Take 5! with Helen Hayes Award nominated actors

Actors are Mediums, channeling the voices of the playwright and director
through their bodies and psyches to etch a character indelibly into an audience’s memory. 

Actors responding:
Alessandra Baldacchino, Alex Vernon, Anna O’Donoghue, Annie Houston, Antoinette Robinson, Ben Gunderson, Blakely Slaybaugh, Bryan Jeffrey, Caroline Clay, Caroline Dubberly, Clayton Pelham Jr., Danny Gardner, Derek Smith, Doug Wilder, Eleanor Todd, Erin Weaver, Felix Marchany, Gabriella Perez, Gregory Linington, Grey Henson, Gwen Grastorf, J. Anthony Crane, Jim Lichtscheidl, Jimmy Mavrikes, Jordan Campbell, Jose Guzman, Juan Luis Espinal, Kari Ginsburg, Malcolm Lee, Marquise White, Mary Myers, Matt Dewberry, Megan Graves, Michael Anthony Williams, Michael Innocenti, Miche Braden, Michelle Rios, Nancy Anderson, Nick DePinto, Nilaja Sun, Nova Y. Payton, Rafi Silver, Rayanne Gonzales, Sarah Olmsted Thomas, Scheherazade Quiroga, Shadia Fairuz, Susan Rome, Tessa Klein, Valerie Leonard, Vaughn Ryan Midder, Veronica Alvarez, Will Gartshore, Will LeBow, Wood Van Meter.

(No time for a long read? Find nominees and shows using the Search box)

The Nominees	Take Five!
	Veronica Alvarez, In The Heights, GALA Hispanic Theatre Who was your character and how did you connect? Vanessa is sassy, a dreamer, the hot chick in town and wants to get out of the barrio to pursue her dreams. I was Vanessa in Peru after being her in this show. What was the most surprising thing that happened? When all the sound went off in the middle of a number and I had to sing after a rap with no band. My heart stopped for three seconds. I started singing (on the right key thank God) and the sound started coming back. I felt the support of the whole cast and the song was a success. What was your favorite stage moment? One of the cast members was leaving and we gave him small paper “piraguas” with our best wishes written on them. It was very special. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Just being there is amazing for me. I am going to fly there only for the awards. I am currently rehearsing for Cabaret in Peru, where I live.
	Nancy Anderson, The Pajama Game Who was your character and how did you connect? Gladys is guileless, game, and easily excited... and she can't hold her liquor. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I'm surprisingly good at appearing drunk. What was your favorite stage moment? trying to get off the floor after falling down drunk. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Heath Saunders in Twelfth Night at the Shakespeare Theatre What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Attending with my husband, Ethan McSweeny, who is also nominated.
	Alessandra Baldacchino, Fun Home Who was your character and how did you connect? Small Alison is a young girl who is trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. She is strong minded and smart but still wants her father’s love and approval. Getting to meet Alison Bechdel in person many times helped me connect to my character because I got to know the real person whose story I was telling and in a lot of ways she was a regular kid just like me. What was the most surprising thing that happened? While rehearsing for the tour I was still in Fun Home on Broadway but learning different blocking as we were going to be performing the tour on big proscenium stages instead of the small in the round stage I was used to at Circle In the Square. So when I had to go in for Small Alison on Broadway during this rehearsal period I had to switch off my tour brain mode and kick back into Broadway staging mode. It was crazy but also awesome and fun to do at the same time! What was your favorite stage moment? the final song "Flying Away." It is a beautiful song sung by the 3 Alisons’ that I think symbolizes a moment of connection between them all and a peace and calm after everything our character, Alison (Small, Medium and grown up), goes through during the show. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I absolutely love the musical COME FROM AWAY! I love the music and think the way the show sheds light on and shares the stories of that tragic day is done so beautifully and seamlessly by the entire cast. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I am excited for the Helen Hayes Awards because this is the first awards show I have ever attended and I am really looking forward to meeting the other amazing nominees in my category.
	Jeremy Scott Blaustein, Beauty and the Beast Who was your character and how did you connect? During the run, it was mostly kids who would ask me, “How did you learn that French accent?” My response to this offered no variety: “My grandfather was French.” They would usually nod and smile and get back to whatever world they were living in before they met me. And I walked smiling because I knew that my grandfather would be over the moon. The only thing is… it was a lie.
	Miche Braden, The Devil’s Music: The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith Who was your character and how did you connect? Bessie was a bodacious blues belter bad girl. She brought blues to the mainstream. What was the most surprising thing that happened? No surprises. It is a labor of love & music. The cast & crew were family. What was your favorite stage moment? All Of Them! but playing a couple of majority African American audiences for the first time lit that place up!! Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Didn’t get a chance to see anyone perform. I was working my ass off this past year. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Making new contacts.
	Lise Bruneau, Brighton Beach Memoirs Who was your character and how did you connect? Our wonderful director Matt Torney pushed me to go all the way with Blanche's introversion, shyness, and low status in the household (the low status part not being super hard when the awesome Susan Rome was the matriarch!). It was way farther than I've ever been challenged to go with a character, and what a blessing! I had plenty of awkward moments to draw from through my grade school experience, and it was amazing to live the play through a woman who wouldn't normally stand up for herself EVER, but was suddenly faced with no other feasible choice. What was the most surprising thing that happened? This is very off-topic, but it's a story I've told many times from the perspective of a woman looking desperately toward a more equitable reality for us. There were, of course, several teenagers in the show. One day, Josie, who played my daughter, was chatting with me and the three other kids in the show - two of whom were boys - and asked out loud if I had a tampon she could have. Out Loud! In front of two boys! Who were, to my complete delight, utterly unflustered by the request. I thought, "The world! It's changing! What was your favorite stage moment? There was a beautiful moment when Blanche and Kate make up after their big fight. I looked forward to that every night. It was such a healing experience after poor Blanche's challenging journey. I also adored Eli and Cole's hilarious and gorgeous "puberty" scene. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Harold Perrineau did the most courageous, committed, and beautiful dance every night in The Cherry Orchard - it was after he, Lopakhin, had bought the orchard. It was dangerous and fearless and thrilling - simultaneously defiant, apologetic, and triumphant. Every single night. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing friends I don't run into nearly often enough in their bee-yootiful getups!
	Jordan Campbell, Peter and the Starcatcher Who was your character and how did you connect? Mrs. Bumbrake is the fiercely protective and somewhat frenetic caretaker of Molly as she sets sail on an amazing voyage on the Never Land. Bumbrake is strong from day one, but really finds her voice during a jarring shipwreck. I kid you not, Mrs. Bumbrake reminded me a lot of my grandmother—she’s fiercely loyal, a bit bawdy in public, and doesn’t mind to put up a fight for someone she cares about. I also enjoyed my scene as “Teacher” (I mainly enjoyed wearing that Mermaid Barbie wig!) and I got goosebumps every night as the audience pieced together several clues about the connections to the Peter Pan story during our dialogue in the grotto. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Every now and then, while bumbling across the stage carrying a treasure chest, my heels would slip into the hatched grate center stage. Aside from that, the most surprising thing to me is that I learned to walk, run, and jump around stage comfortably in heels and a corset! I truly have a whole new respect for women. What was your favorite stage moment? There is a moment when I would wipe Molly’s tears and tell her to “be a woman.” It is mentioned again later in the play by Molly, who internalizes this encouragement in her many adventures. In a culture where we hear “man up” or see our politicians using masculinity, it felt empowering to raise up a young woman (the only one on a stage full of men) to fulfill her potential and to help her realize she was already strong, smart, and capable. There was always a powerful unspoken understanding in the room of the meaning of that simple phrase. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I have to give a shoutout to my two fellow Kentucky transplants in DC, Ellie Todd (Parade, Keegan Theatre) and Wood Van Meter (Joseph, Toby’s Dinner Theatre). We go way back, growing up near each other and, somehow, we all ended up calling DC home. Their nominations are well-deserved! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? My mom is coming from Kentucky to join me and my boyfriend, Marc, at the awards. I’m so thankful for her never-ending support from day one.
	Caroline Clay, Skeleton Crew Who was your character and how did you connect? Faye is firebrand who serves as union liaison between her colleagues and management at a Detroit auto plant during a very turbulent economic time. We meet Faye at a time where she is on the verge of retirement, is secretly homeless, has lost her lover, and is still suffering PTSD from a double mastectomy. In terms of my connection to her, I know how vulnerable and tenuous life can be- what seems sure today, may crumble tomorrow- so you must LIVE FOR TODAY! Faye and I also share a huge sense of humor and timing- I loved playing her. This role was originally written for my mentor, actress Lynda Gravaat who taught me at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts What was the most surprising thing that happened? I realized how deeply attached I had become to result, and not being fully present in the moment and process. Once I let myself off the hook and released the obligation of driving the show, I had so much more fun and was able to enjoy it for what it was, an ensemble piece. What was your favorite stage moment? when it revealed to the other workers that Faye has not been fully honest as their union rep because she is divided over loyalties: her god son is upper management. The confrontation between Faye and her co-workers is pure fireworks. Betrayal, love, lies, denial, empathy, humor, truth; all the things that make us human. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. My favorite dual perfomances this year were that of Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon roles as Birdie/Regina in Broadway's THE LITTLE FOXES. I played Addie, the housekeeper- and had a lot of time to watch them from the wings. They were both astounding, generous, and sparkled onstage. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The after-party of course! Regardless of who takes home the trophy, we are all winners, and the party is an opportunity to congratulate everyone. D.C. has one of the most vibrant theatrical communities in the country- and I feel blessed, as a native Washingtonian, to be a part of it.
