Whisper in the Wings Episode 1521

0:00And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show. Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date? Oh no, we help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Ah! Mito a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your leg anyways. Only pay for what you need at Liberty Mutual.com. Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty. Hey, it's Cole Swindell. After I give everything I've got to land a perfect vocal. I usually take five before jumping into the next track. And I've learned exactly how to recharge in that time. Some folks grab coffee. I hit a quick good lookspin. Next thing you know, the break is just as fun as land down the track. A better break makes for a better take. Need a break? Let's chum them. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void were prohibited by law. 21 plus TNC supply. Sponsored by Chamba Casino.

1:00Hello everyone and welcome back into a fabulous new whisper in the wings from stage whisper. We are so excited to be going back to one of our favorite videos in the heart of Manhattan. In the heart of the village it is an incredible incredible space. Of course I am speaking about the players theater right there on McDougal Street. On our program today we are joined by the director and choreographer Chino Francis and the assistant director choreographer Dustin. Both of these wonderful artists are here to talk to us about the Little Mermaid, which is playing now through April 4th at the players theater. And you can get your tickets and more information by visiting the players theater dot com.

2:02So excited to share this show with you. So excited to have these guests on. So please join me in welcoming them on Chino Dusty. Welcome into the whisper in the wings from stage whisper. Thank you. Thanks for having us. Yeah, thank you. I am so excited that you two are here and I am so excited to be talking about the Little Mermaid. Who doesn't love the Little Mermaid. So Chino, why don't we start first with you and have you remind our listeners who may not know what the show is all about. Oh wow, okay. Well, it is a musical adaptation of the original story right by Hans Christian Anderson. I'm cheating, I'm looking. The fairy, you know, the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Anderson. And it's an original with Brendan Ball making the book and Michael squirrels on the music. The story, the story story is about a young mermaid exploring life and reflecting. I think they're how just a growing young new person to be introduced to the world.

3:06Let's put it that way maybe and how there's different worlds and how they can how at the end it's all one world. And it's explored through family and and meeting new people outside your family and exploring kingdoms outside your own kingdom and things like that. I love it. So how did you go about like how did you come upon this production or how did you go about selecting this production to put on? Well, I got involved with the production. I've been working with Brendan Michael for a little bit now. I think it counted recently is maybe like the sixth production I've directed. But I've been working with lots of different productions and different capacities with them. And yeah, it's the little mermaid, the musical for Brendan's company literally alive is on a rotation and it came back around. And this is the first time I get to direct this show so it was very fun. I've actually played a role in it in the past way back like 2017.

4:07So it was revisiting in a different capacity and with a trusted fund partner with Dusty was really fun. Well, I do want to bring you on now Dusty because I'd love to know how did you come upon this work? Yeah, no, I've been in and out of the family of the theater for a while. And yeah, Brenda approached me. Well, how did it actually I got I was a last minute replacement in Christmas Carol this past year. And then I was in and then when you're in the zone, then you know, so I was around. And she's like, would you like to and I said, of course. So here we go. And knowing I get to work with she know again, that was like an absolute no brainer. We have a lot of fun when we work together creating. And so I think we make a good team. So I was like, absolutely. All right, let's do it. Wonderful. Well, I do want to now stick with you Dusty first on this next question because at the time of us speaking, the show has been up for I think almost a month now.

5:13We were heading into the last couple of weeks of the run unfortunately. So Dusty, what was it like or what has it been like developing the show and putting it up on its feet? It was it was a lot of fun and a lot of exploration. Okay, so what I really and I think I was even annoying at the end there, but I was like, water, we need we need water. Okay, like I wanted the audience to walk out and like reach for a towel because they've been underwater for an hour and 20 minutes. I really so that was that was important to me to show the movement of water and I don't know, I think we did I think we did it. Also, I mean, to it was it was really fun to play with us, but also with the actors to create this world and authentically let it be their world that they are sharing with us, the audience.

6:19Because I mean, the story is the story, but what the individual actors can bring into their characters, that was really fun to get into and do the nitty gritty, the meat on the bone, you know. So that was that was a pleasure and everyone's so nice and receptive and they're down to play and it was it was a good time in the rehearsal process for sure. Yeah, good things. I love it. She, you know, I'd love to know, is there a particular message or thought that you hope the audiences will take away from this? Yes, yes, quick answer is yes, and I will admit it really came to me maybe one of the last runs we had wasn't it Dusty? That I was like, wait, I know exactly what the theme of the show is. We start and end on the same lyric, like, why didn't I see this? The message really is it's one world and it's one world for us all.

