Matt is new to Goochland Community Theatre! This is his first show with us, and only his second show over all. He joins the cast of Baby with the Bathwater as John. Take a look through the answers to the questions we asked Matt, and read his thoughts on the show!

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone who cannot turn away from watching train wrecks. 

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

Making sure the sincerity of each character is not lost in the absurdity of each situation.  As ridiculous as their world may seem, it’s still reality for them and they are navigating how they believe is right.   God help them. 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable experience and push my range as an actor, in specific regard to high melodrama.  This type of play can be really cathartic to perform!  Like screaming into a pillow to relieve some stress and anxiety, only we are allowed to scream openly at everyone.  

Who should not come see this show?

Anyone who prefers watching slow moving trains remain on the rails.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

Sydney’s direction brings a bold and high energy tone that serves to extract maximum potential from this witty style of writing.  Each person provides their own twist that further makes it our own.

What’s going to surprise people about this show? 

Hopefully how much their sides ache afterwards from uncontrollable laughter. 

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?

I’ll be greedy with two shout-outs:  Sara Gordon – She informed me about auditions for this play and encouraged me to go!  Vickie Scallion – My amazing acting teacher who has provided so much direction and encouragement I need to continue my growth on stage.

What is your favorite line in the show?

“Mmmmmm, I love this aroma.  It almost makes me wish I had a cold.”

Who in the show is most like their character?

I’ll have to suggest myself for this one.  Similar to John, I’ve also been known to fall for headstrong women, declare the immaturities of my youth to be over, and sleep in bizarre locations. 

Who is the least?

Probably Morgan.  She seems far too kind a soul to do any of the outrageous acts we see from Cynthia!

What sort of person is going to love this character? 

My character John?  I hope I do justice by him so the entire audience can at least find him entertaining.  Probably the sort who never stop seeing and rooting for the best in someone.

How is this character like you? How is this character different from you? 

See previous answer for our similarities.  I hope I’m not as neurotic as John, nor as weak-willed.  Life should be a constant pursuit of self-discovery and improvement.   I try to rise above life’s drama and I like to think John might too, given some time.

Is it easier to play this character or to be yourself on stage? 

Way easier to be John because I would have left Helen after Scene 1!

What do you love about your character? 

His good intentions and love for refrigeration. 

What do you hate about your character? 

How defeated he becomes in the end.  

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role? 

I am still very new to acting and this role requires a lot of frenetic and over-the-top energy.  A big challenge has been finding/maintaining that level but also knowing when to dial it back.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character? 

Max Greenfield or Chris O’Dowd.  I think either one of those guys would absolutely smash this role.  

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue? 

“But you do, you do die from pneumonia!”

Besides yourself, which actor in this production is going to blow people away? 

Everyone does such an amazing job with their roles in this!  If I have to choose one, its Payton, 100%.  She is so dynamite in her role as Helen, she really elevates the performances of everyone around her.

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be? 

I couldn’t.  Everyone else is too good for me to even want to try. Thank God Sydney like me enough for John.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show? 

Damn!  Goochland Theatre is going to be at the top of my radar from now on!

Why should audiences be excited for this show? 

It’s a great script that has tremendous effort poured into it for Goochland’s own enjoyment.   There are so many talented individuals involved that it would be a shame to miss out!