Struts & Frets: Interviews with Cast & Crew of King John - Travis Klemm

Travis Klemm has never officially run for Pope, but if he could, we know who we'd vote for. Oh, wait. Never mind, we read his Struts & Frets and realized it's probably best the Vatican doesn't let us vote in such matters. But, he's still wildly entertaining here and as Cardinal Pandulph in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John. Check him out below, then check him out in the show!

Dona nobis paKlemm

HID: Okay, first things first, what's your favorite color and what's your character's favorite color?

TK: My favorite color is green, while Pandulph's is a nice velvety red. Far more interesting though are our favorite smells: I like fresh baked cinnamon rolls, while Pandulph loves the scent of human despair, with just a hint of lilac. 

HID: If Pope Innocent were to die, and New Pope (Pope Francis) were to take over, how would Pandulph react? Would they get along?

TK: For starters, why are we assuming that Francis would be the next pope? Pandulph has quiiiiite a few favors to call in at the old college of cardinals, and you'd be surprised how much bribe money can be stashed inside a hollowed out crucifix. If all else fails a pocket full of charcoal will keep that smoke billowing black til they make the choice the Lord really wants. 

HID: Pandulph kind of helps to throw a pall over Blanch and Lewis' marriage. Have you ever accidentally or intentionally broken up a couple?

TK: I have before, and I will again, but we can't go giving away all our secrets now can we? 

HID: Being representative of the pope must be pretty taxing, when Pandulph isn't doing pope-y errands, or serving as God's vessel, how does he like to unwind?

TK: On his days off Pandulph enjoys the usual things. Chasing peasants, belittling surfs, selling indulgences for extra spending money, and torturing puppies in the basement of the abbey. Sometimes he likes to disguise himself as a poor street prophet and travel town to town sowing rumors, discord, and mistrust towards the monarchy.

HID: You have the honor of performing in the most Hamlet Isn't Dead shows of any of the HIDiots, what keeps bringing you back? What show are you most excited about that's coming up in the canon?

TK: It's all about the money and fame truthfully. I can't wait to find out what happens to this Hamlet guy! If he isn't dead, does that mean he's…undead? Are zombies what's rotten in the state of Denmark?!?

Our lips are sealed as far as Denmark is concerned, but the word is out about King John, and the word is good! Last night's show was sold out, so be sure to get your tickets and don't miss this wonderfully unusual event!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Steven Godoy

It's too late, isn't it? You've already looked down at the picture below, and now you're magically trapped in Steven Godoy's eyes forever. *sigh* You're probably not even reading this, because you're so transfixed by his steely gaze. That's alright; it's not like we can blame you. We probably should have censored the picture or something. Oh well. We can think of much worse ways to be stuck.

Actually we can't think of anything else right now. *drool*

HID: Okay, first things first, what's your favorite color and what's your character's favorite color?

SG: Okay, my favorite color is green. Lewis' favorite color is actually Red, but that's the color of the English banners, so he lies and says it's Blue. Gotta keep up appearances.

HID: Lewis is the Dauphin, but if he were transformed into a dolphin what would he do?

SG: I would lead my forces of Bottlenose Brethren and take the Deep Oceans back from those Godforsaken Swordfish. After establishing a puppet government with them, we will harvest their resources to triple our numbers. Once we proven our strength, we will form an alliance with the Killer Whales of the Arctic and the Blue Whales of the Pacific, and, with their reinforcements and swordfish surf labor, launch a full sale invasion on the Coastal Waters currently inhabited by the barbaric Sharks Clans and Subspecies. Once they have been eliminated, we will march on the land, sacking human settlements, until with we have unified the world under one flipper.

HID: Lewis and Phillip have a pretty strong father-son relationship. If they were to compete in a father-son event at a county fair, what would they take home the blue ribbon for?

SG: The sack race. We are very efficient at sacking settlements.

HID: If Lewis wants to feel really sexy, what's his go-to outfit?

SG: My suit of armor. Women love a man in uniform.

