Tell us a little about you!

Hello! I’m Sydney Meiller, and I’ll be playing Morticia Addams. I’m from Goochland, and I recently graduated from George Mason University with a BS in Environmental Science, a Concentration in Conservation, and a minor in Theater Performance. I have loved music and performing for as long as I can remember. Throughout middle and high school I participated in Goochland High School’s theater program, and in college I participated in Mason Player productions. I was also very involved in a cappella in college, and was a part of Noteworthy Treble A Cappella for three years. I am very passionate about the environment and conservation, and I hope to continue my career path in this direction. Going forward, I would love to connect my passions for both science and the arts and learn more about science communication and education through the arts.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Throughout college I satisfied my love for music and performing through Noteworthy, but once I graduated I was missing singing and performing. I also love The Addams Family musical and have always wanted to be a part of this show. When I saw this opportunity I jumped for it!

How is your character like you? How is he/she different?

Morticia and I both love our families very much. We both value honesty very highly as well. We also both look good in black. 🖤 However, I tend to have a very expressive face, and Morticia is more subtle. I am also used to not much drawing attention to myself, but Morticia commands every room she walks into. 

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

I’d say the biggest challenge would be mastering Morticia’s distinct physicality. She is such an iconic, recognizable character, and her facial expressions and confident, deliberate movements are quite different from my natural expressiveness and relaxed demeanor. I am exploring the best ways to embody these aspects of her character, and am dedicated to bringing her to life in the most authentic way possible.

This is GCT’s first musical production. What was the first musical that you ever performed in and what was your role?

The first full length musical I was in was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast when I was in 6th grade at Goochland High School. I played a villager and a set of teaspoons, and I had an amazing time! It really helped my love of theater blossom. 

What is your favorite song from a musical to sing in the shower/car.

Probably “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress or “Santa Fe” from Newsies. Emotional ballads are my favorite.

Aside from this one, what is your favorite role you’ve ever played?

My favorite role… this is difficult! I’d have to say Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors. It was just such a fun production and I loved it! Getting eaten by a carnivorous plant (spoiler) was a fun experience that you can’t get in just any show.

Aside from this one, what was the hardest role you have ever played and what made it so difficult?

I would have to say Amber Von Tussle, from Hairspray. Having to play a mean girl who says horrible things that I would never even think of saying, was very different from roles I had played in the past. My director kept having to tell me to be meaner. The role also had a lot of dancing, and it was some of the most dancing I had to do in a show at that point in time. 

What do you do when you are not doing theatre?

In my free time you can probably find me either walking outside in the woods somewhere, curled up with a good book, or playing games. 

What is the last thing you do before you step out on stage?

Grab a sip of water, close my eyes, and take a deep, calming breath. 

What is your favorite Halloween costume ever?

When I was younger I always had (by my own volition) to be something “scary” on Halloween. So I wanted to be a fairy, but I couldn’t be a normal fairy, oh no. I had to be a “dark, scary” fairy. So I put together my own costume and had my mom do makeup and I was so proud I had come up with my own scary thing for halloween but also got to wear fairy wings. 

What is your favorite scary movie?

My favorite scary movie is probably Edward Scissorhands, which I am not sure counts as scary but I love it! I also like The Shining and The Silence of the Lambs.

Tickets are selling out fast!! So fast that we had to add an additional show. Go get your tickets now so you don’t miss out on Sydney’s amazing performance: https://gvatheatre.org/tickets/