7:21Yeah, just a message of a reminder, a reminder that we might, depending on how you slice it, we might all come from different worlds. Depending how you slice it, we individually all come from different worlds because we're all different, we're all different beings and we all all slicing it differently, we're all the same. And we share our individual worlds, therefore creating this one world. And just like Coral does in our story, that the Little Mermaid sings Coral in our story, and we all are Coral, we all bridge the gaps between all the worlds. Come on. That was lovely. Dusty, anything you'd like to add to that? Yeah, the theme of one world, yes, and then also discovered about the elements that go into that world, the actual elements of the water.

8:28And then the earth, because we do go to earth every once in a while, land, well, we're all on earth, but you know what I mean? We go above the surface to the world above, and then at the end, we get to experience the air element, and, you know, discovered, and I thought it was so cool that the fire represents the fire in all of us to keep going, but also the fire that is in Coral fighting to get what she actually really wants. So to see everything represented and put into one world that was actually very clear at the end, so yeah. So the elements, I guess, is what I'm going to add to that. I love it. Well, I'm going to kick my final question for this first part off of you, Dusty, and I'd love to know, who are you hoping to have access to this piece? Well, I mean, it is very geared, well, the audience that I've been seeing come are very young children.

9:28So I think that's really important that I hope they take a good message from this. I hope they see how if you really want something, you give everything to it, and then you can really fight for yourself, for your beliefs. So that's, that's what I would, yeah, I would like the kids to leave being inspired to be who they truly are and to fight to get to it. That's, yeah. I love that. You know, anything you'd like to add to that? No, it says well put. For the littles, yeah, I think to get two things, the, I always think about the adults that come with the littles too. And I feel like we get to be a little sneaky, and the adults might be there to, you know, bring their kids to see little, like the, for the first time, those are always exciting. Brenda has an opening speech, and she always asks is whose first time, is there anybody's first time seeing a live show?

10:34I find very exciting with a little kids raise their hand over the first time, but there's something special. I think when the adults are, we're bringing the kids in and they're there for the kids, but I hope that they leave with something a little affected as well, whether it's feeling a little more seen or hopeful, or a little rejuvenated, or as an expansion of the mind, maybe a different perspective. I like, I like when the audience gets tricked a little bit into having a new perspective when they leave. But I am looking forward to the school shows are very special to me. And what those are is when we do get some schools that come in, and we do have a school show coming up this Thursday, and they're just kids gathered from maybe one school, a couple of schools, and they come in to see the show as part of their curriculum. And that's really special to me, we get to do a Q&A after that's the audience I most look forward to getting to see the show.

11:34Well on the second part of our interviews, we love giving our listeners a chance to get to know our guests a bit better, and I would love to start with our regular first question, which is, what are who inspires you, what playwrights, composers, or shows, have inspired you in the past, or just some of your favorites? And Dusty, why don't we keep the second half off with you? Alright, well ever since I could walk, Jim Carey has been like my role model, just his physical, okay, I have to say I love physical comedy, and I think that's what I like to try to bring to everything really.

12:34But anyway, so, but I love like noises off, you know, something that is so structured and has to be so rehearsed, and it all falls apart, but it's perfectly planned to fall apart. I love something like that. Also, Neil Simon, I have a book of all of his plays, and I'll just read through them every once in a while, I think he's brilliant. Yeah, so anything that's witty, and yeah, lean towards letting the physical, I love when there's moments of silence on stage, but you're saying so much without saying any words, that is my favorite. So, I love it, those are some incredible, incredible inspirations there.

13:35So, thank you so much for sharing those ones right there with us. She, you know, what about you? What are who inspires you? I think I'll go with the what for now, so that I grew up just where the musical theater was normal to me, that's what felt more normal than everything else felt so restricted. Dance was like you're not allowed to say anything with your voice, and singing and opera was like, well, you can't move, you have to focus all your energy on this note, and I find so much freedom in musical theater. And I like keeping, I feel like it's a little controversial community of like musical theater to me, there's when it's done right, and by right, I mean my subjective, right, obviously. And that it's right, you have a, you're talking to you, and I get excited, and so now my hand, like you can see in the video, like my hands are moving, like I'm getting excited, so now there's movement.

