Spotlight On: Christine McGuinness
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Christine McGuinness who is in the ensemble of our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi, I’m Christine! Excited to be back for my 5th show with Connecticut Theatre Company!
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
I’m in the ensemble, which means I get to play several little roles. But the best part is that I’m doing this show with my friends, both old and new!
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
“Love Thy Neighbor” because I get to tap dance WITH a tambourine!
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
The fun of being in the ensemble and playing all the little various roles, is getting to play around with funny voices or accents. I love playing characters who are completely different from myself, so I lean into that aspect.
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
I try to take a quiet moment to take some deep breaths and center myself.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
Just go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose, but so much to gain. Performing in front of a live audience is like no other feeling in the world. It’s the best!
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
Both my Junior and Senior proms were really fun! I went with a date to each prom but spent plenty of time with my friends dancing the night away. I still have my dresses; both were so beautiful. I might pass them down to my nieces when they’re old enough.
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
The state of the world is a bit precarious right now, so we need connection more than ever. I’m proud to be a part of a production that celebrates diversity and embracing who you are.
“The Prom” opened 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