HID: You come from a big, Italian family. Have they ever meddled in your love life? Have you ever had to come to the rescue of one of your family members?

SG: No, for a traditional Italian American family they are pretty good at keeping out of my love life, and when I bring a girl around, they are pretty warm and hospitable. I'm the one that keeps getting into trouble. 

Help keep Steve out of trouble by supporting his acting habit. Come see Steve and all of the HIDiots in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John, opening TONIGHT!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Dani Cervone

Brevity is the soul of wit; this much we know to be true. And in the case of Dani Cervone's Struts & Frets interviews, this is the wittiest one of the bunch! We're sure there's more to her answers than meets the eye, so be on the lookout as you read it for acrostics, anagrams, and other secret messages. Read well!

It's a read or be read kind of article.

HID: So first thing's first what is your favorite color and what is your character's favorite color?

DC: My favorite color is burnt orange. Elinor's is cobalt blue

HID: John is obviously Elinor's favorite son--do you have siblings? Are you the favorite child?

DC: I have two siblings, one older sister and one younger sister. I know I am my father's favorite child because I am most like him.

HID: If Elinor was queen in her own right, what would be her first official act?

DC: If Elinor were queen she would change the monarchy in a way that the elder monarch would choose their successor rather than it merely being a birthright. It should remain in the family but only go to the one who can actually handle the responsibility.

HID: Elinor is also not afraid of the battlefield, she's a fighter, what's her workout routine? Cardio? Barre? Does she have a power song she likes to train to?

DC: Cardio-kickboxing to 90s angry grunge.

HID: You have some experience with interactive/improvised theatre, are you applying any of that training in working on King John?

DC: Improv doesn't come into play much in this production so much as Meisner, which I suppose in some way is related because it's about reacting to what you get from the other person.

Did you find the hidden message? If not, read it again. And, failing at that, come ask her in person at Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John, opening TOMORROW!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Isaac Andrew

Happy Spring, everyone! And here comes your favorite Easter Bunny to help you celebrate, Isaac Andrew! (Seriously though, ask him for some Peeps; he's a great sharer) Isaac plays Salisbury and the ever-important First Citizen in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John, and between the show and this interview, he's going to be the only citizen you'll want in your life.

First by name, first by nature.

 

HID: So first thing's first what is your favorite color and what are your characters favorite colors?

IA: I’m going to have to go with Blue. Then again, purple has its charms. What do you get when you mix them? Blurple? Heliotrope! Definitely Heliotrope.

HID: The first citizen comes up with the plot to marry Blanche and Lewis--have you ever been set up on a date or played matchmaker for any of your friends?

IA: Back in High School I was set up by well-meaning friends with a very new age girl named Destiny. I kid you not; I had a date with Destiny. It could have gone better.

HID:  Does Salisbury like Salisbury steak? Is it named after him? What is Salisbury steak?

IA: Salisbury loves a good bit of steak as much as the next man! Turns out, Salisbury steak is just ground beef, sometimes mixed with other foods, shaped like a hamburger patty and broiled or fried, often garnished or served with a sauce. It’s named after J. H. Salisbury (1823 – 1905), a U.S. physician who promoted the eating of such steaks. I know, I’m disappointed too.

HID: Salisbury serves as kind of a punching bag for the court in the beginning, but manages to rise to the top by the end. How does he manage to navigate the political minefield?

IA: Salisbury survives and thrives the many political tumults of the times by listening to 2 things: knowing when to stick unwaveringly to moral principles, and how to abandon them when your life is at stake.

HID: You are a Canadian import, and we feel oh so lucky to have you in New York, what's your favorite quintessential thing you can get in Canada but not in the US?

IA: It’s all about Reese’s. Here, a normal pack is two delicious peanut butter cups, and a king size gets you a third. In Canada, you start with three and get a fourth with a king size. That’s so much more! Americans are getting gypped. In this, and health care.

