Spotlight On: Sydney Yargeau

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Get to know Sydney Yargeau who is in the ensemble of our production!

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi I’m Sydney Yargeau, I grew up in CT and went to college at Marymount Manhattan College for Musical Theater. I have a wonderful boyfriend who is a professional actor and a very cute bulldog named Louie.

The score for Jesus Christ Superstar is notoriously taxing. What are your specific vocal warm-up routines or rest-day rituals to maintain your voice?

My amazing voice teacher Amy Buckley taught me great vocal warm ups that are about preparing you to sing instead of jumping right in and then tea, vocal rest and grethers lozenges for before I sing. I also recommend voice 37 which lubricates the vocal cords for a clear sound.

This show is largely a non-stop, sung-through rock rollercoaster. How do you maintain the dramatic arc and emotional stamina from the overture to the curtain call?

A lot of caffeine! LOL But seriously the story speaks for itself and as long as you focus on the goals of the production and the through story the stamina comes and the show speaks for itself.

The musical has been thrilling audiences for over 50 years. What do you think makes this sung-through rock opera still feel contemporary and relevant to modern audiences?

There are so many ways I have seen this show produced, the fun thing about JCS is you can set it in different eras, it doesn’t have to be that same old bible story we all know. The music is incredible and speaks for itself which makes this show that much more enjoyable.

Historically, this show has faced protests and intense debate regarding its content. Does that legacy of controversy cross the cast’s mind today, or has the cultural perception completely shifted?

I believe that the cultural perception has indeed shifted, my generation is much more understanding about the artistic endeavors as a whole, I feel that we are no longer offended by such insignificant details of the art. There is so much more in life and in America to be worried about.

From the opening overture to the final curtain, the show rarely stops for a breath. What is the rehearsal environment like trying to maintain that high-octane energy?

It’s exhausting, but in a great way. I leave every rehearsal ready for bed! This show takes a lot of energy and those hours we put in take a lot of work and stamina but I think the direction we are working in now will only help the final product in the end.

How do you balance full-time jobs, school, or family commitments with an intense community theater rehearsal schedule?

It’s hard and I won’t say it isn’t but the thing about performing is that when you love it as much as I do, you make it work and you do what you can to be able to hone your craft and create.

Community theater casts often become incredibly tight-knit very quickly. How did this specific cast build its chemistry and trust during rehearsals?

First off, we are a large cast and I feel we are all still getting to know each other and learning to trust each other. When it comes to being in a show, for me it’s presenting an authentic character and a true person on stage. This takes an incredible amount of vulnerability and I believe that showing not just the audience the vulnerability but each other first during rehearsals creates a very special bond.

When local theatergoers leave the venue and head to their cars, what is the main conversation or feeling you hope they take home with them?