Spotlight On: Kelly Lazenby
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of Steel Magnolias. Get to know Kelly Lazenby who is portraying Clairee Belcher in our production!
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I wanted to be a part of a theater group as I am very new to the area and wanted to meet people.
What do you love about your character?
My character is Clairee and I love how she is so confident and giving. She also says everything she is thinking.
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
When I have a few minutes, I get water and look over my script, and chat.
Can you describe a challenging scene you’ve played and how you tackled the emotional complexity?
It is challenging to make the character you are playing seem like a real person, not just saying lines. In this play I focus on my reactions , conversations are constantly changing the mood or focus of the story, so if it were to seem real, I listen carefully and react as though I am listening to a close friend.
How do you utilize stage blocking and movement to enhance your character’s story?
Clairee has been coming to Truvy shop for a long time, so blocking and movement show the audience how my character is very familiar with the space we have created. I always move with purpose.
How do you build rapport and trust with your fellow cast members to create believable onstage dynamics?
I talk to my fellow cast members and try to get to know about them as a person. I also ask what they think about the show and their character. We have all read the play together and spent a day talking about our characters and what motivates them . We build more rapport with each rehearsal and I sure performing this emotional show together will bond us even more and make us friends,. Even after the show is over.
What do you do to prepare mentally and physically before a performance?
I stretch out and limber up before rehearsal, I also make sure my props are all ready to go and look over my lines and think about each scene.
Have you ever faced stage fright or nervousness before a performance? How did you overcome it?
I think if I didn’t feel a little nervous, my performance would not be good. Feeling nervous for me means I care about the show and how I am telling the story. Once you start performing, the anxiety fades.
Why should audiences come to see this production?
This is a powerful play, but where it takes you is subtle; you grow to know and love these women in the play- you KNOW these women and have someone like them in your life. Everyone can relate to aging, parenting and relationships. This story is told in a humorous, sensitive and thoughtful way.
“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.
