Spotlight On: Claudia Lynch

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Nine. Get to know Claudia Lynch who is portraying Our Lady Of The Spa!

Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

Hi, I’m Claudia! This is my first show at CTC, and my first time back on the stage in many years. I’m excited to be getting back involved with one of my earliest passions.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

In college, we sang a song from a different musical by the same composer for a showcase, and so I knew this would be a show with complex music I would enjoy singing in. I also feel like the show resonates with me for various situations I’ve dealt with in my own life, and that made me want to join this production too.

How do you prepare for a new role or character, and what techniques do you use?

I like reflecting on the similarities between myself and my character, thinking about how I would end up in their shoes, what would lead me to make the same choices as them. I think I have the most success when I play a version of myself in the specific circumstances of the character.

What do you love about your character?

Likewise, I think it’s the parts that are similar to myself! She can put on a very professional face, but she’s also a keen observer, practical and somewhat analytical.

What challenges did you face bringing the script to life?

The music is very complex, so that can be challenging to learn and get right. Also, needing to be in character even when I’m not actively in the scene and staying engaged with the action is something I always find difficult, so that has been something I tried to work on for this show.

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?

It’s hard for me to think of just one person! There are so many talented actors and directors whose work I admire. I don’t exactly ‘look up’ to them, since I know I will never reach their level, and don’t find it healthy or productive for me to aspire to things that are off the table. But in terms of some broadway names whose work I adore: I’ll go with Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Kelli O’Hara, Sutton Foster, and Renee Elise Goldsberry.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

It changes every time! Sometimes I’m bouncing around, sometimes I’m very zen. Then I just think about the tone of the scene or what I’m supposed to be doing and ‘lock in’ to that mode as I start to perform.

What is your favorite film or theater production and why?

It’s a tie between A Little Night Music and Rent. Both feature beautiful music and really strong ensemble casts, and deal a lot with interpersonal relationships. The style and tone of each are incredibly different, but both really impart a desire to be a part of something, and to love without fear, which are things I want for myself as well.

Nine opens May 17th and runs through June 2nd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

“A galloping fantasy [with a] ravishingly inventive and tuneful score.” – The New York Times