14:41And in the musical theater land that is like, oh, there's movement, so we move our bodies, and now there's this dance that happens, and it's, or it's not enough in me, this freedom of musical theater has this freedom to grow wherever it wants to grow. And I feel like in today's live theater world, that's, I feel it's more accepted in general to explore and crossover genres. Oh, when I was growing up, I felt like musical theater just kind of gave that permission, and I mean, yeah, when we get excited, we add things, and that's, it's just, it's an ex, hmm, not an exaggeration. What's the word I'm looking for? Yeah, yeah, and it's just, it's grounded in something very real, so to me, it's very, very important to keep that grounded. I feel like I'm going off topic of the question, I hear myself, I'm sorry. Yeah, that you just, I really love musical theater, how it gives us that world to just bring all any element that we'd like to bring it in, and it is about bridging the elements together.

15:46Like, the story can't be told unless we're actually using all these tools, it's like, I get to reach into the toolbox and choose anything I want to tell a story. That's what it's been to me, and musical theater gave me that permission, and I think it was, I remember like the Fox and the Hound, and it was a record, I didn't even see the video, I didn't have a TV until I was about five with my parents, and there was a record, my dad brought homes, Fox and the Hound, I would run around the backyard, pretending to be all the characters. That's what I did, not only child, and remember that, and I remember watching the live recorded version of Mary Martin's Peter Pan, I was my other family grandma, had said that to me, and I watched that over and over and over and over, and I don't know, yeah, just any kind of stories I'd like to bring them to life. I remember cassette tapes and records, and I would just play them out on the porch in the living room, and roll my neighbors. So I've just, to me, I've, I've been doing the same thing I've been doing since I was like, five, three, I don't know, just get paid for it sometimes now.

16:57Living the dream as it were. That is fantastic, that is incredible thoughts, first of all, and some incredible inspirations as well. And she know, I'm going to sit with you first on the sex question, I'd love to know, what is your favorite part about working in the theater? Hmm, working in the favorite part, that's hard. I think there's something about what came to mind as a dog. And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show. Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date? Oh, no, we help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Ah! Meet a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your leg anyways. Only pay for what you need at Liberty Mutual.com. Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty.

17:58Hey, it's Cole Swendell. After I give everything I've got to land a perfect vocal, I usually take five before jumping into the next track. And I've learned exactly how to recharge in that time. Some folks grab coffee, I hit a quick good lookspin. Next thing you know, the break is just as fun as land down the track. A better break makes for a better take. Need a break? Let's chumble. No purchase necessary. BGW Group void were prohibited by law. 21 plus TNC supply. Sponsored by Chamba Casino. Fence between like live theater versus like any other medium that maybe is a little less live. That immediate gratification. You actually get to experience even in the process, I feel like that would be the same. And any kind of creative process you're in the room with everyone. So you experience that there's something about theater. That is you get to see the reactions and we talked about kids having honest reactions from the audience, from each other.

18:58It's all about being present and it only happens in that moment and it gets to change every time it's performed. Because it's a live thing, it's alive. So it's living breathing. We're not machines. So we don't even machines don't operate necessarily exactly the same way every day. And we definitely don't. And there's something very special about that to me. That it's. A friend of mine recently said something about them. They don't believe in recording their life productions because they were saying that theater is meant to be just that moment and not to be left. And for archive, they're like, I'm not recording anything. I was like, oh. I don't know if I'll ever feel that strongly about it, but that is what's special about theater that it's just that moment. And it. That moment that I don't know, I experienced life that way. Got in a little better with it, but very intensely when I was younger that this moment never comes again in that I get to.

19:59Hmm. The special about theater is that the things are hard for me. The special about theater for me, that the things in life that are hard or make my daily life difficult actually become useful. I love that there's a t-shirt for you right there. There, you know, go recruit kids for the theater with that shirt on. I love that. Let's see how about you, what's your favorite part about working in the theater? Well, this particular theater that we work at it's cool because it is really a family. And you know that everyone has your back no matter the role of which we're playing at that part because I feel like there's a lot of crossover. Everyone wears multiple hats, but you you know that there is there is a love there and there. Yeah, it's it's a family so it's cool. It feels safe in a place where it's so it can be so vulnerable but to have that constant backbone.

21:06That's really that's really special. But the theater in general, I love the energy that you're so close to like, you know, if there's a screen, then it is what it is. They're they're just mere feet away from you and you get to have that energy interaction. And when the audience is with you, that's like that's that's it. That's why we all show up. So to to to work so hard to get that reward and to have that release it just yeah, it's that's magical. It's you don't get there anywhere else, you know, that's very special. Absolutely, absolutely. Well, that is a fabulous setup for my favorite question to ask guests, which is what is your favorite theater memory? I actually have two and well, the first one it was kind of painful, but looking back now I have softer eyes on it.

