BWW Interviews: Actress Diane Di Bernardo Blenk

Diane Di Bernardo Blenk is currently in ART of WNY's production of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" by Steve Martin.

Now ending it's second of a four weekend run she took the time to answer a few questions.

MCL: Tell us what Picssso is about?

DDB: "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" by Steve Martin...yes THAT Steve Martin... is a smart comedic romp that imagines what may have happened if Pablo Picasso met Albert Einstein in 1904 at the Lapin Agile in Paris. There's a parade of interesting characters and happenings in this tavern all while mixing fact with fantasy. It really takes the audience on an unforgettable ride for two hours. I like a comedy that makes me think and this one keeps me thinking long after I go home.

MCL: What drew you to this role?

DDB: I play Germaine...no last name needed. You know like Cher or Madonna. She's one of the non-fictional characters who is a barmaid and what I consider to be the heart and soul of the Lapin Agile. What attracted me to this role is that like Cher or Madge, she's extremely intelligent, powerful in her own way, knows what she wants, and likes men. many, many men. Also being able to work at a new venue with actors I hadn't worked with before in that intimate space was a big plus as well.

MCL: What's the acting challenge for a role like this?

DDB: Acting wise what has been most challenging is getting the comedy right. As we know comedy is all about the timing and that takes a while for a cast to develop its trust, its rhythm and its mutual understanding as to what is funny-- meaning where the joke is and how it should be played. Also challenging was mastering our accents. We wanted to sound authentic but understandable to our American audience. Luckily we have a determined and talented cast that all dove right in and made it happen!

MCL: Do you prefer comedy or drama? What's more difficult for you?

DDB: Comedy or drama...That is so difficult to answer because I really like variety in my roles but if I had to choose, I'd say comedy. Nothing on stage compares to that amazing high of an audience howling in laughter. Conversely when a joke falls flat or a bit misses the mark the deadly silence speaks volumes. We screwed up! Try again tomorrow!

MCL: Do you remember your first time on stage? What was it? How was it? How was it?

DDB: First time on stage where it really made an impact on me was the summer going into 10th grade. NT had a summer musical program at that time. It rehearsed weekdays for maybe 3-4 weeks at the old junior high on Payne Avenue. All this time rehearsing and learning culminated in three shows in August. I got the role of Carrie in Carousel and I fell in love with the work, the people, and performing. It was such a magical summer and truth be told more, than a handful of those people I came to know as friends are still working in the business as performers, theatre teachers, and directors all these years later. Magical time indeed!

MCL: What is it about theater that is now in your blood?

DDB: Theatre is in my blood because it brings together some of my favorite things: my love of reading and diving into a story, exploring one's creativity, being with people especially people brimming with ideas and artistic integrity, and lastly bringing the written word to life. I need all of the above, without the ability to create I feel rather stagnant.

MCL: How about telling us some of your favorite roles and why?

DDB: My favorite role is usually the one that I'm currently playing so it has to be Germaine. That being said, I do miss Doris from Same Time Next Year because of the breadth of her growth. That was a huge challenge to take her from her 20s to her late 60s realistically. She is a character that grows up before the audience's eyes and one needs to make subtle changes in her portrayal or the audience has no buy in. Also a two- person show involves a great deal of work and trust. Playing her was a great gift. And to think I almost walked out of the callback. This particular theatre company conducts callbacks in front of all returning actors. I really hate that practice...it's just too nerve wracking and when they added a section of improv into the mix I said to myself "time to leave." Glad I didn't chicken out.

MCL: A role you want to play again and why?

DDB: I'd love to revisit some roles I had in college now that I am allegedly older, wiser and have become more adept at my craft. Would love to try Regan again from "Lear" and Emilia from "Othello." Those are really the only do overs that I have. Ask me in five years and I'm sure that list will change

MCL: A role you've never played and want to?

DDB: I HAVE to play Katherine from "Taming of the Shrew" one day. Simply have to. I am made to play that role and have never had the opportunity to do so. I love her spunk, the wordplay of Shakespeare, and the challenge of the role. I will make sure it happens even if it's my staging the play in my retirement community of Shady Pines when I am 90 years old and performing in a wheelchair. I will say those juicy Shakespearean lines. I'll make sure to send you a flyer, Mark. Another role that I'd love to get my teeth into is Martha from "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" That character would scare the hell out of me.

MCL: Time to promote yourself. "Legally Blonde: The Musical" is next up for you.

Tell us about this?

DDB: My next show is already in vocal rehearsals; the musical version of "Legally Blonde." I'm playing Paulette, the salon owner who is befriended by Elle. The script is very true to the movie starring Reese Witherspoon but with a catchy score and even more comedic moments. It's being produced by Rocking Horse Productions who perform at the gorgeous Lancaster Opera House and is directed by Leigha Eichorn. It runs June 5- 21. What a great way to end the theatre season!

Fo further information:

http://www.artofwny.org/

http://rockinghorseproductions.net/

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