak with Natalie about the process. Reach/Recover by Christopher Patrick Allen will be presented to audiences tonight, Friday, March 6 at 7:30PM and tomorrow, Saturday, March 7 at 11:00AM
John Perovich (JP): Natalie! Thank you for returning at Now & Then. We recently had you join us for Lottery House by Angelica Howland (which was just accepted to the Valdez Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Alaska!). Can you share a bit with us about your character for Reach/Recover?
Natalie Andrews (NA): I play Julie, who is a student struggling to keep up with the expectations of school, her family and her peers. As the play progresses, we learn more about her past and why she is so stressed, shut down, and closed off to those around her. I like Julie's story and the way Chris wrote it because it explores and normalizes the experiences and difficulties of reaching out for help in the midst of healing wounds from our past.
JP: That was beautifully shared, Natalie, and something—I think—many of us can relate to. Can you share a bit of your process with us? How has it been different for this workshop of Reach/Recover?
NA: Staged readings are very challenging, especially for ensemble pieces and musicals! But this process has really forced me to engage my curiosity and make quick decisions about my character. The script is very involved for the whole cast and we really have to keep on our toes. Something I am really grateful for in this process is the warm and welcoming energy of our director, Taylor Moschetti. She really challenged the actors to breathe as much life and energy as we can into these characters in the time that we have.
JP: That's wonderful—we are very grateful to have Taylor joining us for this process. For those out there who would like to work more with Taylor, she is the Artistic Director of Laughing Pig Theatre—check them out! Final question: There are so many options for seeing theatre in the valley or staying at home to stream entertainment. Why should audiences come see Reach/Recover?
NA: Reach/Recover is a story about the beginnings and endings of relationships that will most certainly resonate with a lot of people. AND it is told with humor, soaring musical numbers, and beautiful astronomy metaphors. What is not to love?
Reach/Recover by Christopher Patrick Allen will be presented to audiences Friday, March 6 at 7:30PM and Saturday, March 7 at 11:00AM. For info and tickets, click here.