Name: Ajax Conroy
Role: Clete Harwinkle
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Favorite Food: Crap, I forgot the name of it. I think it was a pasta. Like, with one of those fancy Italian names. Y’know? Ugh, it’ll come to me.
Hobbies: Salsa dancing. And salsa making. I try to diversify.
Favorite Play or Musical: I like the ones that end with people clapping and standing up. Hands down the best plays and musicals.
What made you decide to start acting/working backstage?
I’m not exactly sure. My dad said he would cut me off if I didn’t go to college, so I was like, “Okay, Theatre, I guess.” And like, it was cool, I guess.
Who is your favorite co-star?
Does Trudy count? Do techs count? Whatever, let’s assume she counts. Trudy, final answer.
Do you have a fun backstage story?
One time, I walked to Pop-a-Top during intermission, and I came back with canned Cafe Bustelo. On the way in through the back, I tripped over Blanche and poured coffee down that Arnold guy’s pants. It was fine because he doesn’t do anything in the second act, but it wasn’t fine because I felt, like, really connected to that coffee. Tragic.
If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would meet my dad probably, because he’s actually kinda cool. Right?
Can you give us any hints to solve the mystery?
What mystery?
What is your favorite part of the play?
The overture maybe? Is that right? We have one, right?
How did you prepare for this role?
Lasagna! I remembered my favorite food. It was lasagna.
Do you feel personally connected to your character?
I mean, he borrows my skin for the production, so I’d like to have it back by the end. Yea, we’re connected. We’re the same person.
What was the hardest thing to do when preparing for this production?
Dealing with Harnell. He like, high-key sucks. On a spiritual level.
Do you have a life philosophy?
What’s that?
Name: Harnell Chesterton
Role: Narrator
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Favorite Food: expensive
Hobbies: acting, being the center of attention, blackmail
Favorite Play or Musical: Harnell, The Harnell Chesterton Story, a one man show in 7 acts
What made you decide to start acting/working backstage?
The spotlight of course
Who is your favorite co-star?
Me, obviously
Do you have a fun backstage story?
No, everyone seems to stop talking when I walk in the room
If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Future me; to see how much more amazing I become
Can you give us any hints to solve the mystery?
Nope, I can’t speak on the subject. I’m dying to find out who did it. But I’m a bleeding heart liberal so I’m against the death penalty.
What is your favorite part of the play?
Mine, duh. In fact, I wrote some extra pieces that are so fun!
How did you prepare for this role?
Prepare? A real actor doesn’t prepare, he just is. And will always be.
Do you feel personally connected to your character?
Well I’m basically just playing myself, I did write my own part, so yes I feel very connected
What was the hardest thing to do when preparing for this production?
Dealing with actors. Always so narcissistic and dramatic. I mean they should clearly be watching me since I’m the best, but they all just hate me because I’m so amazing. And I know secretly they all love me.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Make everyone love you. Failing that, blackmail them into loving you.
Name: John B. Bainbridge
Role: I’m an officer of the law. My role is playing a part in public safety and well-being.
Hometown: Sarasota,FL
Favorite Food: Tacos. I love tacos more than any other type of food.
Hobbies: Poker, fishing, ceramics, wood working, and reading historical war novels.
Favorite Play or Musical: No
What made you decide to start acting/working backstage?
What? I was just invited here.
Who is your favorite co-star?
Co-star? You mean co-worker? Or partner? I don’t do that. I work alone. I do occasionally need backup when things get rough.
Do you have a fun backstage story?
Yes- I once met a previous wife ( yes, I’ve had two) backstage at a Rascal Flatts concert. She was handing out fraudulent IDs to minors so they could get drinks at the bar- I arrested her and the rest is history. Two months of absolutely lunacy and hell.
If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I feel a certain kinship to Nick Offerman- I like his style and his woodworking practices.
Can you give us any hints to solve the mystery?
Ugh. It’s probably the same as every murder mystery. Suspects are obvious and there’s a wild goose chase in the dark. Next.
What is your favorite part of the play?
Probably when the damn thing is over.
How did you prepare for this role?
I was an officer in the Navy- so I’ve been defending this country for a long time before I went domestic.
Do you feel personally connected to your character?
My character is what it is- I don’t get all sentimental about that. I believe in the law and don’t like surprises. I can say that.
What was the hardest thing to do when preparing for this production?
What…wait a minute. You think I’m in this stupid show? I’m just here to…talk with Harnell about a personal matter.
Do you have a life philosophy?
“It is what it is” – unless it’s stupid. If it’s something I consider stupid, it’s annoying and I’m done with this questionable interview. I’m gonna go grab some coffee now and check-in for my flight.