Interview: WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE? To Debut at Black Box Arts Center

By: Sep. 17, 2015
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

Get ready to travel back in time to the 1960's as Roger Bean's 60's nostalgia musical revue Why Do Fools Fall in Love? opens this weekend at the Black Box Arts Center in Shepherdstown, WV.

Directed by Terri Magers, Why Do Fools Fall in Love?, is the story of four women, Millie, Dee Dee, Florence and Sally, who are all gathered for Millie's impromptu bachelorette party. As the party picks up speed, the women dive into classic questions about dating, marriage and love, revealing some surprising secrets and encouraging each other to follow their heart and find the strength they never knew they had. The four female characters each bring a different viewpoint and personality aspects to the story.

"Even when the character Sally is being negative, she really does show tough love and supports her friends in spite of how she can appear. The show also shows four different personalities, but each of them can contribute so much. The character, Dee Dee, appears so clueless. But in the end, it is her sweet innocence that reminds us to smile and be joyful. Florence can be reserved, but demands attention when she needs it. And Millie is a pushover. She would never find her inner voice if these three other personalities did not force her to do it. Otherwise, she may never find happiness in her life" said Heather Mae Wilson, who plays Millie.

The actresses also faced some unique challenges in a very intimate show featuring well known music.

"When there only four women in a cast, you have to know your stuff to help each other out. The music may be 60's style, but the harmonies can be difficult" said Wilson

"Balancing co-choreographing with assistant music directing, along with playing a character unlike any role I've ever played was a challenge" said Sari Jennings, who plays Sally.

The actresses certainly mirrored the relationships in real life that their characters develop throughout the rehearsal process.

"We became what the writer wanted our characters to be - a group of girls who love each other fiercely despite our differences. We all have encouraged and challenged each other to grow on stage and off. I couldn't have asked for a more incredible group of women!" said Jennings

"I feel I have worked with amazing women who lift me up even when I make a mistake. It's nice to know when I step on that stage that these girls care for me" said Wilson

The four women are ready to present the rocking 60's revue to an audience.

"I think women should especially see this show. It's a great story on girl power and finding one's self. This show encourages women to support each other." said Wilson

"This show is jam packed with songs from the 60s that you'll be sure to love and find yourself relating to the stories we share. This show means so much to us. I cried during the first read-through and it only feels more genuine each time we perform. You'll laugh, cry and fall in love with this cast" said Jennings.

The Why Do Fools Fall in Love? cast also features Hope Wolford as Dee Dee and Leah Claggett as Florence. Why Do Fools Fall in Love? will run September 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at the Black Box Arts Center, located at 113 South Princess Street, Shepherdstown, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM. All seats are general admission. Friday and Saturday evening tickets are $15.00, Sunday matinee tickets are $12.00, and student tickets $8.00 for all performances. Tickets are available online at blackboxartscenter.org or at the box office. For more information, please call 304-870-4685

Photo Credit: Adam Blackstock, courtesy of Black Box Arts Center


 

Join Team BroadwayWorld

Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.

Interested? Learn more here.

Vote Sponsor


Videos