22:09I was actually doing a production of Sleepy Hollow at the theater and I was a dancer. And I was also the ikabad under study, but I was a dancer and I didn't I was not on I didn't do my work. I didn't and then I got the call that I am in in the morning and I didn't even have a script. I was way uptown. I had to come down to the theater, print out a script, and then start memorizing it on the train home. And this was like 9 p.m. at this point. So by the time I got so yeah, I showed up early and had a couple little like grabbing people wherever I can. Like can I do this thing with you? Please, please. And I did the show opened and everything happened. And then at the very end, there is a reprise that I completely forgot about.

23:11It didn't even put any detail. And so there I was at the end and it's great because you're upstage tight spot on my face. And now I'm sitting there making up words to melody. So that was quite terrifying. But then as soon as it as soon as the number was over, well, that was at the very end of the show. And then I just had all like the rest of the cast come up and they were hugging me and they were laughing at me and making fun of me. Like in the best way, you know, it was very, it was so I hope that never happens again, but I'm glad it happened in it. I'm glad that we got through it. But on another, I was in noises off and I had to fall down the stairs. And I love falling down the stairs. And there was, I had a cast mate, Mallory, and I guess I was pretty convincing that, you know, it was real.

24:15So she, there was two levels and she just got under like on the back of the set. So she had like a tiny little peephole. So where I fell, my face was facing her. So she was just like back there. Like if you're really alive, just, just blink, just blink for me. So every night I would have to make sure that Mallory, I'm not really dead. But yeah, I love falling down the stairs. You would never expect to hear from an actor right there. Oh my gosh. Dusty, those were amazing. Thank you for sharing those incredible and unique memories with us. Those were great. She, you know, what about you? What's your favorite theater memory? Oh gosh, that's so hard. Let's see. I got to have a serious one series to me. My brain keeps coming back to it. And I feel very vulnerable to share it. So I'm going to share it. It is from being in the actor's seat point of view as well.

25:18Somewhat recent in the last couple of years. And it was actually in rehearsal. And I was working on some new work and kind of developing a monologue into like a little short theatrical experience. And just me and the writer, I was helping direct it as well in the room. And I've never been an actor. I've been, I've been accused of being the actor that's like so emotional when we talk about it and so emotional and animated as a human. But when you're on stage, like, we don't see the emotion. You don't cry. You can't cry. That was the thing I carried with me for a while as an actor. And this moment I had, it was like, I don't know, there's so many ways to put it. But I feel like this might be the most, most received to picture. It was like I saw the Matrix.

26:18If anybody's familiar with the movie series. That it was suddenly I was facing the fact that I human being, Shino Francis, have walls. Before that moment, I would have said I do not have walls. I don't put up walls. I don't do that. The ignorance of me and myself. And suddenly I saw it. It was as if, I mean, I knew there wasn't actual brick wall in front of me. But I really, it was as if I could see it. And it was in the middle of doing scene. And I could see where my walls were. It was like I could take a brick down if I wanted to. I could smash it all down if I wanted to. I could lift them right back off if I wanted to. And there was, it just, I don't know, became more visual to me. And I really felt it. And that, talk about the magic of being in a room and experiencing it. Like that's something that, I don't know, that was just a life changer

27:20as an actor, but also just as a human for me. That was really, really big. Both of you nailed this question, knocked it right out of the park. Those were fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing those with us. As we wrap things up, I would love to know, do either of you have any other projects or productions coming down the pipeline that we might be able to plug for you? Yeah. I can go with a few. I have, well, at the player's theater with, in the same space, we are working currently on, whoop, I was about to say last year. Working on an Agatha Christie. And that's going up. I thought I had the dates pulled up one. That is called Black Coffee Grounds from Murder. I believe is, am I saying it right? Yep. It's an Agatha Christie called Black Coffee Grounds from Murder, which apparently was the first play that Agatha wrote. Not the first, like, anything, but the first play that she put out there.

