Spotlight On: Marie Altenor
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of Steel Magnolias. Get to know Marie Altenor who is portraying Truvy Jones in our production!
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
It’d been a few months since I last performed, so I definitely was feeling the “itch” so to speak. So when this was announced, I said “Why not?” I love both film versions, I had done a stage reading of the work during the quarantine and fell in love with these characters even more, so this was my chance!
What do you love about your character?
I love how optimistic and positive she is- she does truly look on the bright side of things! I can appreciate that she has true love and passion for her craft- Hair! and can almost always relate that to any topic of conversation.
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
I’m hydrating, sipping water and moisturizing my lips, you get kind of parched up there! Oh, and I’ll play a quick round of Star Chef 2 (IYKYK)
Can you describe a challenging scene you’ve played and how you tackled the emotional complexity?
That last scene in Act II, watching this woman breakdown and knowing you are helpless in healing her hurt? Wow. It’s tough, but it’s relatable, I do think we’ve all been there and you do go through multiple feelings all at the same time. I think the thing to remember and this is something that Truvy is great at, is to remember that there is joy even in the midst of pain even it’s hard to see it at times. As Truvy says, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”
How do you utilize stage blocking and movement to enhance your character’s story?
Stage blocking and movement enhances the character’s story in that it gives more of a richness to what she says and how she says it. Some of the things Truvy has coming out of her mouth, totally makes sense when you consider how she moves in life.
How do you build rapport and trust with your fellow cast members to create believable onstage dynamics?
By listening! I mean leaning in to what they have to say. We did some character work together at one of our rehearsals and their input on about their own characters have really helped me root out the gems about my own. I’m grateful to them!
What do you do to prepare mentally and physically before a performance?
The day of I try to do some form of meditation or affirmation to calm my nerves. I pray. If I can swing it and I’m not too lazy I’ll practice some beginner’s yoga or Pilates. Anything to relax that anxiety and get me out of my head. Also music absolutely helps!
Have you ever faced stage fright or nervousness before a performance? How did you overcome it?
Yes!! Always! It’s not as bad as it used to be, but it still happens. I do a quick prayer, ask my dad to watch over me (he passed in 2019- in a way he is the catalyst for me doing what I do) and keep it pushing. Because at the end of the day- it is what it is.
Why should audiences come to see this production?
This is a fun, energetic show and these characters are all women going through the various stages of life, showing the range of what womanhood can be. It’s relatable and multi-faceted. We all know a version of that mother-daughter duo, (MLynn/Shelby) the nurturer who is an incurable romantic (Truvy) or the one who is not quite secure yet but is discovering their own (Annelle), the oddly loveable curmudgeon set in her ways (Ouiser) and the sassy widow discovering life without her mate (Clairee).
“Steel Magnolias” opens on March 14th and runs through March 23rd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” —New York Daily News.
“…a skillfully crafted, lovingly evoked picture of eccentricity in the small-town South…Robert Harling is a new voice in the theatre and the qualities of STEEL MAGNOLIAS suggest he may be an important one.” —Drama-Logue.
“…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” —New York Post.
