Spotlight On: Sheila Duckworth

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Wedding Singer. Get to know Sheila Duckworth who is portraying Rosie in our production!

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, my name is Sheila Duckworth and I play the role of Rosie in Connecticut Theatre Company’s production of “The Wedding Singer”.

What aspects of your character do you find most relatable or challenging to portray?

I can relate to some of Rosie’s characteristics and I’m challenged by others. Rosie loves her grandson Robbie unconditionally. As the mother of five children, I understand and relate to that level of love. The challenge I face in playing Rosie is embracing her fearlessness. She is a risk taker, has an unyielding zest for life and adapts to change quickly. I admire those qualities and although I have had moments where I embraced these characteristics, they don’t always come naturally.

How do you prepare for a performance, both physically and mentally?

When preparing for a role, I usually read the script first. As I write out my lines on notecards I look for clues and details about my character. These little pieces of information help me build the untold backstory of the character. As the rehearsal process continues I choose a voice for the character whether it’s high, low, fast, slow, with an accent or without. I also find that costumes, wigs, and make up also really add to bringing a character to life.

What Is your favorite moment or song in “The Wedding Singer” and why?

The music from the show is fun. It’s a nostalgic tribute to the music of the eighties. I love the energy of “It’s Your Wedding Day” and the choreography of “Casualty of Love” is such a great tribute to those 80’s moves. However, I think one of my favorite songs is “Come Out of the Dumpster”. The lyrics are so funny and as Robbie finds himself at his lowest point he is both figuratively and physically in the dumpster. It’s so on the nose but I love it.

When did you first start performing?

This depends on who you ask. My mother would tell you it’s been since the beginning. I’ve always enjoyed dancing, singing, putting on plays in the back yard. However, I am relatively new to community theater, having been cast in my first play 7-8 years ago. I took a chance and then got “bit by the acting bug” and have done 17 shows in that time frame. This production is lucky 18.

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

It varies based on the type of show it is. If It is a staged play, I glance at my notecards, take a deep breath and try to center myself somewhere quiet. With musicals, I set my water and any items I may need in a special place, breathe, and then I can be found dancing with various members of the cast backstage during the overture, bonding with them and raising our energy before we start the journey.

What’s your favorite 80’s song/band/performer and why?

That’s a tough one. 80’s music celebrates a time where many genres were sharing the same space. I guess I would say Madonna for Pop, Van Halen and Heart for Rock, The Smiths for English Rock, David Bowie for Art Pop/Glam Rock and Berlin for New Wave/Synth. I appreciate that the music for all still stands today. I also love that the music from that time celebrated a rise in female solo artists and groups including but not limited to Cindy Lauper, The Go-Go s, Tina Turner, The Bangles, Whitney Houston, Bananarama and Blondie.

What do you hope audiences take away from this production of “The Wedding Singer”?

I hope the audience enjoys a story that celebrates love and relationships in all of their stages. There is the love of family both biological and chosen family; the awkwardness of preteen exposure to social situations; the challenges of dating; the illusion of love in early relationships, superficial relationships; love lived and lost, unrequited love, finding love under your nose; taking chances; accepting love and the celebration of long lasting love. This journey has something for everyone to relate to. On a lighter note, I’d love to see the audience enjoy the nostalgic light hearted vibe the 80’s style music brings to the show.

“The Wedding Singer” opens on July 11th and runs through July 20th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

“A good-natured, harmless, high-energy knockoff of the 1998 Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore romantic comedy” — LINDA WINER of NEWSDAY

“The Wedding Singer has more heart and a better sense of humor about itself than some of its similarly wacky, winking peers.” — ELYSA GARDNER of USA TODAY