28:20And so we're doing that starting April 18th. We're in rehearsals right now. That can be found on the same website. It's very exciting. And I don't get to work with us down this one this time, but I will say, because we are living in a similar, the same world that we've kind of built together last year in the, like, a pro series, pro series, rather. And so that's really exciting. And I also have, in the upstairs theater, in the black box, at the same address. In May, with the company screwdriver, I'm a part of building a world of enumerata, a female, a person's female lover. I'm excited about that as well. Let's find that on the website too. It's one weekend in May. What else is going on? Always check out all the stuff out the player's theater. There's lots of different things going in and out. Ooh. And if there's different demographic, then maybe the kids that come to see the little mermaid. But if anybody listening once is our patrons of the Stonewall,

29:20Stonewall Inn, or have been wanting to check it out, we are a part of a group that's going to do a sing-along on, I want to say it's April 4th. Is that a Monday? That's all right. April 4th. We're doing a Chicago sing-along. Is that right? So then it's April 6th. I lied. Look at it now. It's April 6th. It's a late one, but April 6th. I think if you go to the Instagram, it says it there. But the Stonewall Inn, we're doing a Chicago, the musical sing-along, hosted by Sarah Glassman. And so it'd be fun. That sounds like a blast. Oh my gosh, she doesn't love a good musical sing-along, it's all I'm saying. Just do anything for you. We might be able to plug. The only thing I have on my... I do gigs here and there whenever I get asked to, but I also have... I do burlesque. Well, it's more like clown burlesque draggy. It's fun. But yeah, Lucy Goosey, she comes out to play whenever she gets asked to.

30:20But the next time she will be appearing, my really good friend, Christopher Marucci, he does this one-man show and it's so dumb. I love it. It's dumb and the best way. You know, it's like, he's so stupid, it's perfect. But so he's asking me to do a fun little number before that. Before the... Before he goes on. And that's April 19th. And I... At the Brooklyn Art House, 9 p.m. So, if you want to see Christopher doing his thing, honestly, the show is great, but you should... It's really... It's so stupid. I'm so excited to see it again. But yeah, that's my next gig. Amazing. I love it. It's so stupid. And that meaning is great. Yeah. Absolutely. It's just... Folder off for all. I love it. Well, it sounds like you've got some great stuff that we need to keep tabs on.

31:23And that is a fabulous setup for my final question, which is if our listeners have like more information about the Little Mermaid or about either of you, maybe they like to reach out to you. How can they do so? Oh, cool. For me, Instagram, the best, I'm not... They don't keep up to it. They do use it as a messaging system. And encouragement to post more is always welcome, because I need it. So, yes, I'm my Instagram. You can find me at Sino Frances, S-H-I-N-O-F-R-A-N-C-E-S. This Frances is my middle name. So, I don't feel like I'm choosing the last name from my mother or my father. But, yes, that's where the information can be. And I try to have the links to what's going on in there as well. Yeah, Instagram is good for me too. It's Dustiny Child. At Instagram. Yeah. Fabulous. Well, Sino, Dusty, thank you both so, so much for taking the time to speak with me today.

32:27And for sharing this brilliant production and all your wonderful thoughts. I hope this is the first of many conversations we get to have, because you two are just a hoot to chat with. So, thank you very much for your time today. Yes, thank you for having us. Amazing. Thank you. Thank you so much, Andrews. It was a lot of fun. And I hope your kiddo feels better soon. Thank you. Thank you so much. My guests today have been to absolutely amazing artists, the director and choreographer Sino Frances and the assistant director choreographer, Dusty. Both of these wonderful artists joined me to talk about their current production of The Little Mermaid, which is playing now through April 4th at the Player's Theatre. And you can get your tickets and more information by visiting theplayerstheter.com. We also have some contact information for our guests, which will be posted in our episode description, as well as on our social media posts. But hurry over to theplayerstheter.com right now. Get your tickets while you still can. For this wonderful show, bring friends, family, kiddos, come one, come all.

33:27For The Little Mermaid, now through April 4th. So until next time, I'm Andrew Cortez, reminding you to turn off your screen. And keep talking about The Little Mermaid. In a stage whisper. Thank you. If you like what you hear, please leave a five star review, like and subscribe. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram at stage whisper pod. And feel free to reach out to us with your comments and personal stories at stage whisper pod at gmail.com. And be sure to check out our website for all things stage whisper and theatre. You'll be able to find merchandise, tours, tickets, and more. Simply visit stage whisper pod.com. Our theme song is maniac by JazzR. Other music on this episode provided by JazzR and Billy Murray.

34:28You can also become a patron of our show by logging on to patreon.com slash stage whisper pod. There you will find all the information about our backstage pass as well as our tip jar. Thank you so much for your generosity. We could not do this show without you. And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show. Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first day? Oh no, we help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Nito a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways. Only pay for what you need at Liberty Mutual.com. Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty. Tyler Reddick here from 2311 Racing.

35:28Another checkered flag for the books. Time to celebrate with Jamba. Jump in at JambaCasino.com. Let's Jamba. No purchase necessary, VTW Group. Boy, we're prohibited by law. CCNC is 21 plus sponsored by JambaCasino.