BWW Interviews: JD Triolo of Bucks County Playhouse's MAME

MAME, starring Andrea McArdle as Mame and Lea DeLaria as Vera Charles, will begin May 23, 2013 at Bucks County Playhouse. We had a chance to sit down with JD Triolo who plays young Patrick in the show.

Triolo was last seen in the Walnut Street Theatre's production of THE MUSIC MAN, and also has performed in shows at the Media Theatre. We had a chance to speak with Triolo between shows about how he got involved in theatre and how he is enjoying being in MAME.

Kelli Curtin: How did you become interested in acting?

JD Triolo: When I was 7 years old I saw MARY POPPINS, and I knew I wanted to be play Michael Banks. I then began taking acting classes at the Media Theatre, and Jesse Cline has been a great mentor.

Kelli Curtin: What do you enjoy most about being onstage?

JD Triolo: I love when I hear audiences clapping; it gives me the feeling I made someone's day. That makes me happy.

Kelli Curtin: When you are not acting what do you enjoy doing?

JD Triolo: I enjoy swimming, when I have time off between plays I am usually swimming. I also like watching movies, "Breaking Dawn Part 2" and "Hunger Games" are two of my favorites.

Kelli Curtin: Do you have a favorite part in MAME?

JD Triolo: I enjoy the first song I sing, "St. Bridget" with Jennifer Bissell. I also like the song, "My Best Girl" that I get to sing with Andrea. I really love the whole show.

Kelli Curtin: When did you start acting?

JD Triolo: I did my first show when I was 8. I played the role of Jaq in CINDERELLA. I really love that show. I also got to play Mowgli in THE JUNGLE BOOK at the Media Theatre. I really liked playing that role.

Kelli Curtin: What was the most challenging thing to learn in rehearsal?

JD Triolo: Probably the song "St. Bridget." I had difficulty learning the harmony.

Kelli Curtin: Are there any roles you would love to play someday?

JD Triolo: I would love to play Pugsley from THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Ralphie from the A CHRISTMAS STORY, the Brother of Elf in ELF, and Michael Banks in MARY POPPINS.

Kelli Curtin: You recently did a short film, "Detention." Was it more difficult to perform in front of a camera than onstage?

JD Triolo: It is more difficult to perform live on stage. In a film if you mess up you can redo it. Film takes longer, "Detention" is about 6 minutes long and it took 3 days to film. I really like performing on film and on stage.

Kelli Curtin: What is it like for you to work with Andrea McArdle?

JD Triolo: It is a really great experience. She has become a mentor to me, when I ask for help she always helps me. She is such a great actor to learn from and this has been a great experience. I also love working with the whole cast, everyone is really kind and sweet.

MAME begins at the Bucks County Playhouse on May 23, 2013. Call their box office at (215) 862-2121 or go online at www.bcptheatre.org for tickets.