Bridget Flanery is playing ‘Rita’ in the world premiere comedy The Psychic by Sam Bobrick and directed by Susan Morgenstern – soon to be premeiring at the Falcon Theatre starting March 17, 2010! She took a few minutes out of her busy rehearsal schedule to sit down and chat a bit – let’s see what he has to say!
Bridget Flanery
Falcon: What was your first experience with the theater?
BF: I played the Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland in the fifth grade. I was dying for the role of ‘Alice’, but the lead role always went to a sixth grader, so I was left as an insect. My mother made my costume from old green curtains! I had to dance in burlap and sing a song about vowels.
Falcon: What is your favorite part about the character you play in “The Psychic”?
BF: Rita loves men. All men. And men love her in return for her unconditional devotion and affirmation of their masculinity.
Falcon: What is it like to originate a role in a world premiere play such as “The Psychic”?
BF: Exciting and yet daunting. Exciting, because you have a freedom to create and explore that you aren’t always allowed. Daunting, because you feel a greater duty and desire to deliver the playwright’s intent particularly when he is present.
Falcon: What is your favorite mystery novel, play or movie?
BF: I really loved the film The Usual Suspects. What breakout performances from so many of those actors!
Falcon: Why should people come see you in “The Psychic”?
BF: Because Rita is a character that I’ve never done before. In the last year, I’ve had three different colors of hair to match the three roles I’ve played. First I was an unattractive old maid in The Rainmaker, then I tackled ‘Kate’ in The Taming of the Shrew, and now I get to be the sexpot with a heart of gold. All in one year! Gotta’ love it!
Falcon: Why do you think theater in general is important for Los Angeles audiences?
BF: There is some amazing work being done in this city! People dismiss LA theatre due to the massive TV and film industry and also because of the generalization of superficiality assigned to Hollywood. But, I have seen brilliant actors, breathtaking productions, and worked with innovative directors in this city that rival anything that I’ve experienced in NYC or anywhere else.
Falcon: Anything else we should know?
BF: We have the most amazing stage manager! And I want everyone to know that because she isn’t going to get to take a bow with us every night!
Bridget Flanery (Rita Malone) An Iowa native, Bridget recieved her MFA from the Yale School of Drama. She has performed in theatres all over the country. Some favorite stage roles include: ‘Lizzie’ in The Rainmaker, ‘Blanche Dubois’ in A Streetcar Named Desire, ‘Beppi’ in Farmyard, ‘Isabella’ in Measure for Measure, ‘Wendla’ in Spring Awakening, ‘Kate’ in The Taming of the Shrew and ‘Viola’ in Twelfth Night. Bridget has appeared in many television shows and films, including: Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men, Will and Grace, Without a Trace, General Hospital, Out of Practice, 7th Heaven, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, All My Children, Guiding Light, Babylon 5 and Something Blue to name a few.
Favorites