We're not saying Isaac will buy you a Reese's cup if you come see King John, but we're not saying he won't either. Take a chance for him and the rest of the HIDiots THIS WEEKEND ONLY!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Kathryn Connors

Let's look at the facts: None of Shakespeare's plays are only named solely after a woman. Sure, there are plenty of "Cressidas" and "Merry Wives" in the titles, but where's Shakespeare's answer to all the "Hamlet"s, "Macbeth"s, and "Coriolanus"es? That's a problem we're always ready to solve.

Fact number two is that her initials, KC, are suspiciously close to KJ. For that, and a variety of other talented reasons, we are thrilled to introduce Kathryn Connors as Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John!

"God save the Queen" loses a lot of its impact
when she could probably kick your butt six ways to Sunday.

HID: So first thing's first what is your favorite color and what is your character's favorite color?

KC: PURPLE. I wasn't aware there were any other colors that mattered. But John's got a thing for forest green. She finds it calming, but not girly.

HID: King John is pretty ruthless about gaining power, what is the most ruthless thing you have ever done?

KC: Making my personal training and group fitness clients do burpees. All the burpees.

HID: King John sometimes uses her feminine wiles as a way to get what she wants, if she were planning a seductive evening what would she put on the soundtrack?

KC: 'Remember the Name' by Fort Minor.

"This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skillFifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!"

HID: What are you most nervous about tackling in portraying John?

KC: My crown falling off.....but in all seriousness, the King John of history was kind of a jerk. I'm not super nice in this play either, but John is still human. I don't want the audience to completely hate me.

HID: If the bastard wanted to soothe John by reading her a bedtime story, what would be the best book to read to her to help her sleep?

KC: Spartan UP!: A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life by Joe De Sena and Jeff O'Connell. Aroo, y'all.

Is...is that soothing? Remind us not to have any sleepovers with King John. But you should Spartan up and head down to see Kathryn, and all the other HIDiots, in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John, opening this Wednesday!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Leah Alfieri

Well, well, well. Look who we have here. If it isn't Leah Alfieri! (It is, by the way) It's relatively rare that women get to play Shakespeare's royalty, but Hamlet Isn't Dead is all about fixing that. With a female King John, Leah plays her daughter and heir, Henry III! She also play's John's rival to the throne, the young Arthur! But he's being played as a boy. But Henry III is a woman. It's all very confusing.

The only thing that will serve to clear things up is to agree that Leah is amazing, read this stupendous Struts & Frets, and see the show without delay. Deal?

Deal!

HID: So first thing's first what is your favorite color and what are your characters favorite colors?

LA: The answer for all three is green, and I'm not just saying that to be lazy. For Arthur, it reminds him of where he'd rather be--out in the world (maybe tending sheep?!). Henry prefers a deeper green; it's evocative for her of the ways in which she can preserve her youthful vigor even in the face of great responsibility and tragedy.

HID: Arthur seems pretty uncomfortable about everyone trying to put him in power, but if he secretly had a sadistic side, what would he do as an evil king?

LA: I think that Arthur's closest thing to a "sadistic side" would be a well-intentioned decision with disastrous consequences. So maybe he tries to institute a "Stop Fighting All The Time!!!!!!!!!!!" law and accidentally takes away free speech. 

HID: Arthur also does manage to sweet talk his way out of a really sticky situation. Have you ever talked your way into something or out of a punishment?

LA: I sweet-talked my way into this play. [Editor's Note: Basically, yeah]

HID: Henry is pretty mature for her age, but we bet she still loves to play. What's her favorite game?

LA: Henry is definitely a cards player. Maybe not poker yet, but she's probably recently graduated from something like Uno or Go Fish to something in the bigger league, like Rummy. 

HID: Henry & Arthur are both hardly of age. Is there anything particularly difficult about tackling playing younger characters?

LA: Well, the first step for me when I work on playing younger characters is to establish a very specific physicality. Maybe it's my haircut and/or my frame, but I'm frequently asked to play younger boys; I've learned that there's all sorts of physical layering that needs to be accomplished in order for audiences to suspend their disbelief enough to believe an adult woman as a young boy. In addition to that, children have a fundamentally different way of comprehending and experiencing the world than we do as adults. So as I listen and respond and make choices throughout the play, there's a sort of additional translation process that the events need to go through as they are filtered through the lens of a child. 