	J. Anthony Crane, Watch On The Rhine Who was your character and how did you connect? Teck is a dissipated and entitled Count from Romania, expatriated and penniless and living in the US with his wife of 10 years. A Nazi sympathizer, his situation becomes desperate as he watches his wife slowly fall in love with their host's son, and he chooses to act when the daughter of the house returns from Europe with her husband, an undercover Anti-Nazi agitator. What was the most surprising thing that happened? accidentally being clocked in the face during a fight rehearsal definitely stands as the most surprising. But we were also rehearsing during the presidential inauguration and protests in Washington, and the opportunity to perform political drama while the country was entering a period of great upheaval, served as another lasting reminder of the power of theatre to change and heal. What was your favorite stage moment? There were so many. My character is violently murdered on stage during the show and that is an opportunity no actor should skip in his lifetime. In another scene, standing center while my character flexed his deluded sense of power is also a highlight in any performance of a true villain. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I was able to see a fantastic production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" at Ford's Theater, directed by Aaron Posner. The play, which is a favorite of mine in any weather, was masterfully directed and so satisfying. Holly Twyford's performance as Martha, one of the most difficult roles in American theatre, was beautiful and relentless and so memorable. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I am hoping to make the event this year, but I will be with the touring company 'Les Miserables' out West on the date and the logistics are crazy. It's still up in the air, but I'd look forward to sharing an evening with an insanely talented group of actors in what I believe is one of America's most vibrant and supportive theatre cities. Fingers crossed.
	Nick DePinto, The Late Wedding Who was your character and how did you connect? I played the Psyche of the Playwright who wrote the play we were in. I connected to the struggle for Understanding, the desire for Control and the crushing absence of Loss. What was the most surprising thing that happened? This is embarrassing but . . . I was surprised to find out that some people really do dance the Electric Slide and the Macarena. I didn't think that was real! Personally, I don't enjoy group dances so I couldn't imagine it. I kind of thought it was an urban myth that people got on the dance floor at wedding receptions and moved around in unison. (I'm Italian: we polka; we don't Macarena.) The whole cast thought I was pretending not to know those dances but I really had no clue! And we had to perform them in the show!! Helen Murray, the AD of Hub Theatre, took pity on me and taught me those dances; she's a great dancer and LOVES to dance so she had a great time. She said to me, "There! Now the next time you go to a wedding reception you will be able to do these dances." I felt a little bit bad when I responded, "I don't want to break your heart but after this show closes I'm never doing these dances again." And now that I reflect back on it, I think I may have done them incorrectly during the run but the Director & Cast were too polite to tell me! What was your favorite stage moment? Looking into an audience member's eyes, connecting & asking "Is there hope?" Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Laura Rocklyn in CLOVER produced by Ally Theatre Company last Fall. She was stunningly raw & subtle and delivered such a rich arc. It doesn't get much better. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? We're taking my Mom. She's coming in from Ohio to see my current show and I told her to bring along a nice gown - but she doesn't know why! (She won't read this so I think my secret is safe.) Shhhhh! Nobody tell her before "opening night" of HHA2018!
	Matt Dewberry, Peter and the Starcatcher Who was your character and how did you connect? Smee is the right-hand man to Black Stache. His every move revolves around making sure that Stache is taken care of (ie that he's safe, that his jokes are getting a laugh, that everyone in the room knows just how terrifying and nasty Stache truly is, etc). Basically, he does all the dirty work so that Stache can be the best villain that he can be and revel in his evil handiwork. He loves Stache with all of his heart and wants nothing more in the world than to see him succeed, and he is willing to do whatever he has to do to make that happen. That loyalty is what I really found interesting and was my way into the character. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I had to learn how to play the ukulele for this production and I was pretty nervous about it. I could nail the song when I was sitting alone at my house and playing it. But as soon as I got in front of other people, it sounded like a total disaster. So I had no idea what was going to happen when I actually had to play in front of an audience. But by opening night, I'd found a way to play the ukulele in character and actually ended up really looking forward to that part of the show. It was a highlight for me every night! What was your favorite stage moment? I actually had two and they were both at the top of the acts. The show opened with the entire cast rushing onto the stage to our first positions and just taking the audience in. At the sound of a drum beat, we all sat in unison, took a breath, and began the show. It was such a lovely moment of connection between us and the audience, acknowledging that we were all in this space together and were about to take an incredible journey together. Such an awesome way to start a show. And then at the top of act two, the entire cast entered into the space again, but this time we were all dressed as mermaids. The reactions of the audiences were priceless every night and it was just such a genuinely joyous moment that I looked forward to it every evening. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. My day job is at Ford's Theatre, which is really fantastic because I get to poke my head in pretty frequently to watch what's going on in the theatre. Last season, I was lucky enough to get to see 'Ragtime' on multiple different occasions, and it was always so amazing. The entire cast was doing some really beautiful work, but it was especially thrilling to watch Tracy and her amazing comic timing as Mother, to listen to Kevin and his beautiful voice belting out those Coalhouse songs, and to weep as I watched Felicia power through the end of the first act. It was a joy and a privilege to get to see that timely and heart wrenching production over and over again, and it never got old. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? As always, I'm looking forward to recognizing all of the amazing work that was on our stages this year and celebrating with this phenomenal theatre community that I'm lucky enough to be a part of. It's so much fun to all be together in the same room and get to reconnect with friends that you haven't seen in a while.
	Caroline Dubberly, Top Girls Who was your character and how did you connect? Gret is the centerpiece of a painting by Bruegel who leads a group of townswomen through the gates of hell to raid it. Angie is Marlene’s teenage niece. I love both of these women so much, and playing them was a joy. They’re both deeply complex, complicated people and filled with wonderful contradictions. I tend to gravitate towards intense or imperfect characters, so to have the opportunity to play with and get to know two of the most intense and imperfect characters in one of the best modern plays was truly an honor. What was your favorite stage moment? There are so many to choose from, but one favorite that comes to mind is getting to spin around in an office rolling chair every night. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Awa Sal Secka’s number in Jesus Christ Superstar had me in tears, simply because I was (and am always) in awe of her voice. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing everyone together in one place!
	Juan Luis Espinal. In The Heights, GALA Hispanic Theatre Who was your character and how did you connect? Usnavi is the glue that holds “el barrio” together. He takes care of his abuela, of his cousin and brings joy with his sweet coffe to all his neighbors. An immigrant, a hard worker that dreams to go back to his beloved Island, The Dominican Republic. I feel like a connect with him in so many ways. I am a Dominican Immigrant just like him, and I often find myself taking care of others just like he does, forgetting to take care of myself sometimes. Also we both found home away from home, we found our Island in NYC, where dreams come true. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Well...while we were doing our first sitzprobe, our director Luis Salgado raised his computer so Lin Manuel Miranda could see a little bit of what we were doing via skype. We all cried and died afterwards. And during the run, Opening night, we were in the middle of “96,000” and the bandcut off and we continued singing a capella. Band couldnt hear us but they never stopped playing, we couldnt hear the band but we never stopped singing. That moment lasted less than a minute but felt like hours. Then suddenly the band went on again and we were in perfect sync like nothing happend. Thats why I love live theater. What was your favorite stage moment? When I waved the Dominican Flag, my flag, during “Carnaval del Barrio”. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. The ensemble of In The Heights At Gala. There wasn't a single person who saw the show that didn't mentioned how connected we were, we created a community based in support, trust, hard work and love. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I just want to have fun and enjoy the with all my In the Heights Familia and my beautiful boyfriend who is also a nominee!! It wouldnt huri winning ahahah but i dont want to get my expectations too high because competition is real!
	Shadia Fairuz, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic theater Who was your character and how did you connect? It's truly challenging not to develop a deep connection with each character in this show; however, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to portray this powerful role. Camila represents all the strong latina women I grew up with and look up to. Camila represents a whole generation of women that courageously fought hard to gain their independence and respect within society while maintaining their loving and nurturing essence. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I was extremely honored and surprised by the acceptance that this Spanish adaptation of "In the Heights" had amongst the DC audiences. Forming part of a production filled with passion and love that was able to demolish language and cultural boundaries was an experience I will forever be proud of and take with me wherever I go. What was your favorite stage moment? Looking at my fellow ensemble members in the eyes at the closing number, telling each other "I'm home" was by far my favorite part of the show. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I'm looking forward to celebrating this victory with my dear production and creative team and to a night that celebrates theater and art next to people that I deeply respect and admire. CHEERS!
	Danny Gardner, Crazy for you Who was your character and how did you connect? Bobby often leaps before he looks. But it's this spontaneity that makes him so lovable. He's the sort of lovable dope with which you want to be friends. I connected with Bobby's enthusiasm for dance, for love and for the people around him. What was the most surprising thing that happened? When I was sliding down the railing of the spiral staircase I broke one of the lightbulbs during the show. Luckily I wasn't injured and ad-libed "I hope they have insurance!" What was your favorite stage moment? At the end of the show when Bobby's counterpart, Polly (played by the amazing Ashley Spencer) taps Bobby on the shoulder and asks him "You wanna dance Bobby?" In this moment, all of Bobby's dreams come true and I got goosebumps every night. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. The entire production of "A Little Night Music" at the Signature. Just beautiful! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Being embraced by such an amazing theatre community. I am so thankful to even be nominated!
	Julie Garner, Hello, My Name Is... Who was your character and how did you connect? If you take a closer look at Aunt Rosey, you might recognize my own aunt. She feels responsible for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment at a social gathering. She is filled with unconditional love and she credits Jesus with every good thing that happens. What was the most surprising thing that happened? In a show with audience interaction, surprises are expected and welcomed. It is a different story when you see that the audience might be in danger. In this show, the audience is invited to eat and drink the provided food and snacks in the opening scene. Then they are led into different rooms of the house, as the play continues. One day, I stretched the first scene for a few minutes because there was a large group that was running late. They finally arrived, and they ALL had Venti-sized Starbucks coffees. In character, I pointed out the trashcan before exiting the first scene, assuming they would discard their cups before following me upstairs…but they carried their full cups with them. Knowing that the actors would soon be bumping and weaving our way through the crowd, we proactively strategized backstage. When it came time for them to enter the crowded “airport,” a flight attendant told the first person in line that there were “no liquids allowed through the security check-point”. The audience member handed over her coffee. Each person after that methodically obliged, and we avoided a caffeinated catastrophe. Go TEAM! Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I enjoyed the ensemble performance of Gala Theatre’s In the Heights. Excellent timing, stellar voices, and the ability to connect on many different emotional levels.
	Will Gartshore, A Little Night Music Who was your character and how did you connect? Pompous, chauvinistic, meat-headed buffoon. Definitely not the brightest of bulbs. The embodiment of late 19th century toxic masculinity. I’d like to say it was a stretch. I grew up convinced that if I ever did ALNM it would be as Henrik. Turns out Carl-Magnus was the part I was born to play, I guess. I’m not complaining. Truth be told, my real way into the character was through the moustache. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Harvey Weinstein happened. Suddenly it seemed like “In Praise of Women” became harder for some audience members to appreciate at an ironic remove. The laughs dropped off a bit and I definitely sensed a bit more palpable disapproval from the female contingent on certain nights. I even recall a lady-like groan or hiss or two. Carl-Magnus was definitely not made for the #MeToo moment. What was your favorite stage moment? The second act dinner scene. It’s so well written and showcases the ensemble individually and collectively to hilarious effect - and Eric staged it beautifully. Plus anytime I was acting opposite Tracy Olivera counts as a favorite. We’ve been friends onstage and off since we were babies in our early 20s, so getting to play opposite her as real grown up adults in a kickass show about real grown up adults dealing with grown up adult problems was super satisfying and so much fun. Plus she’s frigging hilarious, and she created the space for me to go further with my performance than I might have been able to otherwise. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Nova Payton killed it as Caroline in “Caroline, or Change”. And Awa Sal Secka as Dottie was soulfulness incarnate in that show. I loved getting to listen to them interpret that score every night of the run. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing my friends win. And the Nancy Robinette tribute. And the venue. And how hot Alyssa Wilmoth-Keegan is going to look as co-host.
	Kari Ginsburg, The Wild Party Who was your character and how did you connect? Kate's an original party girl: she laughs loudly, drinks heavily, and loves too hard. Don't let the cleavage and coke vial confuse you: this woman is savvy and whip-smart. She has zero tolerance for BS and fakers, and she's not afraid to share her opinion (or shout it). She's a broad in every sense of the word. What was the most surprising thing that happened? My absolute favorite memory-- and most Kate moment-- was during our tech weekend when we were running my first entrance in the show. During previous rehearsals, I hid two booze bottles behind my back and revealing them theatrically during my first song. In this instance, I had a costume coat, stairs to climb and a beaded curtain to pop through, plus singing and then figuring out how to reveal my bottles. Everything was going well until it didn't: I threw off my coat and raised my bottles in an arc over my head. They clanged into each other and shattered, spraying the stage with water and glass. I was so in the moment and in movement, I didn't notice the prop disaster until I saw the look on Jimmy Mavrikes' face when I basically threatened him with a broken bottle. He was fine, we held everything and got the space cleaned and reset, but every night before that first entrance I psyched myself up with a mantra, "don't suck and let's not break anything today." What was your favorite stage moment? Oh gosh, there are so many. Christian Montgomery, Tiziano D'Affuso and the company singing "Wild, Wild Party" always put a huge smile on my face. The Act II number "Make Me Happy" gave me shivers every night, especially when Farrell Parker, Ian Anthony and Jimmy hit the a cappella section near the end of the song. Their passion and talent really shone in that moment. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Top Girls at Keegan Theater was wonderful. Caroline Dubberly, who is nominated for her role as Dull Gret, made me cry from laughter and sorrow; and Susan Marie Rhea and Katrina Hilleard's final "confrontation" was so intense and really reflected the delicate relationships women and sisters have. I was so thankful that this difficult play had a production!
	Rayanne Gonzales, In the Heights, Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre Who was your character and how did you connect? Abuela Claudia is the omnipresent mother figure of love and assurance on a block in New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood. I am connected to her through the gentle and powerful spirits of my own Grandmothers, immigrants both, who gave strength and unconditional love to everyone around them. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I scratched both of my corneas! It is pain I wish on no one. What was your favorite stage moment? I was moved to tears several times watching Carnaval del Barrio from the wings. It's unabashed celebration of culture and identity felt like an act of resistance in these divisive times. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I was moved to tears several times watching Carnaval del Barrio from the wings. It's unabashed celebration of culture and identity felt like an act of resistance in these divisive times. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Experiencing the Wharf area in it's New Car phase. Celebrating the value and vitality of theatre in DC with my family and friends.
	Gwen Grastorf, The Late Wedding Who was your character and how did you connect? Midway through Christopher Chen's mind-bending play, a character just listed as The Stranger pops up in an inn. The stranger embarks on la ong story about their lifelong game of Hide and Seek with their spouse, breaking out occasionally to edit as the narrator/writer and check in with the audience. It's a real doozy, and director Kate Bryer was essential in helping guide it from the page to its final form. We played around a lot with accents and physicality, as the narrative jumps and shifts with each interruption to an almost absurd level. What was the most surprising thing that happened? It was a very fun show, with all of us onstage the whole time adding jackets or hats to play different characters. I remember some hijinks with ukeleles.. we also had transitions with music and dancing - everything from the macarena to tango to waltzing. What was your favorite stage moment? Group scenes, like the inn. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. the remount of Word Becomes Flesh at Theater Alliance, Tia Shearer Bassett in The Happiest Place on Earth at the Hub, H.T. Darling by Submersive Theatre in Baltimore, Top Girls at Keegan. My absolute favorite performance of the year was the Universoul Circus under the big top at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. They put on a 10 am welcome show with stilt walkers, drumming, and fire-limbo that gave me so much joy I feel like it added 3 months to my life. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I'm very excited that the Helen Hayes Awards will be in a new venue! I'll be attending with my physical theatre company Happenstance, and we always dress to the nines. Our outfits are still being finalized 🙂 I'm curious to see how Anthem works for this event, and if there will be a good balance. Since moving out of the Marriott, the awards haven't ever really recaptured the balance of having a dance floor for partying but also a quiet lounge area for conversation.
	Megan Graves, Peter and the Starcatcher Who was your character and how did you connect? Molly is ambitious and bold—a true adventurer. Her strong sense of ethics is equaled by incredible empathy. She trusts her instincts, and she’s driven by a desire to do the right thing. She's a natural leader at a time when women, other than Queen Victoria (God save her!), were expected to take a back seat. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I am so curious to see what the show will be like at The Anthem. Looking forward to it.
	Ben Gunderson, Still Life with Rocket Who was your character and how did you connect? I came into the project knowing that I needed to create a character who was a catalyst, who took up space, who crashed into things, who set things in motion. Caleb has an interminable howl in his heart. He charms, ignites, teases, traps, challenges, hits, swats, feints – all kinds of things – and underneath what may appear as "meanness" he simply loves. He needs forgiveness and doesn't know how to get it. He needs his family back but doesn't know how to get it. He doesn't know if he deserves it. He is fighting for his life. I created the guy, so while our circumstances are vastly different, there are essential things in Caleb that are also essential in me. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Because of the nature of the play, every night was full of surprises. If we were truly present, each moment was a surprise, though we knew what the next event needed to be. The deep trust we built allowed for lots of little genuine surprises. Real surprises. What was your favorite stage moment? It's more of a chapter than a moment, but there is a game of truth or dare at the center of the play which culminates in an all out streak-fest through the forest. The whole progression is sweet and serves as Nathan Fisk's (Justin Weaks) initiation into the older siblings' group. These games, these challenges, are the language by which the Fisk family is able to unite. They are aggression that begets tenderness. And I think it made the audience laugh and squirm in a wonderful way. Another moment, which I never saw but was always mentioned in talkbacks, is when Etta (dear Annie Houston) steps into out into her yard to be bathed in a kiddie pool by her caretaker. Naked bodies onstage (as challenging as it can be for the actor) always steal a room. They make the space between spectator and performer disappear, and everyone is slapped into the present. Annie gave a transformative moment to everyone who saw the piece. Finally, any time Matt Nielson's music showed up - I especially loved the music during our "table ballet." Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I recently saw TWO TRAINS RUNNING at Arena Stage and goddamn it if Eugene Lee as Memphis Lee isn't one of the finest performances I've seen in ages. The whole cast was spectacular and the play itself is obviously special. I could have watched Eugene all damn night. He was so specific, so rhythmic, so personal, so direct, so there. I heard every word and it was crystal clear. I thought he was extraordinary. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I'm new in town so I'm excited to see our community gathered in one place to celebrate! It's been a warm welcome, and the event will be a ritual arrival for me and my boyfriend Mauricio Pita (who runs the education programs at GALA Hispanic Theatre). We moved here a year ago in search of a theatre "family" and more regular opportunity. We chose right. 🙂
	Jose Guzman, Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train Who was your character and how did you connect? Valdez is as brave as he is abrasive. I connected to him by finding the pleasure in being control and in charge. Stephen Adly Guirgis' words were the gas to the NY fire of my soul. It wasn't hard to bring Valdez to life having grown in NY and understanding the culture class of the 80s and 90s. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I never got sick of eating the 50 or so Oreos I had to consume for the whole run. What was your favorite stage moment? Oreos. And playing with Frank Britton; that dude is good. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I absolutely loved Megan Graves in Junie B. Jones in Not a Crook. I almost passed out from laughing so much. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The SHMOOZING! I love theatre people!
