Performances
Interview with the Director of “A Nice Family Christmas”, Emily Living
Dec
After the opening of “A Nice Family Christmas” by Phil Olson, we checked in with the Director, Emily Living, to ask her about the show.
Question 1: Why did you want to direct this show?
Phil Olson, the playwright, wrote such a delightfully silly script that felt different from the usual cliché holiday plays. From the moment I started reading, I found myself captivated by the characters and reminded of sitcoms from the 90s and 2000s. I have always been drawn to comedic plays and love to make an audience laugh. Directing this production was the perfect opportunity to indulge in my (and the cast’s) goofy impulses, while creating a show where the characters remind you of just how crazy, flawed, yet lovable we all can be.
Question 2: How would you describe your vision for this production?
As I read “A Nice Family Christmas,” I found myself drawn to how much the family interactions reminded me of an exaggerated version of my own family. Even the closest families can have a little disfunction, particularly around the holiday season. I wanted to transport the audience into Mom’s condo and make them feel like they were part of this crazy family. Through the laughs, the drama, and all of Grandma’s unhinged comments, I hope that the audience will find that familial feeling of belonging and joy that the holiday season can inspire.
Question 3: How has the rehearsal process been for this show? What has been exciting? What has been challenging?
The rehearsal process for this production has honestly been fun. I have been blown away by the talent of this cast and their creativity on the stage. It seemed like there was always something different to laugh about in each scene as we played with these characters. Any idea that I had, the cast would run with and create something even better. It was a joyfully collaborative process most days, and that is what I believe theatre should be. I will say that the biggest challenge for the cast has been keeping all their similar sounding lines straight. It is a wordy play, and that is not easy.
Question 4: What has been your favorite moment so far?
My favorite moment was after the first run-through of the entire show. That is when I knew that this would be a production that audiences would enjoy. Seeing the cast connect with each other on stage within the context of the entire storyline was really fun to watch. I knew from that moment that the core of the show was there, and we just needed to start polishing..
Question 5: What should the audience be excited about seeing or experiencing at your show?
The audience should come ready to laugh and feel like they are part of a different dysfunctional family for the night.
Bonus Question: Who in the show is most like their character? Who’s the least?
This is a challenge, because I think that each actor can connect to some aspect of their character. If I had to pick, then it be a tie between Caleb (Carl) and Andrew (Michael). Caleb is witty and great at making those sly comments to get a laugh, which you see Carl do throughout the show. While Micheal is anal retentive, Andrew can also be very particular which was helpful as he built the set for our production. You can see the line between Andrew and Micheal blur as he adjusts items on set, something Andrew would do during breaks in rehearsal.
As for who is the least like their character, Charlotte (Mom) is such a kind person. I could never imagine her playing with people and manipulating them the way that Mom does in this show. Also, Allison (Jil) is naturally a very positive and quieter person compared to how intense her character is on stage.
Overall, the entire cast does such a great job of bringing these characters to life, regardless of how similar or different they are from the actors themselves. This show is so much fun, and I hope you will come see it!
Visit here to learn more about “A Nice Family Christmas” and to get your tickets today.