Actor Spotlight

Orlando Shakes asked cast member Chris Crawford 13 spooktacular questions about working on the two-man, Gothic farce, The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful.

Orlando Shakes: Describe The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful in three words.

Chris Crawford: Suspenseful, Fast, and Hilarious

Orlando Shakes: Of all the characters you portray in this production, which one is your favorite?

Chris: I would have to say that I love playing Lord Edgar. He’s so proper and aloof. He also gets the bulk of the physical comedy in the show, which I love!

Orlando Shakes: List three ways you and that character are alike.

Chris: We both have a strong sense of dedication and loyalty. We both hold on to things from the past a little too much. And, we both would do anything for love.

Orlando Shakes: List three ways you and that character are different.

Chris: I can think of two… I would like to think that I’m a little bit smarter than Lord Edgar. Who knows though? Ha ha! He knows his way around guns and hunting… I do not.

Photo by Tony Firriolo features Chris Crawford and Brad DePlanche.

Orlando Shakes: What has been the most challenging part of working on this production?

Chris: The quick changes and character distinctions. There are times when you’re having a conversation between your own characters. Finding all of the nuances that make them different and distinguishable has been a HUGE part of the process. And the changes in this show go faster and have more layers than just about any show I’ve worked on. It’s insane. You walk off stage, and sometimes, you don’t even have ONE line before you’re on stage again as another character. CRAZY!!

Orlando Shakes: Did you do anything unique to prepare for this role?

Chris: Cardio. Ha ha!! Just kidding. I did a lot of dialect and vocal work. Getting prepared to make the characters as different and specific as possible. Also, Jim is a huge film buff and gave us a running list of all of the references to films, plays, novels, and other various mediums that are in Irma Vep. So, I’ve had a great time catching up on some of those old films.

Orlando Shakes: What are the pros and cons of a two-man show?

Chris: I don’t think there are many cons at all. I’d say that a more difficult aspect of doing a two-man show is that there is only the two of you to hold and carry the play. It’s just Brad, myself, and a crazy amazing team of dressers/stage managers that are pulling off this entire production. See, not really a con. But a LOT of hard work. Much harder than having a cast of four or even ten. And there are more pros than I can count. You develop a very special bond with your scene partner. I’ve been a huge fan of Brad since before I got the chance to work with him in Spamalot. He’s such a kind, wonderful, talented, and giving scene partner and friend. And it’s a lot of fun knowing that it’s just the two of us. 🙂

Orlando Shakes: Any behind-the-scenes antics you would like to share from the rehearsal process so far?

Chris: There were a LOT of laughs in the rehearsal hall. And Brad is so funny. There were times that I just couldn’t stop laughing. Also, the nature of this show is to make the changes faster and faster. So, we’ve had some pretty epic costume fails. Haha! But everything has been resolved now and we are ready and raring to go!

Orlando Shakes: Tell us a bit about your background and career path.

Chris: Well, to make a very long, drawn out story very short, I’m from Oklahoma. I didn’t really start acting professionally until college. I graduated with my MFA in Acting from the University of Arkansas and moved right to Washington DC to do my fellowship with the Shakespeare Theatre there. After completing my fellowship, I moved back to Tulsa, Oklahoma to start Playhouse Tulsa, a small professional regional theatre. I served as the Producing Artistic Director there for 6 years before making the jump to Florida. And now I’m here!

Orlando Shakes: What’s your favorite role in your career so far?

Chris: Oh my goodness! What a tough question! I would have to say playing Asher Lev in My Name is Asher Lev. Also playing Charlie in The Foreigner. Prince Herbert in Monty Python’s Spamalot. I could go on and on. I’ve been so blessed with so many incredible experiences. And then, two years again, I got to direct an incredible production of Sondheim’s Assassins at freeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg.

Orlando Shakes: What’s your advice to aspiring performers?

Chris: It’s about learning everything you can from everyone or everything you can. Both the positives and negatives. Never stop learning. There is ALWAYS more to know or take in. Develop a hunger to learn and watch and grow.

Orlando Shakes: Which is scarier: vampires or werewolves?

Chris: Werewolves! Definitely! Because like…WHAT?!!

Orlando Shakes: What’s your favorite Halloween memory?

Chris: I have so many. I love Halloween! I can’t pick just one! But I love a good Haunted House!!