Well said, Leah! Come see Leah say lots of other things well (alongside a bunch of other HIDiots) at Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John, opening Wednesday!

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead 

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Brooke Reynolds

If you're reading this on the day it goes out, it's Brooke Reynold's birthday! If you're reading it from the future, we hope you remembered to wish her well! And if you're reading this from the past...but, how??

Either way, welcome to the wonderful world of Brooke Reynolds! Things here are wonderful, wacky, and always full of fun. If these answers don't convince you, check her out in person as Constance in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John! See her before she sees you.

Too late. Brooke always sees you.

HID: Okay, first things first, what's your favorite color and what's your character's favorite color?

BR: My favorite color is black because you can’t tell when I get coffee and dirt all over myself, which is pretty much a daily occurrence because caffeine. (PSA over-comsuption of caffeine can make you hyped enough that you basically roll around the floor screaming giddy gibberish, hence the dirt. Or twerk violently to a beat no one else can hear).

Luckily for me, Constance’s favorite color is also black, which is definitely going to save me some serious time I would have spent in character research. How does her preference for black affect the given circumstances? Is she always overheated? What is it to appreciate the essence of “black” as an entity. Phew. But for real, she’s a widow who wants everyone to know it. So black.

HID: Constance does some pretty serious old-school cursing. If Constance were concocting a physical curse, what are the ingredients she would stew in her pot?

BR: Oh, easy! The tongues of my usurping Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law, the curdled blood of blasphemers, Cardinal Pandulph’s blessed fingernail clippings, the righteous tears of my wronged son Prince Arthur, candied oranges, the soil of my homeland, and a dash of late night merlot. Normally she won’t touch the stuff--it’s been known to loosen bra straps--but a bit of wine in the potion really helps the mixture to release its inhibitions.

HID: Constance also gets into a pretty nasty cat fight with Elinor. If she were to appear on a reality TV show, what would it be?

BR: You would think you might find these sharp-tongued gals drawing blood on The Bad Girl’s Club or Real Housewives, but honestly Constance is all about The Bachelor. After all, hasn’t she been on the market long enough? Hope you’re reading this King Phillip.

HID: Constance is first and foremost a tiger mom. What is her favorite way to bond with Arthur in their downtime?

BR: What good are children if they can’t make their parents feel loved and appreciated? Arthur gives the best footrubs. Prime bonding.

HID: Have you ever played a crazy character or a character who is losing their mind before?

BR: Other than a stint as Isabella in ‘The Madness of Isabella”, most of the characters I play tilt right on the edge madness, or just love to talk too much. But as Isabella would say, “Ding dong ding dong, the bells go up the street, the cats are pawing smartly and the forks are on their feet; the mountains shrink wrap sandwiches of bread and cheese and meat, and still the quibbling chinstraps are resting on their seat"

Makes sense to us! You know what else makes sense? Making sure you don't miss Brooke Reynolds, and all the HIDiots, in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John! Get all your info below!

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it. https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Isaac Allen Miller

You can tell just by looking at him that Isaac Allen Miller gets around. Theatrically! We don't want to know what you were thinking. Even after King John, you'll have the opportunity to see him in Hamlet Isn't Dead's *Shakespeare's Fools' Day* event as a representative of Cutout Theatre Company, as well as in Double Falsehood with Spicy Witch Productions later this year. Like we said, around!

But for now, let's focus on him in his most bastard-y role to date, Philip the Bastard in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John! As brevity is the soul of wit, it's a relatively brief interview, so soak up every word.

Also soak up all the drool we're sure this picture's making you produce.

HID: So first thing's first (as usual). What's your favorite color and what's your character's favorite color?

IAM: My favorite color is pink, the Bastard's favourite color is that color blood leaves when you try to scrub it off your teeth. So I guess it's pink.

