Spotlight On: Jaymie Bianca

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Sordid Lives. Get to know Jaymie Bianca who is portraying Juanita Bartlett in our production!

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Jaymie Bianca. I am a 27 year old teacher and non-profit founder from Bristol, CT.

 

What drew you to your specific character in this “sordid” world?

What I love about Juanita is that, on the surface, she is portrayed as a “drunk barfly.” Yet, underneath the surface level aspect of her character, I feel like she really craves human connection, and a desire to be a part of everyone’s lives and world. She is hilarious, and while some of her lines may seem a bit random and unrelated, I love how she delivers comedic lines in an almost serious way, and it has been a blast navigating the complexities of her character while balancing both the comedic and serious moments.

 

How are you approaching the balance between playing a cartoonish character and keeping them real/grounded, as the script demands?

For me, I really think about the deeper nature behind Juanita’s character. Her lines may seem random and misplaced, but I focus on how she interacts with the other characters. Her interactions are very real and genuine, and truthfully, I believe she really cares for the people around her. I like to deliver her lines in a comedic way, but when focusing on character interactions, I think about how she would interact with each character, and what each person/interaction means to her.

 

What is the biggest challenge of taking on this role, particularly with the required West Texas accent?

The accent can definitely be a challenge! With Juanita, I found it challenging to balance the comedic moments with the serious moments. I had to do a deep, personal dive into who I believe Juanita is beyond the “drunk barfly” so I could deliver each line purposefully and intentionally. Sometimes it was hard to think about how Juanita fits into the storyline and sordid world, but when I think about her desire to connect with others and be a part of the chaos, it helps me ground her, even during the silly moments. While it has been challenging at times, analyzing her character on a deeper level has helped tremendously.

 

Which line are you most excited to deliver?

This is hard- I love a lot of her lines! In the beginning of chapter two, when Juanita is talking about her Vacation Bible School project, it is silly, and may seem random- but it is important to her! Delivering these lines in a comedic way while portraying very real emotions has been a really exciting part of her character. Justice for Cockadoodle! (you’ll have to see our show to find out more!).

 

“Sordid Lives” is a massive ensemble piece. How are you collaborating with the cast to create that specific, chaotic family chemistry?

 

How did you first discover the world of Sordid Lives (the movie, the series, or the play)?

I honestly didn’t know much about the play until I auditioned! But this was a blessing in disguise, because I have not seen any other interpretations of “Sordid Lives” besides our own. This has helped me develop Juanita independently and without any influences from previous adaptations. While I have not heard of “Sordid Lives” beforehand, I have come to truly love the show and find it hilarious!

 

How do you think your character has evolved—or hasn’t—if you were to imagine them years after the play ends? 

I’m not sure if Juanita would change her drunk barfly ways, but I would like to think she would be a staple in the Winters, Texas community. I would hope she would continue to be someone people could rely on for good times and good conversations!

 

 

 

“Sordid Lives” opens on March 13th and runs through March 22nd at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“What I really liked about SORDID LIVES was that, despite all of the ridiculousness, it wasn’t just funny. Don’t get me wrong, it was very funny! But it was also moving.” — KRISTA GARVER of BroadwayWorld.com

 

“Playwright Del Shores is the master of characters: dude-at-the-bar characters, one-Coors-too-many characters, hell-hath-no-fury-like-a-woman-done-wrong characters, and men-who-adore-Tammy Wynette characters.” —  LANA SWEETEN-SCHULTS of Times Record News

 

“Chain smokin’ and fast talkin’ housewives, crazy and eccentric characters, bizarre situations, a ‘coming out’ story, are loosely based on real life stories, as observed by young Shores who grew up in a small Texan town as “a Southern Baptist preacher’s damaged by religion child,” and lived through his own ‘coming out’ later in life. The authenticity of the characters explains the power and popularity of Sordid Lives with both gay and non-gay audiences. “Not only is it (the play) funny, but people really relate to the characters and feel safe to share it outside the gay community” Shores has said.” —  ELIZA ANNA FALK of DC Theater Arts