	Grey Hanson, Mean Girls Who was your character and how did you connect? Damian is the gay best friend you wish you had in high school. He’s dramatic, fun, confident and can’t resist a show tune. He and Janis take newcomer Cady under their wing, and help her navigate life as a high schooler. I was very much a Damian is high school. I was the theatre/art freak who steered clear of the ‘popular’ crowd. I love that Damian is unapologetically himself. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I was most surprised to hear the audience response to some of the iconic lines from the movie. ‘You go Glen Coco!’ And ‘She doesn’t even go here!’ It kind of feels like Rocky Horror picture show in that way. You can feel the audience waiting for their favorite lines. What was your favorite stage moment? The entrance of The Plastics. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I really loved Katrina Lenk’s performance in The Band’s Visit. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Celebrating DC theatre!! I love DC.
	Lisa Hodsoll, Laura Bush Killed A Guy Who was your character and how did you connect? As Laura Bush describes herself in this play: bookish, quiet, in a pretty dress and pearls - always a lady and NEVER rude. By understanding her as completely as I could, where she came from and her motivations as I assumed them to be. I had the good fortune of many hours of videos of her as well as her own memoir, which she narrated herself, which allowed me to form a pretty thorough picture of her. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Probably when I went to sit down in the dark at the top of the show on opening weekend with reviewers in the audience and ended up falling off my chair to be revealed sprawled on the ground with the chair on top of me when the lights came up. Surprising and utterly hilarious. What was your favorite stage moment? That might have been my favorite. 🙂 But there are so many fabulous moments in Ian Allen's play and that John Vreeke led me to that I can't just pick one. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I really loved Still Life With Rocket. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? It's a chance to see all my fellow actors who I don't necessarily see all the time which makes it a great joy to be a part of.
	Annie Houston, Still Life with Rocket Who was your character and how did you connect? Etta is a fierce but broken person, now at the end of her life, and suffering from debilitating Alzheimers. Her beloved daughter, Rocket, fell off a cliff in an accident as a child, and Etta has never recovered from or even dealt with that grief, bottling it up inside her and even refusing to let her children talk about it. She is hard on her other children - whether biological, adopted or foster - not because she doesn't love them, but because she wants them to be strong in the face of life's many obstacles. She has used boxing to teach them to endure life and to deal with its constant blows. Her mothering techniques do not have roots in compassion but rather in toughness. The one exception is her grandson, whom she has raised as her own child, and for whom she allows herself to be tender and gentle. I did a lot of writing about Etta to discover who she was and what her life's story has been and to understand the nexus of her soul. She is a wounded animal who has a strong life force within her and will fight to get and keep what she wants. I created many pages of a backstory that helped me understand why Etta chose boxing, why she is so hard on her children, why she behaves the way she does. My mother had Alzheimers and lived with my husband and me for two years so I also drew on my experiences with her. Despite our considerable differences, I felt deeply and viscerally bonded to Etta, understanding the connecting humanity in both of us. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Mollye Maxner, our director, suggested a scene where my character, Etta, be bathed by her grandson in a child's pool, naked. I was frightened to make myself so exposed but at the same time I knew it was right for the role, for the vulnerability and tenderness Mollye wanted to show between grandson and grandmother. I didn't say yes right away because I was scared and anxious. Mollye allowed me time to grasp how right that image was for the audience, how right that act was for Etta and her grandson to reveal. She never pushed me to do it. I came to that position slowly and with understanding. I also was so appreciative of the compassion shown me by Justin Weaks, who plays the grandson, Nathan. His love supported me every night as I stepped naked into that pool, vulnerable and exposed while he gently bathed me. What was your favorite stage moment? When the chairs and tables broke apart from their formation on stage because actors were moving them in a choreographed way, my heart would start pounding in my chest and my breathing would get tight. My character Etta was in the middle of the stage, still, but reacting in her chair, while the swirl of moving furniture surrounded her. For me the movement represented Etta trying to grasp the broken pieces of her mind, trying to understand her children and what they wanted from her. The climax of movement was the cry of "Mom" from Caleb, the son who challenged me (Etta) the most. My heart would break every night at that moment. All this was underscored by Matt Nielson's dynamic music. I could live that section of the play over and over and always be engaged. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Felicia Curry's performance in "Lela & Co" blew me away. Felicia was so dynamic in the role, able to transform so naturally from child to adult, from joy to deep sadness. I have always loved her work, and in this role Felicia showed us so many colors of humanity with intelligence and emotional depth. I will never forget her performance. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Celebrating the work of theater artists of all types, who will come together as the loving community we are. It is the community that has nurtured me as an actor.
	Michael Innocenti, Parade Who was your character and how did you connect? Leo Frank had an anxious disposition, that manifested itself by trying to isolate himself from the realities of the world that surrounded him, even when it meant looking guilty to the public. Other than sharing Jewish heritage and the anxious thing, I am wise enough to lean on my wife for support during trouble times. What was the most surprising thing that happened? That the extent of my sweating, even under a wig, remained low in comparison with other shows I have been in. Believe me, that is a surprise and a triumph for both the costume department and sound department. What was your favorite stage moment? Singing 'All the Wasted Time' and the scene that surrounds it was something I looked forward to every night as it was the one chance for me and Ellie to really connect during the show. Also, listening to Harrison Smith and Chad Wheeler completely try to destroy me by whispering horrendous ad-libbed insults during the trial. You know, like professionals. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Holly Twyford and Tracy Lynn Olivera in A Little Night Music. Both performances had such depth and revealed so much subtext in the lyrical phrasing as to make it seem like I have never heard it before. And as a sucker for anyone with great comedic timing, it was a joy to watch Tracy do her thing. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Relieving the baby sitter, because who the hell wants to care of a screaming 6 month year old that's not yours.
	Bryan Jeffrey, Dreamgirls Who was your character and how did you connect? Jimmy Early is a character who everyone has to love. Not because of his womanizing ways, not because he’s anal retentive, and not because he’s flashy. You love Jimmy because he is him, no matter what. He always lives in truth. His almost Falstaffian ways bring such joy and lightness to Dreamgirls. At the same time, his ability to switch to a more serious/careful side is also a big plus and hard task to bring to the role. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I am allergic to onions and some of us in the cast went to eat in between a double show day (Twodoeshay) at Union Jacks. I ordered my sandwich and they had put onions on it. I took them off but didn’t realize that the onion, apparently, had been sitting on my sandwich for a while. So after I ate it, we get to my first song in the show and I start feeling woozy and throat closing....I DID AN ENTIRE SHOW SUFFERING FROM AN ALLERGIC REACTION AND DRUGGED UP ON MANY ALLERGY MEDS. I even kinda fainted twice lol. But I made it. What was your favorite stage moment? My favorite moment would have to be singing “Baby, Baby” and “Jimmy’s Firing”. Reason being is because you get to see almost all of Jimmy vocally, emotionally, and truthfully. HE IS HIM NO MATTER WHAT!!! Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Dang, that’s hard!! It would have to be Awa Sal Secka as Felicia in Memphis the Musical. As well as, Jessica Bennett & Ashley Johnson (Moore) as Velma & Roxie in Chicago the Musical. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? seeing all of my theatre family in the DMV and vicinity and of course....GETTING DRESSED UP!!!
	Tessa Klein, The Hard Problem Who was your character and how did you connect? Hilary is a woman trying to fix (what she sees as) a huge mistake early in life. She's become a scientist at a prestigious brain institute, and is trying to prove that God is a real presence and that humans are innately good. I'm not a particularly religious person, but I connected to her passion, her humor and her desire to believe the best of people. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Honestly? I found out I was pregnant with our second daughter a few days into rehearsals. The play is about someone who has given up a child and has spent the rest of her life trying to atone for it, so that obviously affected how I approached the role. What was your favorite stage moment? I loved every minute of doing this play. I always particularly enjoyed the very last moment, where Hilary finally finds some resolution, but it would be impossible to just pick one. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. This is from this year's season, but I just saw "Translations" at Studio. I was floored by it's beauty and simplicity, and how timely the subject matter is. Also, all the performances are fantastic. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Getting to spend time with all the incredibly talented and fun artists in this city!
	Will LeBow, Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing Who was your character and how did you connect? Watching the Ed Sullivan.show as a kid. Saw Mrs Miller there, too! What was the most surprising thing that happened? A childhood neighbor of Mrs Miller came to a talkback. Fascinating. What was your favorite stage moment? My Ed Sullivan entrance Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Deb Monk's Mrs Miller was spot on and a wonderful portrayal. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Being with the D.C. Theatre community on its special night.