HID: The bastard goes from being named Phillip to being dubbed Sir Richard. If you could change your name to anything what would it be? 
 

IAM: August. There's something round and robust about the name, not as sharp as Isaac but still firm. 

HID: If King John and Richard were in a karaoke competition what sweet power duet would they sing to dominate the competition? 

IAM: I can't answer this without spoiling our production. If it were my choice, it would be "Get a Dog" with Homeboy Sandman and Aesop Rock.

HID: If the Bastard had 24 hours to spend in Vegas what would he get up to? 

IAM: LAS Vegas? That's the place with large tubes of M&Ms. He'd probably put on an M&M themed hat, put out a tip jar, and pour M&Ms for people.

HID: The Bastard is pretty cheeky and quick of wit--have you ever had a moment where you were really proud of a comeback or a particularly witty moment? 

IAM: I work with kids and there was this one kid who wouldn't stop calling me mean so I said "You're mean." She was like "No I'm not, you are." Later, she snatched one of her friends books and her friend started crying and I went up to her and I was like "See! SEE! That was OBJECTIVELY MEAN! YOU ARE MEAN! OBJECTIVELY!" I'm acting a lot when I'm on stage, The Bastard's wit doesn't come naturally to me.

 You know what else would be objectively mean? Missing Isaac and the rest of the HIDiots in King John! Don't risk it! Get your tickets today!

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead 

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Shakiera Sarai

When we first met Shakiera Sarai, we assumed she already was a Spanish princess, so this was an easy casting decision. Turns out she isn't, but she's something even better: a really, really, really good actor! Hooray for us! And likely Hooray for Spain, but we'll never really know now, will we? But what we will know are a bunch of fun facts about Shakiera and her process! Read on!

And forgive us if you now have a Moxy Fruvous song
stuck in your head.

HID: First thing's always first: What's your favorite color, and the favorite color of your character?

SS: My favorite color is Red. So many shades can evoke so many emotions, but never subtlety. Blanch's favorite color is Teal. No one can agree if it is truly green or blue, and in certain lights it can surprise. It is muted, but beautiful. 

 

HID: We know you're a very spiritual person. What's Blanch's spirit animal?

SS: Her spirit animal is a Doe. A deer. A female deer. She is gentle, timid, but regal, beautiful. One must be gentle and cautious when approaching her, and her trust must be earned. She does not speak without purpose, and unless looking for her, she can easily be missed. But when found, it is treasured.
 

HID: We don't get to see Blanch's wedding, but we hear she busted out some pretty sweet dance moves at the reception. What is her signature move?
 

SS: Blanch isn't one to be the center of attention. (Though she executed a perfect triple pirouette into leg extension in her third grade Ballet... She of course, was the lead). However, she is a big fan of the "Cha Cha Slide", and if you happen to catch a glimpse of her in the middle of the dancing crowd, (when she is certain no eyes are on her) you'll see her letting loose... And that her hips don't lie.
 

HID: We can't imagine that Lewis would ever do anything to upset Blanch, but if he did somehow land himself in the doghouse, what would he need to do to win Blanch back and stop sleeping on the couch?
 

SS: Blanch is a big fan of the five love languages. Hers are Gifts and words of affirmation. Her love can absolutely be bought... Especially if wrapped in words of love and adoration.

HID: Do you believe in love at first sight? Have you ever dated someone your parents didn't approve of?

SS: Yes, I believe powerful connections can happen between strangers before a word is spoken. I've fallen in love at first sight with several NYC commuters on the train. 

So, be on the lookout, ladies and gentlemen! If you lock eyes with this royal lady, the powers that be may take hold of you. Come risk falling a little with Shakiera, and the rest of the HIDiots, in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John!

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead 

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Dave Hentz

And in this corner, standing at six foot two and weighing in at (a gentlemen never tells) pounds, it's Daaaaaaave Hentz! Dave is our mighty Hubert, and the außergewöhnlich Duke of Austria, and you're going to love him, hate him, then love him again in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John. So read up on Dave in his very first Struts & Frets.

