Interview: Maddy Apple of SHE LOVES ME at Creede Repertory Theatre

Maddy Apple is a New York-based performer, choreographer, teaching artist. As choreographer of Creede Repertory Theatre's upcoming production of She Loves Me, Apple describes her process of creating the physical world and movement style of the musical, directed by Michael Perlman.

CRT: What has been the most rewarding part of choreographing a classic show like "She Loves Me"?

MA: The most rewarding part of choreographing a classic like She Loves Me is finding ways to make it feel new and authentic, while still honoring the text. It has been both a challenge and a pleasure to work specifically on Romantic Atmosphere. The director, Michael Perlman, and I wanted to create an exciting and original production number that still served Amalia's story in Café Imperiale. This was not only challenging because we have a limited amount of ensemble actors and dancers but also because the text focuses so much on the Head Waiter and Butterfingers. Through many discussions and table work, we developed a structure for the number that stays true to the text but also helps deepen Amalia's journey. In our version of Romantic Atmosphere, Amalia is present for the entire number and gets to experience first hand the successes and failures of love. I think she learns in this number that love isn't perfect or what we expect it to be. Love cannot be planned or controlled, just like the Head Waiter's Romantic Atmosphere.

CRT: What kind of research did you do to help prepare you for the style of this show?

MA: In preparing for this show, I researched a few different styles of dance. I focused mainly on Hungarian Folk Dance and several different variations of the Tango. I specifically wanted Romantic Atmosphere to feel authentic to the time and place of She Loves Me. The dance vocabulary in that number is heavily influenced by Hungarian Folk Dance with rhythmic foot slapping and clapping.

CRT: What is your ultimate favorite style of dance?

MA: My favorite style of dance is traditional jazz. I am specifically in love with the choreography and style of the 1950's movie musicals. Whenever I am feeling blue, I watch Goodmorning from Singin' in the Rain. It always does the trick!

CRT: How do you incorporate your own self expression into the shows you choreograph?

MA: I like to believe that all of my choreography inherently carries my point of view and style as an artist. I don't consciously think about incorporating myself into my choreography while creating. It just happens! In creating choreography, I always lead with the story and structure and let the steps fill in the blanks. It's pretty simple once you know what story you are telling!

Don't miss She Loves Me this summer at Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado. For more information and to order tickets online, visit www.creederep.org.

ABOUT CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE

As a cultural home for artists, residents, and visitors of the West, Creede Repertory Theatre creates a diverse repertory season of plays, new works, and dynamic education programs. Founded in 1966, Creede Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company located at 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Each season, CRT produces 7-10 plays in rotating repertory, hosts numerous musical events and concerts, develops new works through the Headwaters New Play Program, and offers nationally recognized educational programming. USA Today called CRT "one of the 10 best places to see the lights way off Broadway" and The Denver Post hailed CRT as "legendary" and "one of the state's top five theatre companies."

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