	Laura Lebrón, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic Theatrre Who was your character and how did you connect? Nina Rosario is an only child. Raised by her mom and dad, always felt a lot of pressure to be the best student. She's very disciplined and focused but has to start working in her first year in college, which leads to her dropping out. She feels a lot of shame and pressure from everyone that knows her. I think the most clear connection I have with Nina is feeling that pressure of needing to succeed, being away from my family and friends back in the DR and feeling like there's these expectations from them that I don't wanna disappoint. What was the most surprising thing that happened? We had a set piece break during a run through, specifically during my first song "Breath". That was scary for a moment, but thankfully nothing major happened. What was your favorite stage moment? I loved that I could see all the big numbers from the side and watch all my cast-mates absolutely KILL it! I would sneak videos of them because they were so brilliant. I couldn't help myself. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The reunion with my "In the Heights" family and celebrating art together.
	Malcolm Lee, Parade Who was your character and how did you connect? Jim Conley was the African American employee whom basically gave the testimony that put his boss Leo Frank behind bars for the 1913 rape and murder of a 13 year old girl, Mary Phagan. There are those that feel that my character actually committed the murders, and as an actor I portrayed him that way. I felt he, with the District Attorney, conned the justice system into believing that this white man was able to commit this crime. For this role, I had to go to a dark place, and I exuded such anger, arrogance and power in this role, that it had to be the most challenging to date. It was a connection that I'm bittersweet about; I played the part, but I hated him at the same time. What was the most surprising thing that happened? The response that I received from the crowd. My character isn't a pleasant person at all, and there were times that I received applause from them after my numbers. Yes, I'm happy they thought I did a good job, but people...HE'S EVIL!!! What was your favorite stage moment? Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. It's very hard to not mention the amazing ensemble I worked with on this show. However, there was one moment in the show where it just gave me chills every time...Molly Janiga, Hillary Thelin and Retta Laumann doing the number "Factory Girls/Come Up to My Office." Their harmonies were so beautifully uncomfortable because of the content they were singing about, but they nailed it every performance, and I'm just backstage in awe. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing our wonderful DC theater community for one last time. I'm moving to Minnesota come June, and I'm going to miss everyone so much! It's been a wonderful 8 years being back in theater, and I thank you and love you! 🙂
	Valerie Leonard, My Fair Lady Who was your character and how did you connect? Though they are both strong women, Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Higgins, could not be more different. I connected with the stillness of Mrs. Pearce and the flair of Mrs. Higgins. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I made all my quick changes. What was your favorite stage moment? Brittany Campbell singing "I could have danced all night" Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Laurie Metcalf in "Doll's House Part 2" What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Dancing with my husband, Nigel Reed.
	Jim Lichtscheidl, Twelfth Night Who was your character and how did you connect? Sir Andrew is a man child, a privileged trust fund fool, and the world's most cowardly antagonizer. While it was freeing to inhabit a character without social boundaries, I discovered that I could identify most with Sir Andrew's vulnerable flashes of self-doubt and fear. What was the most surprising thing that happened? There was a moment in the show where I would chug the contents of a tiny plastic liquor bottle and then hit it upstage with my tennis racket. One night in previews I couldn't open the bottle, faked drinking it, and hit the now heavier bottle right into the upstage television screen and POP! Monitor down. The audience thought it was part of the show so I celebrated the destruction in Sir Andrew fashion. What was your favorite stage moment? There were so many beautiful musical moments in the show, but I would have to say my favorite song was "Come Away Death" performed by Heath Saunders and Matt Deitchman. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I had the opportunity to see Woolly Mammoth's THE ARSONISTS before we opened, and Kimberly Gilbert's performance terrified me. I was genuinely afraid to meet her after the production. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I am currently working on a project in my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and unfortunately won't be attending the awards ceremony. But I'll be there in spirit, cheering on the incredible work of all involved in Twelfth Night, and celebrating the arts community and all those recognized.
	Gregory Linington, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Who was your character and how did you connect? Trying to write about George is like trying to hit a moving target. He's got so many attributes, he's a complete person! It's like trying to reduce an entire life into some pithy, satisfying description... "He's a University Professor in New England who argues with his wife." It's reductive, and it promises an awful night of theater, when you describe it like that. What I believe about George is that he is unhappy, he is brave, he is a Machiavel (though he is also intensely moral), he sees the long game and the short game at the same time and he is the fiercest, most intelligent person I have ever attempted to inhabit. I connected to George's wit (scathing, razor sharp), his caustic and myriad observations (deprecating, often painfully true), and his love for his wife (deep, abiding, passionate). If I kept connecting to my own emotions, and filtered them through George, I was hopefully able to stay true to Albee's character, and Aaron Posner's brilliant direction. Digression: Aaron uses a phrase, "Actually ACTUALLY", which is similar to Stanislavski's "Magic If", that forces you to check in with every moment, to ask, "Am I actually ACTUALLY committing fully to my intention?" What was the most surprising thing that happened? Reactions to the piece were completely fascinating. It is a rough ride, even for the most seasoned fan of Albee's work. Some people were shocked by this 50 year old play, others remarked on how funny they found it, others were extremely emotionally shaken. Having spent so long with Shakespeare, where the audience experiences a disconnect as a result of the thorny language, it was baffling to see how a truly American play can resonate. What was your favorite stage moment? I loved the moments on stage with all four of us, Me & Holly, Maggie & Danny. It felt like home from the very first moment (we all auditioned together). Maggie's sweetness as a person shining through Honey's absolute drunkenness, Danny's arch and overarching Nick looking down on me, and the mastery and fury and control behind everything Holly brought to Martha. Indelible moments, etched forever into my soul by that wickedly talented group of actors. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. No Sisters at Studio Theatre was my favorite play of last year. Every performer was pitch-perfect. Brilliant work. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Reuniting with this amazing community of artists and friends. I miss our life here in DC tremendously.
	Felix Marchany, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic Theatre , Who was your character and how did you connect? I’ve always thought of the Piragua character as a metaphor. He represents the community of familiar faces who are not afraid of hard work. These are the people that humble themselves to provide for their families. Living in Washington Heights myself, I see these real life characters everyday. At one point or another, we all have to “scrape by” to make ends meet, making the Piragua character universal. What was the most surprising thing that happened? We were all surprised when Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor paid us a visit backstage. What was your favorite stage moment? when 'Paciencia y Fe' is sung by Abuela Claudia. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? This years awards ceremony will also serve as a reunion for our In the Heights cast. I’m looking forward to sharing a magical night with my familia.
	Jimmy Mavrikes, The Wild Party Who was your character and how did you connect? Burrs is a wounded soul who was deeply in love and didn't know how to show it. I feel like Burrs was very different than myself, but we all have frustrations that need to be let out; it was a cathartic experience, and yet it gave me so much anxiety to play this role. I loved it. What was the most surprising thing that happened? One night, during the party scene, I had to unplug a loud scroller [light instrument] that was out of control. What was your favorite stage moment? I loved performing "Let me Drown" every night. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Guilty pleasure: I LOVED MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Just celebrating everyone in DC Theatre. We have such a special community and comradery, that I am happy to have this one night where we are all together celebrating the talent in our city.
	Vaughn Ryan Midder, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic Theatre Who was your character and how did you connect? Benny is a member of the Washington Heights community, but not of the culture. Similarly, I was a member of the cast, but the only non-spanish speaking actor, in a Spanish production. That balance of otherness and belonging made moments between Benny and myself nearly indistinguishable. Benny wants to prove his place in the Heights while respecting it's heritage and legacy, I sought the same exact thing amongst my cast (aka familía)! What was the most surprising thing that happened? I think during one of our previews, the sound equipment completely gave out. We could not hear the band at all, and weren't sure if stage management was going to hold. Nonetheless, all of us on stage tuned into each other, and continued to perform the big ensemble number "96,000" A CAPELLA. The sound came back after a minute or two, and we continued performing as if it never happened. We got a thunderous applause, and it was possibly the most beautiful moment I have EVER had on stage to date! What was your favorite stage moment? Seeing my new family perform Carnival del Barrio was my favorite moment hands down! My castmates were performing possibly the ONLY show in existence currently that represents the voice of their community, doing it in their native tongue, proudly shouting, in a safe space, alza la bandera, waving their home flags, in our nation's capital, IN THE TIME OF TRUMP. I cried almost every time backstage from rehearsals until closing. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I had the pleasure of seeing A Little Night Music at Signature. The vocal mastery in that show was unparalleled. It was tight, polished, and overall a caliber of work I strive to have the privilege to be a part of one day. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? my New York castmates/familía being recognized for boldy, vulnerably, and selflessly sharing their story.
	Mary Myers, Marx in Soho Who was your character and how did you connect? Karl Marx was an extremely difficult, fantastically flawed, and immeasurably brilliant man. One of the greatest joys of working on this production was getting to learn more about him, and getting to delve deeply into the man and his personal life as opposed to the myth and his work. I disagree with him on many fronts, and in more than one respect I find him lacking...but I connect with his passion entirely and completely. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I was surprised by how much I came to love Karl. By the end of the run, I honestly felt like he was as present in the performance as I was. What was your favorite stage moment? The ending is staggeringly well-constructed by Howard Zinn (the playwright). It reduced me to tears every time. Also, the final moments with Bakunin are a treasure...because who doesn't love calling an anarchist eunuch, and then having him pee out a window? Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. My stage manager's!! All hail Lucette Moran!! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? The number of astonishingly beautiful people with whom I'll get to celebrate. I mean...have you seen these people? They are painfully attractive. Also, debating whether I should style my hair like Karl.