If you're not blinded by that steely gaze first.

HID: Okay, first things first, what's your favorite color and what are your characters' favorite colors?

DH: My favorite color is blue, specifically either cobalt or a nice shade of cerulean. I think Hubert's favorite would have to be green and I'm pretty sure Austria's would be silver/chrome to go along with his swords. 

HID: Austria is somewhat of a renown warrior. Who do you think would win in an arm-wrestle between Austria and Arnold Schwarzenegger? Would they share a beer unt schnitzel after?

DH: Oh, Austria definitely thinks he's a BAMF on the battlefield, which probably doesn't help his ego all the much. However, I think if we learned anything from that awesome "muscle-off"/"air arm-wrestle" that Scwarzenegger had with Carl Weathers at the beginning of Predator, it's that the Arnold would probably take the win without breaking a German sweat. But you totally know that he and Austria are having a blast afterwards, slinging back Schlofferhofer, schnitzel and singing "Danke Schoen" (because they both love Ferris Bueller's Day Off). #80sPride

HID: Hubert seems like kind of a bashful guy just looking for the right lady. What are some of his first date moves?

DH: Hubert's got game, he's just got his own way of playing it. He shows off his sensitive side while demonstrating his manly prowess in a patented system called "The H.U.B.E.R.T. Method", as shown below:

Hold her hand (only if she wants).
Unsheathe your sword (only if she asks to see it).
Brag about how good you are with kids.
Exclude that one time you almost killed Arthur, though...
Rave about how brave you were in French prison.
Take her out for her favorite food (and hope it's not French...).

HID: If Hubert were to pick a Disney movie to watch with Arthur what would it be?

DH: The Jungle Book, hands down, all the way. Arthur totally knows all of the words to "Bare Necessities" and makes Hubert sing along as Baloo. 

HID: What is the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened to you onstage?

DH: A couple of years back, I did this experimental show called The Short Attention Span Theatre, which was my university's homage to a renowned Chicago show that does 30 short plays in 60 minutes, and the audience gets to pick the order. During one particular show, I had to eat a whole Twinkie in about 4 seconds before the next scene, but I couldn't get it down, and the next scene they called was literally just me doing a one-man piece. I literally choked in astonishment, while holding back laughter and tears as I was trying to get this damn Twinkie down my throat. The audience loved it. Funny enough, we still beat the clock that evening...who'd-a-thunk?

Dave's onstage and ready to please (but only if you want him to [but, trust us, you want him to]) in Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John. Don't miss this once-in-a-Davetime opportunity!
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead 

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.

Struts & Frets: Interviews with the Cast & Crew of King John - Josh Mahaffey

Welcome back! Unless it's your first time reading Struts & Frets, in which case...you lucky, lucky reader. Struts & Frets is the only place to read up on the cast and crew of Hamlet Isn't Dead's King John. Except of course for all of the fan-fiction you'll inevitably write after seeing the show. Let's start with a particularly eloquent drink of water, our show's Pembroke and King Philip, Joshua Mahaffey!

Or, as we like to call him, our better maHalf.

HID: First thing's first, what's your favorite color, and what's the favorite color of each of your characters?

JM: My personal favorite is blue. It is just the tops for me. And really any shade. Pthalo to Prussian and everything in between. Oooh! You could mix just a bit of the Titanium white into the Pthalo blue to get some happy little clouds for a cool winter scene! Maybe a 1 inch brush, or the fan brush, whatever, it's your world!
Woops. Too pumped about blue. Gonna re-focus.

King Phillip's Favorite color is red - I imagine that's the pigment he uses when looking at a map and coloring in his currently-held territories. Red is also the color he sees when people speak out of turn during royal parleys!!!!!

Pembroke's favorite color a darkened yellow, almost teetering on brown. The color of parchment paper. Pembroke is a reader, a note-taker, a avid documentarian. He's in his comfort zone when putting ink to paper.

