Spotlight On: Zenn Langley

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Miracle on 34th Street. Get to know Zenn Langley who is portraying Finley in our production!

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hello ! My name is Zenn Hunter Langley and I like to crochet, play video games, and am a cat dad to a wonderful orange boy named Mr. Noodles.

 

What makes the stage version of Miracle on 34th Street different from the classic film, and what does the live theater format bring to the story?

I believe what makes the stage version different from the film is how everyone puts emotion into the characters as well as how each scene transitions into the next. Live theater just puts you more in touch with each character as their story develops and I also feel like having the ability to see how quickly each scene changes to the next could make it very exciting. You never know who or what you’ll see when the lights come back up!

 

What was a surprising or unexpected challenge that arose during the rehearsal or performance process?

An unexpected challenge that arose during the rehearsal process was remembering where my lines go! I found that it is harder for me to remember where lines go when there isn’t any music or dancing involved for cues!

 

What’s your process for memorizing lines?

My process for remembering lines is typing and/or writing them out hands down!

 

What’s the most challenging role you’ve ever played and how did you prepare for it?

The most challenging role I have ever played was the character Brick from “Escape to Margaritaville”. To prepare for his character, I read through the lines a ton to try to figure out the kind of person he was. After that connection happened, everything became easier and I could have a lot more fun with the character and stress a lot less!

 

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

 The last thing I do before I step out on stage is take a few deep breaths, jump in place, and shake my hands out because it helps me get the rest of my pre-show jitters out!

 

What is your favorite Christmas memory, and why?

My favorite Christmas memory is getting my cat for the first time and watching Christmas movies I used to watch as a kid with him. It was also fun getting to watch him play with all of his new stuff!

 

What do you hope audiences, particularly those who already love the film, will take away from this live production?

I hope audiences who watch this open up and are accepting of others a tad more. Having grace and helping those who may need help, that could mean even someone who isn’t close to you, could be a greater gift in itself because you never know what a person is going through. Something that seems small to you could potentially help another person in a huge way!

 

 

 

“Miracle on 34th Street” opened on December 5th and runs through December 14th at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“Miracle on 34th Street remains one of the most popular classic Christmas films in the history of cinema, and is so in large part because of its themes of family, new beginnings, and trusting in what we believe.” — GREG HEILMAN of The Sound On Stage

 

“At its heart, Miracle on 34th Street champions the triumph of faith—not just in the extraordinary but in the goodness of others.” —  SABRINA WALLACE of BroadwayWorld.com