For the Prosecution, Voss & Berman in “Witness”

SBINSIDER: Mary Kay, when did you first become interested in acting, and what was your first role on stage?

  MKV: The bug hit in high school, but then real life interfered.  I really wanted to get into community theatre in 2001, but was convinced by friends to run for Mill Creek WA City Council.  So, after eight years, I started with the Edmonds Sr Center in January 2010, as a “show Girl” in “7 Nuns in Las Vegas”, probably not well known anywhere.   

 SBINSIDER: How long have you been a part of Community Circle Players (CCP) and what roles have you played?

 MKV: January 2024 was my first association with CCP, and I was cast as Nancy Sketch, in  “House of Agatha Mystrie”.  So, this is my second show, now playing an English Prosecuting Attorney.

 SBINSIDER: What role do you consider your best work thus far, and was there a role that you would like to play again?

 MKV: Clairee in “Steel Magnolias”.  Nearly everyone was on the stage all the time, dialogue did not flow, it was the way women actually talk, which is jumping from one topic to another.  Loved the character and all had to master that southern accent. I would most like to play again Eleanor Hunt (the mother-in-law who comes to lunch and brings luggage) in “No Sex, Please, We’re British”.  Known as a 9 door farce.   Great comedy, moved very rapidly, tons of fun, and everyone had a great time.

 SBINSIDER: Your character in “Witness,” Mrs. Barton, has an extensive amount of lines that require memorization. Plus you have to tag-team the role of the prosecutor. Is this the most challenging role you have played from those aspects?

 MKV: As mentioned, Steel Magnolias was a true challenge for dialogue.  Very difficult memorization, so no, not nearly as difficult.  Tag teaming was actually a blessing because allowed me the opportunity to co-emcee the Variety Show.  Emceeing is another aspect of stage that I really enjoy.

 SBINSIDER: Had you seen the movie or stage play of Witness for the Prosecution, prior to taking on the role?

  MKV: No, actually.  I did watch the later version, which was not the same ending as the original or what we are performing.

SBINSIDER: What do you look for in a role/script before you to try out for the part?

 MKV: I much prefer comedies, or at least with an aspect of comedy.  I look for a part that would be interesting, challenging and fairly meaty.  Something where I can use my talents to enhance a character like when I played “Clara” in “It’s a Wonderful Life”.  Being the angel in that play added a little change to the script and the audience seemed to really like it.

  SBINSIDER: Have you ever directed? Would you consider doing so?

MKB: Never, and really don’t have a desire to, unless it is for a ‘short’ play.  Those are great fun to do, and provide an interesting evening of theatre.

SBINSIDER: Where did you live before moving to SaddleBrooke Ranch?

MKB: Washington state for 50 years, 27 in the City of Mill Creek.  There I was an emcee on numerous occasions, auctioneer for various functions, had my own business, served on the council, and was active in various organizations.  We moved here full time in Oct ’23

SBINSIDER: For those out there who have not yet purchased their tickets, what would say to them? 

MKV: Hurry, there are only 70 available as of today. (20 as of 3/29) 

 SBINSIDER: Mary Kay, when you are not engaged in a theatrical extravaganza, in what other fun things do you indulge?

MKV: I’m taking line dancing, and will probably start clogging, my husband, Didrik and I enjoy traveling, both cruising and road trips.

Our other prosecutor, Fran Berman, had these answers to SBINSIDER:

SBINSIDER: Fran, when did you first become interested in acting, and what was your first role on stage?

FB: My first time on stage was a third grade class performance singing Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Trees.” But I got interested in acting while at Girls’ Latin School in Boston, where my first role was Freddie in “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Since it was an all-girls school, all roles were always played by girls.

 SBINSIDER: How long have you been a part of Community Circle Players (CCP) and what roles have you played?

FB: This is my fourth play with CCP since 2017 when I was cast as Charlotte Chardonnay, the flighty girlfriend of Pierre Pinot Noir, in CCP’s production of murder mystery “Eat Drink, and Be Deadly” directed by Shawne Cryderman. Then I was in the political farce “The Outsider” in 2020, directed by Tim Morsani. I was originally cast as the journalist interviewing the man who was running for governor. But in early rehearsals, a key cast member moved away, and Tim asked me to take on her role as Louise “Lulu” Peakes, the ditsy temp receptionist who ended up running for governor. It was a fun role that allowed me some artistic freedom. Our run was cut short by Covid. But two years later, I was Fairy Mae, one of the “residents” in a sanitorium, in the poignant yet heartwarming comedy “The Curious Savage” directed by Susan Sterling. Now, I have the pleasure of again working under director Tim Morsani as prosecutor Mrs. Myers in “Witness for the Prosecution.”

 SBINSIDER: What role do you consider your best work thus far, and was there a role that you would like to play again?

FB: That’s a tough question. I’d have to go back to my junior year at University of Massachusetts Boston and my weekends playing the witch in Hansel & Gretel. All the cast members were college students, and we performed for children’s audiences. It was great fun, wearing green make-up, forming a huge hooked nose from face putty, and gliding across the stage cackling “my pretty” to my two captives. Afterward, the cast would sit on the edge of the stage and talk with the children. Some children would growl or throw invisible darts at me, while others just stared in awe (or disbelief), and a few cried and screamed until mom or dad whisked them away from the wicked witch.

 SBINSIDER: Your character in “Witness,” Mrs. Myers, has an extensive amount of lines that require memorization. Plus you have to tag-team the role of the prosecutor. Is this the most challenging role you have played from those aspects?

FB: I wouldn’t say it’s the most challenging, but it is the first serious role, i.e., non-ditsy, in my time with CCP. Memorizing wasn’t especially difficult since the dialogue had a logical flow. In “The Outsider, “Lulu had many short, similar lines, and I had to deliver them correctly to cue whoever had the next line. 

 SBINSIDER: Had you seen the movie or stage play of Witness for the Prosecution, prior to taking on the role?

FB: I saw the first film of “Witness” last year, although by the time I auditioned for CCP, I had forgotten the surprise ending.

SBINSIDER: What do you look for in a role/script before you try out for the part?

FB: The script has to have substance with engaging characters, whether it be comedy, tragedy, drama, or farce. I like roles that challenge my skills and creativity, not necessarily the lead. Less important but still a factor is the director; I prefer working under directors who understand my background and talents, and trust my ability to deliver my best performance.

SBINSIDER: Have you ever directed? Would you consider doing so?

No, I never have and am not sure I’d want to direct. It’s a very demanding job in terms of time, talent, and tact. Kudos to those who do direct. I might consider becoming an assistant director, but I’d much rather coach individual cast members who are new to acting or who want to fine tune their skills.

SBINSIDER: Where did you live before moving to SaddleBrooke?

FB: My husband and I moved to SaddleBrooke from Orange County, California where we lived for most of our adult lives. I miss the mild weather and the ocean, but I don’t miss the traffic, congestion, competitive pace, and constant noise; there’s always the sound of traffic droning in the background. SaddleBrooke is relaxing and peaceful most of the time.

SBINSIDER: Fran, when you are not engaged in a theatrical extravaganza, in what other other fun things do you indulge?

FB: I take fitness classes several times a week; play pickleball, mahjongg, and other games; enjoy ballroom dancing and line dancing; go on hikes; and attend various plays, concerts, and dance performances. We traveled a lot during my business career, and still travel occasionally in the U.S. and internationally.

SBINSIDER: For those out there who have not yet purchased their tickets, what would say to them?

FB: What are you waiting for?! There aren’t many tickets left, so stop reading this and go to dvpac.net or the HOA2 Admin office now!