Spotlight On: Paige Machnicz

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Paige Machnicz who is in the Ensemble of our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi I’m Paige! I’m excited to be back at CTC for my 4th show! Outside of theater, I’m a cat mom to three beautiful kitties, and I’m a huge crocheter!

 

What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?

Ensemble for this show is so much fun. I love being able to be with some of my best friends, dancing around the stage and just having a great time.

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

Honestly? How much the ensemble is involved in. I knew it was a big ensemble show, but I didn’t realize HOW big! Also the fact that I can still manage playing a teenager at 30. lol

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

“Love Thy Neighbor” is a lot of fun. It’s really high energy, and it’s really fun for my character to get really into it as the number goes on.

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

I mainly focus on differences. The majority of the show is spent a bit more hateful than I am as a person, and trying to channel that is a little difficult at times. I really try to be a loving and accepting person so it’s been interesting.

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

I’ve been trying to channel my nervous energy into my stage energy, really working it into my dancing. I’m not the strongest dancer, so if I can focus the nervous energy there, it helps.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

Just do it! I’ve made some of my best friends, met my fiancé, and had some of my favorite memories through theater. You won’t regret it.

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

Oh man, I haven’t thought about prom in so long. My senior prom was really fun. I went with my friends and had such a pretty dress, and honestly it was a great time.

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

It means so much to me. I try to live my life accepting others as best as I can. Being a part of the queer community and being a part of a show that has such a loving message is kind of cathartic.

 

 

“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety

 

“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.”  —  JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh

 

“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” —  JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse