Interview: Tatyana Lubov & Louis Griffin Talk Cinderella at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Tatyana Lubov (Next to Normal, Radium Girls) and Louis Griffin (Legally Blonde, Forever Plaid ) are gearing up for Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella that will hit Foxwoods Resort Casino next month. We sat down with Lubov (Ella/Cinderella) and Griffin (Topher/Prince Christopher) to get the full scoop on the show and more.

When did you both know you wanted to get into theatre?

Tatyana Lubov: My inspiration to go into theatre was definitely my parents. My mom is a choir teacher and my dad is a composer/arranger, and they directed musicals together when I was little. I was often put into shows because my parents joke that they didn't want to pay for a babysitter! I think because I started that young it made my love keep growing for theatre.

Louis Griffin: I'm actually named after Louis Armstrong, so getting into the arts was pretty natural for me. I grew up with Hello, Dolly! (the movie starring Louis Armstrong) and many other movie musicals and would have frequent dance parties in my living room - performing came as a natural extension of that. Growing up, I always wanted to be an actor, but I didn't realize I wanted to be a musical theatre actor until I did Oklahoma! at my middle school, and from then on I was hooked. I specifically remember walking into my high school theater one day for a rehearsal and the band was warming up on stage, and I was hit with this moment of "This is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

What is the most exciting thing about being in Cinderella?

TL: The magical elements of the show are most exciting. Getting to hear all the different reactions across the country, to the dress transformations and set pieces is always a joy to experience. Also, all the little girls and boys (and adults!) that dress up for the shows.

LG: For me, the most exciting thing is being part of a production that means many different things to many different people. It's a really accessible show, so for some, it's their first theatrical experience, the first time they've had the opportunity to see a show of this caliber, and it's about kindness, and it's totally gorgeous. It's beautiful to have the opportunity to plant that love of theatre in someone's heart each night. At the same time, I'm constantly reminded of the importance of this show to everyone: theatrical veterans and newcomers alike. In today's socio-political atmosphere it's very exciting to (literally) suit up in an armor of kindness each night and serve as a messenger of these truths; that kindness, gentleness, and justice always come out on top. No matter what.

What do you hope to bring to the stage during Cinderella and why?

TL: I always hope to bring a fresh and empowered take on the character of Ella. I think girls need a new version of the Cinderella role model, and I think this show sets that up perfectly for them.

LG: More than anything, I try to bring honesty to the stage every single night. I've got some lovely material to fall back on, wonderful actors to play with on stage, and beautiful music to sing each night, so my job becomes to simply listen to my fellow actors and respond as truthfully as possible. Topher is unstained by the outside world, unfailingly optimistic, and never gives up hope, so I try to really learn from that and bring that purity and honesty to the stage each night.

Why do you think people (and not just children) should come see Cinderella? What makes it so magical?

TL: Because this show is tangible to all kinds of audience members. There is wit, love stories, action scenes, magical events that happen right before your eyes, and incredible choreography. It's the whole package!

LG: Like I said before, the message of this show only seems to grow in importance each night we do it. Beyond that, it's really such a lovely production. It's funny, moving, visually stunning, and you get to hear Rodgers and Hammerstein's beautiful score. This message is delivered with such care that people really do walk away each night believing that "impossible things are happening every day."

If there is one character you would want to play on stage, who would it be?

TL: Lord Pinkleton (Cinderella)! He gets to carry around a sword and sings beautifully as the town crier.

LG: Honestly, I would do anything to play Charlotte (Ella's stepsister) for a night. That role is so much fun and our Charlotte (Joanna Johnson) has me in stitches every night to this day. I think that would be such a blast.

Any advice for budding theatre students out there?

TL: If you want to pursue theatre, move out to a city that has open calls and don't get down if you get rejected. Auditioning can be tough. I was initially turned down from the Cinderella open call due to the number of people that showed up. I ended up submitting a video in hopes that the casting director would watch it, and to my luck he did. I earned a few more callbacks from that and then landed the role.

LG: Stay truthful, stay curious, work hard, work smart. We're all waiting to hear what you have to say, to see things from your unique perspective. We as theatre artists have the responsibility to celebrate life in all its hardships, all its challenges, and all its beauty. How cool is that?

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella runs at Foxwoods Resort Casino from May 8th-13th.

Photo credit: SHIFT Communications