This week in the pigpen you will get to know the amazing cast of reasons to be pretty, opening this weekend!
Casey Anderson is playing the male lead of our production of reasons to be pretty by Neil Labute. Believe it or not, this is Casey’s first time on stage in a fully produced show. We asked Casey about how such a loving and intelligent human takes on the role of GREG, a guy who might think he is more loving and intelligent than he really is.
What made you audition for reasons to be pretty?
C: I auditioned for reasons to be pretty thanks to the generous outreach of Tony, who was my acting teacher a year ago.
How do you relate to your character?
C: I relate to my character in that he can be pretty spineless in his attempt to just please everyone, though I feel he does so in a deceitful manner.
What do you dislike about your character?
C: I really dislike Greg’s reluctance to accept responsibility and to say sorry, even once.
What is your favorite part of the show?
C: My favorite part of the play is the opening scene. It just starts off with such high energy, it’s great.
Who inspires you?
C: The other players really inspire me. They’re naturals that have honed their craft. It’s so great performing with them and playing off their energy. Famous people: Well, Marion Cotillard has just the most beautiful nuanced performances.
How did you first get involved with performing?
C: This. This is how I got involved with performing. In my day-to-day life I’ve always had a more theatrical bent.
What is your dream role?
C: Well, after this I would really, really like to try something with a large cast and one where I have a more supporting role.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
C: Chips and salsa. Back home in Washington we grow a garden and make over 100 gallons of fresh salsa. At peak consumption I was eating a quart of it a day.
What is your favorite fandom?
C: There’s a subreddit called trebuchet memes. Full of a bunch of idiots making really terrible jokes. My people.
What has been your biggest takeaway from this show?
C: Don’t think you can act just ’cause you think you can spot good acting. It’s hard.
Do you have any upcoming projects or social media plugs?
C: Terrence Malick
Just released his opus, The Tree of Life. Everyone should watch it. Not everyone will like it but it is the closest I think I have come to witnessing The Divine. Very difficult to watch. It challenges the viewer and conceptions about film.
Thank you Casey Anderson for your candor. reasons to be pretty opens Friday September 28th at 7:30pm and closes October 6th. Get your tickets today!
Laughing Pig Theatre 