Interview: Dylan James Mulvaney Brings the Joy to SONS OF THE PROPHET

If you have been to the theatre in San Diego over the last few years, you have probably seen Dylan James Mulvaney on stage. Has been everywhere from the Old Globe in HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, the Cygnet Theatre in SPRING AWAKENING, to the Diversionary Theatre in BARE: A POP OPERA. Dylan returns to Cygnet stage as Charles Douaihy, in their current show SONS OF THE PROPHET.

As Charles, Dylan is tackling a play about a family, and a community struggling to cope with the repercussions from a prank gone wrong. Charles and his older brother Joseph (played by Alex Hoeffler) are reeling from their father's death, dealing with an ailing uncle, and struggling to make some headway in their grief and in their life in a small town. While this may sound serious, Dylan assures that this is a show that will also make you laugh.

"It is a comedy; it is a really funny, funny show that has some underlying truths in it. It's all real, it's out there, and it's different. You leave with a lot of hope, but a lot on unanswered questions as life progresses and we go into the future. It's a situational comedy in the fact that all of this stuff is happening and the audience gets to look into our world. It's a fun night of theatre, and there are times where you think 'I'm going to cry, I'm going to cry', and then we make you laugh with a joke and you're back with us in the joy. It's so amazing to be a part of."

While the show has some serious, and yet hilarious turns, Dylan enjoys the role his character plays in the narrative. "I play Charles Douaihy, he is an 18year old boy living in Nazareth, PA, which is a really small town. He and his older brother are gay, and Charles is much more of the flamboyant of the two," he says on a laugh. "Charles is everything that is sassy, witty, sarcastic, angsty, kind of the flip of what is going on in their life and the tragedy around them with them now basically being orphans. Charles finds the innocence and the humor and the hope in that."

While Dylan has experience with lots of different shows, tackling a play after a run of musicals has been an intriguing and educational challenge. "Doing a play is definitely a different process and I've learned so much from my other cast members. Alex, who plays my older brother in the show was in WAR HORSE on Broadway, and it's so cool to get to work alongside him and play opposite him in scenes and I think 'Wow, he's just so talented' you know? "

It's not just his cast he finds himself lucky to be a part of, but the San Diego theatre community as well. "I have been so lucky this past year to have found such great theatre companies to be a apart of and do such great roles. I've been very fortunate to work with some great people around town, the San Diego theatre community has been so welcoming and I feel like I know most people now. People actually care about what you are doing... people actually care what shows you're in and no one is looking with an ulterior motive. I feel so fortunate to be able to work with so many amazing people in this town. "

Yet, this San Diego native is also busy planning the next role in his future - that of college student! How has he found the process of auditioning for colleges? "It has been so great, and it has uplifting to me a lot and my career to and spirits knowing this is what I want to do. Just last year I've worked 11 months straight professionally, which is kind of crazy. That was the point where it was 'yes, I can do this. I can go to school for theatre and pursue this to the best that I can'. I'm excited for the future, and I am missing one matinee to audition for my BFA program. It's an exciting time and I am excited to kick off my year at Cygnet and with a bunch of great people."

So, Dylan loves his cast, he loves his work, and he has a bright future ahead of him. Anything else he has to say before we part? "It's been a joy working with the creative team on this show. I would just love as many people as possible to see this show."

So what are you waiting for? Go see Dylan and the rest of the cast of SONS OF THE PROPHET at the Cygnet Theatre through February 15th! For information on show times and tickets go to www.cygnettheatre.com or call the box office at 619-337-1525.

Photo credit: Dylan James Mulvaney, Alex Hoeffler
Photo by Daren Scott

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