Spotlight On: Stephanie Carroll
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of The Producers. Get to know Stephanie Carroll who is portraying Shirley and a member of the Ensemble in our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi! My name is Stephanie Carroll & I play Shirley Markowitz (among other parts).
What is the story about, and why do you think it’s important for audiences to see it?
Two Broadway Producers discover you can make more money with a flop then with a hit. So they find the worst show they can – “Springtime for Hitler”. Firstly, people should see it because it’s hysterical. Mel Brooks is a comedic genius. And in today’s current climate, I think we all need to laugh at the ridiculousness.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I am a Workers Comp adjuster. And in the winter months, you may meet my “friend” on the North Pole Express.
What do you find most compelling or interesting about your character?
When I was in high school, I wanted to go to college for theatre – specifically lighting design. So I think it’s pretty hysterical I’m playing a lighting designer. Shirley is also nothing like me – so it’s been so much fun to play a character that’s so different. You create their entire personality. She has a very masculine energy (opposed to my feminine energy) so it pushes me to do the opposite of what I would normally do.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
Johanna is an incredible director. She encourages us to make “big, bold choices”. I feel like those choices bring an extra layer of comedy to an already hysterical show. Without her support & direction, we wouldn’t be able to add those little bits.
Who in the show is most like their character?
This is so hard to say! I think everyone brings a little piece of them to the characters they play.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“He’s having a stroke…of genius!”
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
How incredible it was, how funny it was and how much they want to see it again.
“The Producers” opens on May 2nd and runs through May 11th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“For all its daring, Brooks’s show is ultimately a nostalgic throwback to vaudeville and a testament to male friendship.” — The Guardian
“With more belly laughs per minute than any new musical in years, Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” reminds us in grand, politically incorrect style that Broadway never rewards wimps.” — Variety
“It’s the type of musical people say they pray for; a gleeful return to the good old days of undemanding musical comedy with laughs, pretty girls, laughs, a couple of catchy songs, laughs, soon to be legendary performances by some of the best talents of the Broadway stage, laughs, and . . . well . . . lots and lots of laughs.” — Talkin’ Broadway
