In Part Three of interviews with the cast of MetroStage’s Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Bayla Whitten talks about performing in MetroStage’s production.
Joel: Why did you want to be part of the MetroStage production of Jacques Brel..?
Bayla: Matthew Gardiner told me about this production. Anything that involves Matthew I know will be something worth working on.
When were you first introduced to the music of Jacques Brel?
I am embarrassed to say it, but I only heard a song by Brel for the first time at my callback. Now I’m a huge fan!
What is so unique about his music and lyrics?
Brel said it perfectly himself, he wrote words to be sung, and I couldn’t agree more.
What did you learn about Jacques Brel that you didn’t know before appearing in this production?
Everything! I came into this like a blank canvas.
What was the best advice Director Serge Seiden gave you about performing your songs and what did he tell you was his ‘vision’ for this production?
I felt Serge gave me a new outlook on acting. He put the stress on verbs and really painting the story in every single sentence. I felt that his ‘vision’ was allowing each song to have its own journey.
Tell me about your solos in the show?
“I Loved” is one of my favorite songs in the show. I love the imagery that Brel has written for the song and the twist no one sees coming. I love surprising people!
If you could sing a solo that someone else sings in the show, what would it be and why would you like to sing it?
I would have loved the opportunity to do all the songs that my role typically sings in this show – especially “My Death.”
You had a busy year on the stage. What were your two favorite shows and roles?
I LOVED doing Two Gentlemen of Verona (A Rock Opera) at The Shakespeare Theatre. It was like a party every night! I also had a blast doing Saturday Night at Signature Theatre, performing a comedic role like I have never done before!
What’s next for you on the stage after this production closes?
I have a few things up in the air at the moment, but for sure you can see me performing with the band Bittersweet around town!
What do you want audiences to take with them when they leave MetroStage after seeing all of you perform Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris?
I think the words to our closing number are the most powerful. “If We Only Have Love” we can accomplish so many things in this world and make it a better place for those who come after us.
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris plays through October 21, 2012 at MetroStage – 1201 North Royal Street, in Alexandria, VA. Purchase tickets by calling 1-800-494-8497, or order them online.
LINK
Read Julia L. Exline’s review of Jacques Brel on DCMTA.
Bayla Whitten’s website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za_6A0XnMyw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95k556aQLUU&feature=related