	Anna O'Donoghue, I Wanna Fucking Tear You Apart Who was your character and how did you connect? I loved Chloe. She's someone who's spent her whole life being pigeonholed into the pretty-cute-charming girl paradigm, and so she's adopted a lot of the accompanying tropes and habits. They're her currency for getting through the world, and she's maybe outgrown them a bit -- they can get, like, a little annoying. But, I think when called upon, Chloe actually reveals some real maturity and depth; she knows herself a lot better than she might seem to, particularly in contrast to the other characters in IWFTYA, whose self-awareness is actually self-sabotage in disguise. It was super fun for me to play both into and against the assumptions we make about people who might seem shallow at first glance. Chloe's a much nicer and more likable person than I am, so I enjoyed living in that space for while. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Well, Morgan [Gould], our amazing writer-director, likes to work on her feet. Literally, she doesn't sit down. And she also comes up with a lot of stuff on the fly -- so we had new pages, new moments, new scenes, pretty much every day right up until opening, just based on stuff that Morgan would improvise on the spot. Our poor stage manager had a really hard time giving line notes, because no one was quite clear what the lines actually Were day-to-day. By the end of the rehearsal process pretty much all the material I had auditioned with had been cut -- but. So many beautiful, specific, bizarre new elements had been created. So basically, every day was a surprise. What was your favorite stage moment? I mean selfishly? I loved getting to play drunk on stage, reveling in the over-intimacy and over-exuberance that happens when someone goes from being tipsy to...more than that. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I know this seems like a cop out, especially when there was so much exceptional work last year, but I have to say: my fellow cast members at the Studio. Nicole and Tommy were both so extraordinary; I had the smallest part in the play so I really got to watch the two of them carry the audience on this crazy ride every night. They were both working at the peak of personal vulnerability and technical virtuosity. They're stars. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Will there be musical numbers?? If so, I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MUSICAL NUMBERS.
	Nova Y. Payton, Caroline, or Change Who was your character and how did you connect? Caroline is a mother of 4 children who works as a maid to provide for them. She’s lived a hard life just trying to survive and do the best that she can. My grandmother was a “Caroline” to a family in the Greenville, South Carolina. My mother has told me stories about her being in charge of getting herself and her brother up and out for school because my grandmother had to be out of the house early to get the children she worked for up and ready for school. It’s similar to Caroline’s story. She was up and out all day until she came home at night. Only saw her children in the evenings and left her oldest daughter to tend to the younger boys. What was the most surprising thing that happened? This was the first time that my son was in a professional show with me. So to be in the room with him learning and having to focus on his lines, choreography and blocking was such a joy to watch. One day on a break, I remember Fin, who played Noah, got on the piano and my son, Micah, who played Joe, decided to perform Hamilton. They had the room What was your favorite stage moment? I have several favorite moments but if I had to pick one it would be Lot’s Wife. Caroline going through that moment was her breaking point. It has to be exhausting carrying so much anger and pain every day, all day. During that song, the audience finally gets to hear how Caroline sees herself and feels about the person she is. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. It’s very rare that I get to see shows but the two that I saw were A Little Night Music and Pajama Game. I always love seeing my friends live their best lives on stage. Both shows were beautiful to look at and full of energy and magnificent story-telling. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? This year I’m looking forward to celebrating with my colleagues. It’s a great feeling being able to witness friends and peers being recognized for the work that they do.
	Clayton Pelham Jr., Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Who was your character and how did you connect? Levee has a big personality, big dreams and a big mouth. I read an article that described him as an intelligent buffoon and I thought "Ah! that a perfect description" and I ran with it. He's charming, a ladies man, there's never a dull moment when he's around. A very talented trumpet player who could use some work, but what he lacks in skills he makes up in charisma and a style like no other. He's a visionary, who is determined to take the music scene to a whole new level. The Kanye West of his time. Though I don't share Levee's flamboyant personality I do relate with his need to prove himself as artist feeling like the underdog with a chip on his shoulder. Levee spoke from his heart even if it wasn't the best thing to say at the time or wasn't well received and I've always struggled censoring how I truly felt when an issue was pressing on my mind. I admired Levee's bold confidence and saw a lot of myself in him overall. It was a pleasure to tell this mans story. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Every performance working opposite Michael Anthony Williams there was a surprising moment. LOL! This guy's a true veteran and is notorious for throwing curveballs. Definitely kept me on my toes and I had a hell of a lot fun playing with him. What was your favorite stage moment? When the bands playing the songs in the recording room and listening Tomi Nelson (Ma Rainey) blow the house down each performance. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. 'Curve of Departure' at Studio Theatre. As an ensemble, the cast put on a powerful performance and Justin Weaks as the lead character was stupendous! Great Show! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Definitely looking forward to bringing my family, outside of my immediate family, to experience HH in all its grandeur for the first time. They showed up and SHOWED OUT several times during the run of the show and gave my cast mates and I all the energy that actors crave for from an audience. I honestly don't think I would've the honor of receiving this nomination with out there support. Much love to the Pelham and the Earl family!
	Gabriella Perez, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic Theatre Who was your character and how did you connect? Carla is all heart. She can appear naive or dumb on the page, but she's actually incredibly caring and sweet and silly. Like me, Carla wants to do the best job she can and have the most fun possible at the same time. She genuinely tries to be a good person and bring joy to her friends. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I didn't expect to grow as an artist as much as I did. I thought we'd all come in, learn the show, and have fun... but Luis demanded 100 percent authenticity, honesty, joy, presence, and openness from everyone in the room. We made a family in a few short weeks. I felt like I grew so much as an artist and as a person. What was your favorite stage moment? Anytime I got to improvise with Daniela (Scheherazade Quiroga) in our salon. And eat lots of lollipops onstage. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I saw "The Band's Visit" a few months ago. I was overjoyed to see some friends onstage, but on the whole, it is such a simple, honest piece. It was so refreshing to see something like that on Broadway. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Hearing my friends win!
	Scheherazade Quiroga, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic Theater Who was your character and how did you connect? Daniela is strong, and she uses her strength to contribute to make those around her equally strong. She takes care of people. She's proud of who she is, and of where she comes from, and shares that openly and boisterously. She's liberating to play. We both have a soft side that is not quite perceive in the midst of a rather animated personality, that is what sparks our connection. What was the most surprising thing that happened? On opening night, during "96,000" our sound system blew up (or at least that's what it sounded like). Our microphones seemed to work, but we stopped hearing the orchestra altogether. That number travels through a challenging combination of rhythms, and passing the melodic line from one character to the next. After a few seconds of no music -through which we kept performing- you could see the hidden stares of everyone on-stage, wondering if we should keep going or stop. We kept going, maintaining the animated beat with claps and steps. After almost a minute of this… The orchestra miraculously re-emerged, and we finished the number to thunderous applause. We later discovered that, just as we hadn't stopped, the orchestra had kept going too, and the re-activation of the sound system had us meet right where we were supposed to be! It was not pleasant when it happened, but pushing through to discover that everyone was on-sync and working together on both sides of the stage, made us realize we were in the presence of what Michelle Rios so diligently identifies as "duende". We were a family. What was your favorite stage moment? Aside form getting to hold a very funny and long note for as long as I wanted, while doing whatever I wanted during it? Well, Daniela gets to be on-stage in her salon practically throughout the entire show, even when not being featured. All the things you can think happened and were dealt with in that salon! My favorite time was always when client Melinette Pallares stopped by with a different emergency for Gabby Pérez (Carla) and I during every single show. Gum in her hair, fallen eyelashes… And even a case of lice made us be always on our toes! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? having the In The Heights family back together after a year to celebrate theatre!
	Michelle Rios, In the Heights, GALA Hispanic Theater Who was your character and how did you connect? For me, "Abuela Claudia" represents love of family and community. She represents both the hardships and triumphs of the immigrant experience. Years ago, I had the honour of playing her opposite Lin Manuel Miranda. Playing her again at Gala Hispanic Theatre came full circle for me, because not only was I given a great opportunity to reinvent "Claudia", but also, the wonderful opportunity to explore her narrative in Spanish, which was incredibly profound for me. Thus, throughout the rehearsal process, I found myself stepping into my late grandmothers' shoes and honouring them. I thought about their stories -- the struggles and joys that they both faced when they first moved to New York, especially as single mothers. Thus, for me, the character of "Abuela Claudia" symbolizes all of the brave and hardworking individuals who strive for a better life and an opportunity to be heard, seen, and accepted. What was the most surprising thing that happened? During our sitzprobe rehearsal, Lin Manuel Miranda surprised us through Skype! It was lovely to hear his voice and see him again. Another thrilling moment was meeting the Honourable Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor at our Opening Night performance! What was your favorite stage moment? I really enjoyed my moments with both my Usnavi (Juan Espinal) and my dear Sonny (Rafael Beato)! There were some honest and fun moments that we explored onstage that I will always cherish and adore. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Anything my friend Bobby Smith touches is gold. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? To celebrate Washington, DC's incredible theatre community! I began working professionally as an actor in Washington, DC and Maryland. Therefore, I am hoping to see some of my dear colleagues and friends from back in the day. I am also looking forward to celebrating this special evening with my amazing "In the Heights" familia! It will be wonderful to reconnect and be back "Home"!