HID: King Phillip is very political; some might even call him a flip-flopper. If he were running for president in this election how would he deal with Trump (Drumpf)?

JM: Great Question. Assuming we've given Phil (and he'd have to go by Phil, "Philip" comes off as too establishment and elite) an extensive tutorial on social media, campaign finance laws, advertising buys, super pacs, third-rail phrases, opposition research, and all of the other fundamental things that make Democracy great, here's how I'd advise him:

*Run to the right of Donald on immigration, by touting Phil's friendly relationship with the 1st Citizen of Angiers, who has first hand experience with using walls to deter unwanted immigration. "We've actually seen it work in Angiers - and We Will Make It Work in AMERICA!"

Then we walk it back in the general by ditching the wall plan, and arranging a marriage between El-Chapo Guzman and Hillary Clinton in which the United States acquires the Sinaloa valley and maybe some other territories, and the U.S. relieves Mexico of the entire trade deficit between the two countries (You know, as a dowry.)

This cost would be off-set by revoking the Catholic church's religious exemption status and imposing a 70% tax on any church revenue (hey, I know it's 2016, but Phil is still REALLY sore about the awkward position the church put him in that one time.....)

HID: King Phillip is also very French, what would you say is the FRENCHIEST indulgence Phillip engages in? Follow up, how does he feel about French toast?

JM: The Frenchiest thing he indulges in? I think in Philip's most private moments, he likes to wear all pink, smoke cigarettes, and sing about his regretful decision to drop out of high school in favor of pursuing a career in the salon world. Oh and French Toast? Oui Oui Oui all day everyday.

HID: You also play Pembroke who is pretty good bros with Salisbury. What do they do on their bro-dates together?

JM: Pembroke and Salisbury go out into the countryside and just relentlessly gossip about and hate on all the members of the court. Sounds something like this:

"It's like, 'of course, I can totally do that for you, but do you have to ask me so condescendingly?'"

"Oh my god tell me about it. And did you see her shoes today?"

"Oh my god, yes I did, hideous!!" (giggling)

"She really needs to stop letting Elinor dress her."

"I know - it's like, 'Um, hello, it's 1202, the times would like to welcome you hither!" (giggling)

HID: What is the most exciting part about this project for you?

JM: There are so many exciting things about this project. I get to work with great people that I know very well, and even more great people that I'm meeting and working with for the first time. This is the first time I've played a king, and it's so great because the language is that of a disciplined, charismatic (if conniving) politician. I'm a huge campaign junkie and an avid fan of shows like the West Wing and House of Cards, so having the opportunity to marry that interest with Shakespeare's language really excites me.

It's also exciting anytime you have the challenge of playing two different characters. What's spectacular about these two is that while they're very different people, they actually have quite a similar emotional journey. Both are players of the game, at very different levels, and both have their power ebb and flow throughout the play. And for both of them, the chink in the armor is the deep, personal, devastation that comes with the loss of a certain character (no spoilers!) Both have moments where the loss of this character puts their political calculations on the back burner. So it's exciting and challenging to do this and still make them completely different people physically, vocally, and emotionally. Yeayy acting!!!!!

Doesn't get much more excited than that! (Or does it?!) You'll have to tune in tomorrow for the next edition of Struts & Frets. And be sure not to miss King John, like you've never seen it before!
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tickets are available at http://hidkj.bpt.me/ -- One weekend only! March 23rd - 26th!

For more information, you can visit http://www.hamletisntdead.com, and be sure to subscribe to our Mailing List while you're there.

If you haven't Liked us already on Facebook, now is the time! All the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/HamletIsntDead

If Twitter's more your speed, we have that too. We just want to please you any way we can.https://twitter.com/hamletisntdead

Or to see us in action, you can check us out (and subscribe, hint, hint) at https://www.youtube.com/user/hamletisntdead 

Basically, if you want to follow us, you just put hamletisntdead after something. And why wouldn't you want to follow us?? We're a lot of fun, we promise.