Interview: Director Janet Morris of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Mind's Eye Theatre Company

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Director of Mind's Eye's production of Peter and the Starcatcher, Janet Morris, sat down to talk about her staging of the show, that just happens to be the first community theatre production in Louisville. Here's our conversation:

Taylor Clemons: What exactly drew you to do this show as a part of Mind's Eye's 2016 season?

Janet Morris: Well, a few friends and I take periodic theatre trips, and we happened to be in Chicago during the Drury Lane production. We had made the trip specifically to see A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and Peter and the Starcatcher was somewhat of a last minute decision. One of the friends with me was my business partner Jeff Ketterman (co-owner of Mind's Eye), and at intermission we looked at each other and knew we had to produce it. This show is just so creative and fun! We logged on to MTI that second, and asked to be notified when rights became available. The timing was just perfect for our fall production.

TC: Wow, the show must've left quite the impression if you knew at intermission!

JM: Yes it did. The creativity of the show was enough to excite any director. There are so many possibilities with the show as far as staging. My actors have been very open to trying new things and seeing what works and what we all like. The outcome is one of my proudest moments as a director.

TC: For some who might not know, can you give a brief synopsis of Peter and the Starcatcher?

JM: Essentially it's a unique look at how Peter Pan became the iconic character we know and love today. It dives into his origin story, and how he ended up on the tropical island with his all too familiar lost boys. I don't want to spoil too much, but it really is fascinating to see this interpretation of a story we all know.

TC: Being a co-owner of a theatre company must be a pretty daunting task. You and your business partner oversee 99% of what happens from casting to costumes.

JM: Absolutely! Jeff [Ketterman] and I have split the work according to what we each do best. I handle all of the costumes, props and the finances for the business, while he is in charge of building the sets and creating the playbills and publicity posters. Britt Roarx has stepped in to help with sets on occasion as well, and, in true community theatre fashion, we rely on our cast and crew to pitch in and help.

TC: When you're casting a show, what exactly are you looking for out of your auditionees?

JM: Well a lot of factors play into our casting decisions. First we look for people that we know will provide positive contributions to the rehearsal environment. While we are a theatre company that works hard, we like to have a good time as well. It's important to enjoy the process. Then of course there's the talent. This show requires good, solid character actors, since most play multiple roles and switch characters very quickly, from pirate to Mollusk Island native to a giant crocodile, etc. Depending on the show, we look for natural performers. So if you meet those parameters and have a fairly flexible/open schedule, you're what we're looking for.

TC: I love that you put such a priority on positivity. How would you describe the tone of a typical rehearsal?

JM: We gather three times a week for 3 hours a rehearsal, so we get to know each other very well and very quickly. We crack jokes, share stories, and have a good time. However the work does get done. I try to balance the fun with the work. Even though we are always working extremely hard, we all have fun and truly enjoy our time together.

TC: Are there any shows you are dying to produce?

JM: Even though it may surprise some, I would have to say Mamma Mia! It's a really fun show, and I love that it has well written roles for middle aged women, who in my opinion are not represented enough in musical theatre as main characters. I know so many people who would be splendid in the show. Hopefully we can put it on within the next couple years. I also can't wait for the rights to become available for some of the newer shows. A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and Something Rotten! are shows that would be so fun to do.

TC: What's next for you?

JM: Almost immediately after Peter and the Starcatcher concludes I will be headed to Little Colonel Playhouse to helm their production of They're Playing Our Song, then later this spring I'll be crossing the river to Clarksville Little Theater where I'll be directing one of my favorite musicals, The Drowsy Chaperone.

TC: You are a very busy woman, so I thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me.

JM: It's my pleasure!

Peter and the Starcatcher

Friday, September 16th at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 17th at 7:30pm

Sunday, September 18th at 7:30pm

Thursday, September 22nd at 7:30pm

Friday, September 23rd at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 24th at 7:30pm

Sunday, September 25th at 2pm

The MeX Theater at The Kentucky Center for the Arts

501 West Main St.

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 584-7777 or (800) 775-7777

info@kentuckycenter.org