	Antoinette Robinson, As You Like It Who was your character and how did you connect? Celia is the fun, loving, loyal cousin of Rosalind. I don't have siblings, unfortunately. But I've been blessed with cousins that are like sisters to me. So it was nice to lean into that and have it blossom from there. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Lover and his Lass (a whole musical production midway thru) we thought we had that dance DOWN! We. Did. Not! Lol. Eventually we got it though. Shout out to D. Stoller. C. Wilson. K. Chatterjee! What was your favorite stage moment? Oh! There's SO MANY! I guess I'd have to say the wedding toward the end. Oooo So. Much. Fun! Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Lizan Mitchell in A Raisin in The Sun! She KILLED it! She is brilliant. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? celebrating the talent, hard work, energy and soul of the arts community that makes this city thrum! 🙂
	Kate Rockwell, Mean Girls Who was your character and how did you connect? Karen is not the brightest crayon in the box, for sure. She's one of the trio of "mean girls" but actually? Karen's not really that mean. Honestly I think she's just not aware of how her actions affect the people around her. Her priorities are pretty narrow....makeup, hair, boys....that's probably about it. But she makes some really good observations when you give her the chance! What was the most surprising thing that happened? Oh man, I was definitely surprised the day our onstage tear-away costume went awry and our poor Cady (played by Erika Henningsen) was left without a shirt in the middle of the stage. Guess who pulled that tear-away off and who's fault it was that it happened? That's right. Me. What was your favorite stage moment? I love the beginning of the Halloween number, where I get to speak directly to the audience. It's different every time because each audience reacts differently, so it keeps me on my toes to make sure I can stay right with them. It's a comedy maze every single time! Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. If I may brag, my fellow nominee Grey Henson (who plays Damien in Mean Girls) is an absolute joy to watch. He has such a subtle way of delivering the best zingers and he's secretly an amazing dancer (actually I guess it's not a secret now!). What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I absolutely love working in the DC theater community, and I'm so honored to be nominated alongside the other incredible performers this year. I am excited that the community gets a night to celebrate all the incredible work that has been created over the last year!
	Susan Rome, Brighton Beach Memoirs Who was your character and how did you connect? Kate is the one who holds dominion in the household. I’m much less controlling and much more demonstrative! What was the most surprising thing that happened? Working with the four kids who played the juvenile roles was fantastic. What was your favorite stage moment? Slow burn at the dinner table. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Emily Townley and Mitch Hebert in HIR; Jack Willis as LBJ in GREAT SOCIETY. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing friends...
	Rafi Silver, The Effect Who was your character and how did you connect? Tristan is a free spirited class clown but with a heart of gold underneath who is constantly searching for a higher truth in life. When I first read the script, I was immediately drawn to his sense of humor juxtaposed with his depth of character. He is a fun character to play because in Act 1 it is easy to write him off as just a jokester with no sense of himself or the world around him. But as the play goes on you realize there is a lot more depth to him. I love his passion for truth and his curiosity. He is the type of guy that will leap fearlessly into the unknown and I very much respect that about him. What was the most surprising thing that happened? There is one sequence in the play where the actor who plays Tristan has to do a "trick" which will somehow lead to the first kiss that he and Connie share. A huge moment in the play. In the script however, it is as vague as that. Lucy Prebble, the playwright, left it up to each actor that plays the role of Tristan to cater it to himself. I believe in the NY production the actor tap danced. Well, I can't tap dance, or do any circus tricks, or really do anything cool outside of the box that would make someone want to kiss me like juggle upside while singing Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight." But what immediately came to mind after I read the script was to do something silly or stupid. Silly/ stupid is right in my wheelhouse. So from first table read all the way through our designer run I was doing a terrible breakdance to the song "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" by C+C Music Factory. That got a ton of laughs in rehearsal and everyone seemed to love it, but it just wasn't feeling right to me. So I asked David Muse, our director, if we could work on it. He said sure, but we ended up spending almost half a day of rehearsal trying to figure out a new trick. Not an ideal use of our time especially when people liked the one I was already doing. David and my cast mates have incredible patience because that rehearsal was a total disaster. I was sweating profusely and It was one fail after another until it was finally time to break for lunch. After hours of frustration I was sitting outside the rehearsal hall with my cast mate Katie Kleiger, the talented young actress who played Connie, laughing about something I can't remember and all of sudden it popped into my head. The trick doesn't have to be good! It just needs to be make her laugh. So I immediately started to dig into my old bag of tricks that I used to use as an 8 year you old to make people laugh. I ended up settling with the ol' "I have something growing in my belly" routine, where you connect your hands with a long sleeve shirt and put one arm in the middle and pop it out like a scene from the movie "Alien." Low and behold, It was perfect. And I promise you, there was no way I was ever going to come up with that if David and my cast mates didn't allow me to take the time to fall on my face for a whole afternoon. Thank you guys. The "trick" which started as my most anxious moment in the play ended up being the thing I looked forward to doing every night. What was your favorite stage moment? a scene where I am onstage but not acting in. Towards the climax of the play, the two doctors who are running the clinical drug trial (played beautifully by Eric Hissom and Gina Daniels) are in a heated argument about the ethics of anti depressant drugs. In this moment it is revealed that my character is in fact being medicated on the drug even though, he and the audience are lead to believe he is on a placebo. It is such a powerful moment in the play because when I first read the script I honestly didn't see that twist coming. Every night I would sit there crouched in the corner on stage and wait for this audible gasp from the audience. And with out fail every performance it would happen. The reason I became an actor was because I love to get immersed in a good story. Our job as actors is to be the vessel for a good story and hopefully let the viewer into the journey that we are living on stage. That audible gasp every night was so incredible to me because it was reassurance that they were right there with us, hearing and feeling the story that we and Lucy Prebble intended. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. During rehearsals I was fortunate enough to see "Skeleton Crew" at Studio Theatre. Wow! That ensemble was incredible. Top notch! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I just had my second baby a couple weeks ago, so honestly I am very much looking forward to just getting out of the house for an evening with my wife!
	Blakely Slaybaugh, The Pajama Game Who was your character and how did you connect? Prez is a self proclaimed ladies man and is always on the prowl for his next beauty. He's also the head of the union at the pajama factory. I connected a lot with Prez on this level as I'm active in Actors Equity (the union for Stage Actors and Stage Managers) and tend to be elected the Equity Deputy for many of the shows I work on. What was the most surprising thing that happened? on the whole, rehearsal was full of surprises. When you have a month to work on crafting a show you experiment with a ton of different ideas. Some are fantastic and some are flops. That being said, they both make for some equally hilarious outcomes with you and your cast mates in the room. What was your favorite stage moment? I had so many fun moments but one that stands out was an exit I made in Act 2 after a small scene with Britney (who played Babe). It wasn't anything big but it was a small moment that I enjoyed working on to get just the right amount of laugh upon exiting. It was one of those ideas I talked about above that landed the way we wanted when I tried it. So it stuck. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Oh gosh. There were a lot of people doing really good work this year.. If I had to pick one though it would be Jim Lichtscheidl (a fellow nominee) who played Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night at Shakespeare Theatre Company. He was absolutely hilarious and his choices were so specific and nuanced. It was some really well crafted comedy on his part. I really admired his performance. Also the whole production was fantastic. Seriously fantastic. If you didn't see it, you missed out. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing old friends and meeting new ones!!!!
	Derek Smith, Twelfth Night Who was your character and how did you connect? Malvolio is arguably one of Shakespeare's saddest characters. I connected to his fierce hope for a miracle. For his dream to manifest. And I connected to his doubt and insecurity. I think that polarity makes for good stage tension. He is really one of Shakespeare's "Everymen"...... What was the most surprising thing that happened? I let go of the comedy and realized it's a tragic role. OR.....to be honest......I struggled with the part and so, for the first time ever, I googled it because it confused me so much. And I found the word "anti-comic".....that word, at that time, sort of pleased me and validated me at that point in rehearsal. And I let go of the history or the role and just played it my way. What was your favorite stage moment? My silent look with Olivia upon exiting the dog crate in the last scene of the play. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Haha . Good question. Mainly because you specify I should not include my own. I'm here to tell you that my own are NEVER my favorite performances. And the reason is because performances are just that.....the finished product.....the nice result. My own are fraught with the struggle and insecurity that eventually dragged them to some stage in some hopefully pleasing shape. I loved Laurie Melcalf in Dolls House Part Two. She is a creature of the theatre and a slave to intention and storytelling.....whether she succeeds or fails....and that's a hero to me. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing the artists and patrons of the D.C. theatre community. It has always been a second artistic home for me and it's dear to my heart.
	Nilaja Sun, Pike St. Who was your character and how did you connect? I wrote the play so in essence each character holds a little piece of me in their heart and vice versa. What was the most surprising thing that happened? The cast and creators of Madam Secretary, a tv series I recur on, came to see Pike St. on two different nights and surprised me. What was your favorite stage moment? I sit on stage while the audience peels into the theatre. Listening in on DC conversations is scandalous. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Beyonce at Coachella - because she reminds me to also keep the sparkle on stage no matter what. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I just love DC actors so being in a room full of them will be noteworthy
	Sarah Olmsted Thomas, Bon Voyage! A Happenstance Escapade Who was your character and how did you connect? Oops is the puppeteer of narrative. She is a mute street urchin with patched pants and a skull cap who is part creature, sometimes perched on a ladder like a bird in a tree, and part conductor, guiding the other characters through the streets of Paris. To me, she is magic. What was the most surprising thing that happened? I was nursing a back injury during the rehearsal process which began to heal before opening. As a result of my precarious physical situation, every performance felt like a spiritual experience; I was so filled with gratitude and so elated to be moving! What was your favorite stage moment? I loved leaping through the mimetic Parisian metro cars and throwing confetti over the stage at the culmination of the Prix d'Or. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? I'm looking forward to seeing and embracing all of the wonderful artists of Washington Theatre!
