THE FRIDAY FIVE: THE TAMING's Clarke and Divine

Tennessee Women's Theater Project launches its 2015-16 season with the fast-paced, irreverent comedy The Taming by Lauren Gunderson. The production opens tonight at Nashville's Looby Theater, running weekends through October 18. Which means it's a matter of perfect timing for actress Colette Divine and director Maryanna Clarke to take on our Friday Five questions and to give us some insight into their theatrical lives.

The Taming is described as a laughter-filled mashup inspired by Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew that mixes the rough-and-tumble of contemporary partisan politics with the glitz and glam of the Miss America pageant, and adds some sharply observed truths about the nation's founding fathers and the Constitutional Convention.

Colette Divine plays Patricia, ruthlessly practical legislative aide to a conservative U.S. Senator. Colette played many characters in the world premiere of TWTP's Voices of Nashville at the Looby Theater and on tour, and in the 2015 revival. The others in the cast are new to the company: Cate Jo plays Bianca, a scandal-mongering liberal blogger whose favorite endangered species is threatened by the Senator's latest bill. Cate appeared in the recent Vanderbilt production of Top Girls. Brooke Gronemeyer plays Katherine, the reigning Miss Georgia; she's hell-bent to be crowned Miss America - and to change the course of the nation. Brooke most recently was onstage with Actors Bridge Ensemble in Hearts Like Fists.

Maryanna Clarke, TWTP Founder and Artistic Director, says, "The Taming was so funny on first read that I laughed out loud on almost every page. It's more than just the plot and the crazy pace. Beneath the comedy, the characters are warm, witty and genuine. The play is more off-beat than people might expect from TWTP, but it has all the elements I love: humanity, humor, hope - and a dash of reality-twisting magic. I'm proud to say ours is the first professional company east of the Rockies to produce The Taming."

So here's your chance: Get to know Maryanna Clarke and Colette Divine, then make reservations to see The Taming at the Z. Alexander Looby Theater tonight through October 18.

Maryanna Clarke (director)

What was your first taste of live theater? I saw something Shakespearean (comedy - I can't remember which) at McCarter Theatre in Princeton, when I was in high school.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? Arriving on time...it's about all I have energy for by the time opening night rolls around.

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? I was in Absurd Person Singular, the scene in which Eva (that was me) tries to kill herself. She is onstage for the entire scene, but has no lines. I try to take a bunch of pills, but they all fall down the sink. When I reached into the sink to try to fish some out, I jammed my thumb on the drain and tore my fingernail almost off - below the quick. So, it was bleeding and hanging on by a thread. The scene wasn't nearly half over and I had to figure out (1) how not to bleed on anything and (2) how to make it through the scene without catching it or bumping it -to keep myself from crying out in pain. Made it through the end of the scene, ran backstage and crazy glued it back in place (boy did that smart!).

What's a role you've always dreamed of doing? I've had the distinct pleasure of already having played my two dream roles, when I was still acting: Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and Hannah Jarvis in Arcadia.

Who's your theatrical crush? Susan Coyne

BONUS QUESTION: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people...Double bonus: Two things: I used to drive a 55-passenger school bus (which I could parallel park, thank you very much), and I used to be a barrel racer (rodeo event).

Colette Divine

What was your first "live onstage" taste of theater? My twin sister, Renée Heart, and I grew up in NYC's Harlem and the Upper West Side. My mom, Beverly Griggsby, who is a living saint, was divorced and she raised us and my two older brothers with the help of her mom, our beloved Grandma. Mom worked constantly and kept us busy too. Every hour was filled by either school or some enrichment program. After school, on Saturdays and during the summer, my twin and I were always acting, dancing, or creating art somewhere in New York. When Renée and I were maybe 6 or 7 years old we ended up in a talent show for our summer camp. We tap danced while singing the Sammy Davis Jr. version of "The Candy Man." We were absolutely adorable in pink leotard and tutus - we even had props: plastic ice cream cones! As we took the stage, I remember feeling scared. It was a good-sized stage - the house lights were out and I recall looking at what seemed like an ocean of darkness that was such a strong contrast to the brightly lit stage. My sister and I held each other's hands tightly. We were each other's comfort and support. As the curtain opened and we walked to center stage the audience let out a collective "Aww!" That surprised us, but onward we traveled to our marks. We were tiny for our age and so cute together. The pianist began and we gave our performance 100% of our hearts and souls. The crowd went wild for us, cheering and applauding when we ended. We won first place. Shock, relief, joy - our little bodies were flooded with a million endorphins. We knew we wanted more. We won first place and our hearts found a home on the stage.

What is your favorite pre-show ritual? The love of my life, J.Karen Thomas (a superstar entertainer) and I always share a hug, a kiss, a prayer and of course say "Break Legs!" before every show. I am heartbroken that "by universal demand, J.Karen is exclusively appearing in the energetic realm seven days and nights a week." The loss of her physical presence is challenging me to continue our ritual via the metaphysical web.

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? None come to mind - no wait! I take that back: I remember the day I "became a woman" was the day my twin (who had been receiving visits from "Aunt Flo" for a year before me) and I were having our big year-end performance for a creative poetry class. It was made particularly nerve-racking that all 10 or so of us in the class had to wear ALL WHITE for the show. Renée and all the other girls gave me the necessary supplies and instructions on what what to do. Thanks to them, I had a flawless and spotless show.

What's your dream role? I'm giving the theatre gods a wide birth: I dream of starring or supporting "On Broadway" in NYC, in any play I love, respect and am proud to be in.

Who's your theatrical crush? Number one will always be J.Karen Thomas as Shug Avery! She redefined that role and elevated it beyond inspirational. I also often have a crush on the castmates I'm working closest with during a show. Oh, also, I saw Neil Patrick Harris in Proof...amazing! And experiencing Cicely Tyson in The Trip to Bountiful was a master class in acting and life! I am forever in awe of her beauty and talent.

BONUS QUESTION: Tell me something about yourself that would surprise people. I truly believe being bisexual gives me an edge in being an actor. Beyond being sexually fluid, I'm emotionally, mentally and spiritually fluid. Not only do I "see" other points of view - I enjoy literally becoming, flowing into and experiencing life through and as the filter of different realities. It's supposed to be fun...that's why it's called a play!

• The Taming opens Friday, October 2, at North Nashville's Z. Alexander Looby Theater, with evening performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and three Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm. Tickets range from $10 to $15, with the first Thursday show designated as Pay What You Make an Hour Night. NOTE: Because of adult situations and language, this production is not recommended for young children.

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