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Dracula’s Fresh Blood

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October 28th, 2007 | Theater, Actor, Kenosha

by Matt Smith

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New people in a group always bring new perspectives, new talents, new ideas, and a general newness to the group as a whole. I sat down with Meg Walsh and Vince Cook, both first-time actors with the Lakeside Players to chat with them about their journey to Kenosha. I knew how much fun they were on the stage as Mina Seward, the “artery” of Count Dracula’s eye, and Boris Renfield, the resident exterminator and living travelogue, but I didn’t realize how fun they would be off the stage too.

Matt: I know you’ve both been acting for quite some time now. When exactly did you start?

Vince: I started acting when I was 12 years old. So I guess about 18 years ago.
Meg: It was my freshman year in high school. I was in a play at school.

Me: When you started, did you have any plans of being the next big thing? The next Jean Claude Van Dam or Angelina Jolie?

V & M: (sudden laughter)
V: I liked the idea of going to the next level, it was really a stress reliever for me though, something of a hobby.
M: When I was younger, I wanted to be an actress, but my parents both told me to get a day job, so I went to school.

Me: What did you study in school?

M: I studied to be a court reporter. It’s a two-year technical certificate, but with all the classes you have to take, it usually takes three or four years.

Me: So what brought you to Kenosha, to the Lakeside Players?

V: Well, when I got married, my wife started teaching in Winthrop Harbor. I had been doing community theatre in Chicago and was looking for something a little closer to home. I saw the Lakeside Players were auditioning, so I came out. I didn’t know they were actually casting! (Laughter)
M: Some of my high school teachers have played here, so I’ve known about it since then. In fact, Mrs. Jenkins, one of my English teachers and the director’s wife, called me up when the girl originally cast in my part wasn’t able to make the performances.

Me: So, you’ve both been in theatre for a while, how does Rhode Opera House compare to some others you’ve been in?

M: I love (Rhode)! It’s really big and we can do a lot with the space. The sets here are great. I’m really excited about having a dressing room, all the other theatres I’ve been in, I had to change in the rest room.
V: It’s very functional, you know, not too big, not too small, just right for what we do in here.

Me: What things did you do as a kid in order to prepare for theatre and acting?

M: I took some acting classes at the Racine Theatre Guild and voice lessons. Well I started voice lessons, twice actually. The first time, my teacher moved away, the second teacher had a baby. I didn’t take any more after that.
V: Looks like they were trying to get away from you! (Laughter)
V: I took some summer school drama classes at Old Orchard Junior High, and my friends and I wrote a play for the talent show called “Nightmare on Sesame Street.” We all acted and played in it. I even have an aunt who’s an actress, Peggy Roeder, so I grew up watching her in movies around Chicago.

Me: I know you’ve both done a lot of different productions and acted out a lot of parts, but which ones were your favorites?

M: I loved “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Me:Why?

M: Because I got to be the lead, be a little bit of a diva!
V: Can I pick three?

Me: I don’t see why not.

V: Ok, first, I would have to say, and I don’t even remember his name, but it would have to be the Empress’ wicked cousin in “Empress’ New Clothes” because I got to dance and wear a moustache. I also like the songs too. Second, I would choose Barnaby Tucker from “Hello Dolly” because the songs were great and I got to wear a 3-piece plaid suit.
M: So you’re picking all your favorites because of what you wore?
V: Yeah, somewhat. It was fun. Ok, third, I would have to pick this character.

Me: Boris Renfield?

V: Right. He gives me an excuse to act like a…to act like a goofball. I also like that I get to sing some songs without even singing, it’s more like a sing-talk.

Me: Ok, one last question and then I’m out of your hair. What is it about Kenosha that you love the most?

M: Well my dad works here and we do everything here. I’d have to say it’s that there’s so much to do.
V: I love the Brat Stop and I, well the whole family, we go to the Harbor Market every Saturday.
M: Yeah, I love that too, there’s always so much to do!

Vince Cook and Meg Walsh you have been “Exposed”.

Matt Smith lives right in the middle of Historic Downtown. Since moving to Kenosha in July, he has instantly fallen in love with this city.

1 comment so far ↓

#1 mary on 10.31.07 at 7:44 am

meg-you rock my world! great interview!

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