Spotlight On: David Cespedes

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of The Producers. Get to know David Cespedes who is in the ensemble of our production!

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hello, my name is David Cespedes and I’m a part of the ensemble for CTC’s production of “The Producers”.

 

What is the story about, and why do you think it’s important for audiences to see it?

Based on Mel Brooks’ directorial debut film of the same name, The Producers is about washed up Broadway producer Max Bialystock and timid neurotic accountant Leo Bloom working together on a get rich quick scheme by raising more money than necessary on a Broadway play and then fleeing the country with the backers’ investment cash once the show becomes a failure. I think it’s important for audiences to see it because it is a musical that finds that sweet balance of being an outrageously hilarious comedy that does not hold back with its punches while still being a charming story about two diametrically opposed individuals forming a partnership that inspired changes in their lives and in themselves which wouldn’t have been possible without the other.

 

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?

When I’m not doing theatre, I’m juggling between working part time at HomeSense and working on building a portfolio for projects I would like to develop as I pursue a career in writing and directing for the stage and for the screen. I’m often reading or watching something in my free time or occasionally making videos for my YouTube channel The Assorted Hobbyist.

 

What do you find most compelling or interesting about your character?

Most of the characters I play have more prominent stage time in Act II, but I love that I get to feature in one of the show’s biggest and most iconic musical numbers. I’m also in a scene where auditions are being held for the play Max and Leo are producing and I like that I get to sing and have a mini solo number amongst the principle characters.

 

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

 

Who in the show is most like their character?

I would say Sara Courtemanche is most like her character Ulla. Ulla is a fun and charismatic character that is a team player and approaches her tasks with a positively upbeat can-do attitude, which I think reflects how Sara presents herself during rehearsals and during breaks when interacting with each of us. She is a fun and sweet person to talk and work with and she sprinkles a lot of her charm and talent into her portrayal of Ulla in the show.

 

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“He’s having a stroke…of genius” always manages to get a chuckle out of me.

 

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

 I imagine that on their drive home after the show, audiences will be thinking “I never thought I could have that much fun watching a musical with THAT kind of humor. How can it age like milk yet remain so timeless at the same time?”.

 

 

 

“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