	Eleanor Todd, Parade Who was your character and how did you connect? Lucille Frank was an anomaly. She was a white woman born into a wealthy family in Atlanta in the early 1900s, giving her a life of extreme privilege in many ways, but she was also Jewish in a community that was heavily, heavily Christian at the time and therefore, looked at as an outsider. She also married a Yankee at a time when there was a lot of resentment from Southerners towards people who came down from the north to settle in the south after the Civil War. The thing I admire about Lucille and connected to the most was her resilience and refusal to accept injustice without putting up a good fight. When her husband, Leo, was sentenced to die for a murder he did not commit, she did not accept defeat but continued to fight for his freedom. When Leo himself told her to stay out of his appeal process, she refused to back down and became an integral force in his case being reopened and his sentence being commuted from the death penalty to life imprisonment. This steadfast dedication to doing what is right and to facing problems head on is something I try to do in my life, and Lucille was a huge inspiration in that regard.
	Wood Van Meter Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Who was your character and how did you connect? Joseph is the youngest of 12 brothers, and he knows that he's destined for great things. This has been one of my favorite shows/roles for a long time, and I always responded to Joseph's ability to see the good in everybody, and how tightly he holds to his beliefs and integrity throughout his journey. What was the most surprising thing that happened? A seven year-old boy named Benny came to see the show and he was wearing his own coat that his mother had made him! We took a picture together afterward What was your favorite stage moment? Getting to sing that beautiful finale, "Any Dream Will Do," and connect with every cast member on stage while we sang together. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. I was really floored by Michael Innocenti, Eleanor J. Todd, and the whole cast of Parade at Keegan Theatre, as well as the cast of A Little Night Music at Signature Theatre. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Getting to celebrate all of the incredible work that gets done here and raise a glass to this community!
	Alex Vernon Peter and the Starcatcher Who was your character and how did you connect? Lord Astor, and all the other characters in the show, are all under the guise of a play within a play, so it's genuinely a troupe of actors growing closer through storytelling. What was the most surprising thing that happened? The amazing ability of the cast and crew to be totally willing and able to throw out the rehearsed complicated choreography to try new complicated choreography. What was your favorite stage moment? Swingin' on ropes. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. The young boxers' movement sequence in Still Life With Rocket. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing so many of the folks I love in this community all in one place.
	Korinn Adama Walfall, Dreamgirls Who was your character and how did you connect? We’re both Black girl dreamers. Wanting more and challenging the fear of a black matriarchy. What was the most surprising thing that happened? A head-on car accident after my birthday and tech rehearsal. What was your favorite stage moment? Getting slapped by Nova What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Community and fashion.
	Erin Weaver, Or, Who was your character and how did you connect? I played Nell Gwynne, Lady Davenant and Maria, Aphra Behn’s maid. Nell Gwynne and Lady Davenant are based off of real women who lived in the 17th century and Maria, the maid, is fictional. While extremely different, their one connecting quality was their ability to live bravely, independently and fully in a man's world. I felt very empowered playing each of these characters. What was the most surprising thing that happened? How smoothly everything went!!! I believe this was in large part because Aaron and Ryan invited Holly, Gregory and I into the creative process long before rehearsals started. We were invited to design meetings where we talked about costumes, set and props and this allowed us to hit the ground running once we started rehearsals which was invaluable with only two weeks to rehearse! What was your favorite stage moment? It’s hard to pick one. The show was insanely fun to do every night. Ok, I’ll pick three... I loved when the curtains opened up and our GORGEOUS and ENORMOUS set moved downstage with the music blasting. That was pretty exciting. I loved the first moment I locked eyes with Holly. By the time I got on stage, Holly and Gregory had already been on stage for about 15 min, so I started every show a bit nervous, as though I had to run and jump onto a moving train... But every night I would say to myself, “Just make eye contact with Holly and you will be good.” It always worked. I would instantly feel at ease and I just LOVED doing that first Nell/Aphra scene every night. My other favorite moment was my first scene with Gregory where I would jump out of the bedroom and we would instantly be intertwined. The thrill of jumping into our first scene together every night never got old. Oh! The costume changes! With the brilliant help of Anna and Liz, we had the BEST TIME with all of our crazy costume changes. So... that was four things... sorry. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. There are so many... I’ll pick two: Holly Twyford in “A Little Night Music” and Caroline Clay in “Skeleton Crew”. The entire ensemble of “Skelton Crew” and “A Little Night Musice” were outstanding. Also the entire ensemble of “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf?” at Ford’s! Oh! And everyone in “Ragtime” at Ford’s theater, particularly Tracy Lynn Olivera and Nova Payton! Kimberly Gilbert in “No Sisters”.... there are too many, I’m having a hard time picking one... What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Bringing our daughter Maisie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	Marquise White, In the Heights, Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre Who was your character and how did you connect? My character Benny is literally the underdog of the story. He has an amazing abilities to not let his background, color, and even culture discourage himself from embracing latinx culture and the American Dream of success. He's charming, charismatic, funny and had a hint of rough street edge in his demeanor. I literally am Benny is in so many ways, with him growing up in the streets of older school New York, and myself coming from Baltimore City; we've both seen the struggles/complications of living in major metropolitan "HOODS" if you would like to call them. Despite my background, which wasn't always the most pleasant, my passion for theatre which is looked at upon as "girley" or "punkish" was almost never a reality because I almost let individuals around me discourage my talents and want to potentially make it on stage. Benny dreams of going to school, getting a loan and owning a business translates so well to not only my life but to people of color maintaining and trying to rise about their current circumstances. What was the most surprising thing that happened? the level of response we got from the community. We all had NO IDEA the show would sell the way it did and make such a large impact on not only the Olney community but the DMV community as well. Individuals from even N.J. messaged me saying it was so good seeing their culture embraced and they have several friends who they have seen on stage in Benny. That may had been the most surprising touch for myself. What was your favorite stage moment? My FAVORITE stage moment would have to be "Benny's Dispatch" and not just because it's my song. LOL It was more so because it was my chance to show the audience who Benny was in a matter of a couple of lines and some spitted lyrics. My scene partner Mili Diaz was the icing on the cake once she walks in because her story line collides with mine and the audience immediately connected with us. You could literally feel it every night when the audience first gazed at the connection between us. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Awa Sal Secka in Caroline, or Change. Her interpretation of Dotty was spot on and made me have all the feels. Plus her voice literally calls the Gods What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? everyone meeting and networking and creating potentially opportunities for more great theatre. D.C. Theatre is so versatile and with it's commitment to color blind casting and embracing more stories for people of color, the opportunities will be endless. It doesn't hurt to get dressed up and turn up with talented friends as well.
	Derek Wilder, Trevor Who was your character and how did you connect? I began by secluding my character from the others. Not in rehearsal or backstage... I'm not CRAZY. Just by deleting all the lines from the script that I thought Trevor wouldn't understand. I assumed he would have made attachments to some words, so I kept those in as triggers. And then I motivated the character only through his own words or those words I thought he might understand. This allowed me to really play through the dialogue, instead of slavishly following a line by line structure. I was able to create whole segments of the script where Trevor doesn't talk by crafting large internal monologues and scenes with his imaginary friends. Since some of those things actually happen onstage, I don't think I was too outside the script in that interpretation. It was exhausting, and difficult, but I got incredible support from the cast, and from Director Alex Levy. All of whom were willing to put up with what I'm sure was as difficult a process of discovery for them as it was for me. I'm truly sorry to Alex that I couldn't figure out the unicycle. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Well, there's a big long story about injuring my knee, but I think the most surprising thing that happened was Amanda Forstrum's line delivery of 'So, you're supposed to behave to get what you want. But you can't get what you want while you're behaving, is that it?' What was your favorite stage moment? I loved the moment Lee and I shared at the end of the play, where we hold hands before I run out the front door. It was a beautiful moment every night. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Maybe Dylan Myers in WSC's Lear. He's a killer actor who doesn't get enough praise. Maybe the cast of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe', especially my lovely wife Maggie as Honey. John Hudson Odom in everything, but especially 'An Octaroon'. And the performances of my former students across DC stages. I'll say that I'm rooting for my fellow NCDA graduate Frank Britton who's nominated in the same category as I am. It's about time he really gets acknowledged for his amazing work over the years. What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Maggie and I are moving to Atlanta the next day. So I'm looking forward to treating it as our going away party. Make sure you find us and say goodbye!
	Michael Anthony Willliams, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Who was your character and how did you connect? My character was a wordsmith named "Toledo". He, likes to read a lot like I do, and he has an strong need for others to understand what he thinks he understands, especially his younger peers. I played this character ten years ago, so there was a lot of background to work with this time. What was the most surprising thing that happened? Just the sheer joy of being around the cast and crew. What was your favorite stage moment? Full cast scenes. Tell us about a favorite performance of this past year, other than your own. Being in the show and watching Clayton Pelham command the stage every night! What are you most looking forward to at the Helen Hayes Awards? Seeing my cast mates and seeing friends and colleagues.