Author Archives: backalleynh

Meet the Cast: Susan Turner

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Susan Turner V-Day 2012Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046

Susan Turner is well known for her excellent work with one of the long standing production companies on the Seacoast, Generic Theater. This will be Susan’s third V-Day with us, and we just love working with her! She has such a unique perspective that lends its voice to our collective V-Day cast.

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“I came back to theater in the late 1980’s. I have been working with Generic Theater for 29 of their 32 years along with any other company that would cast me!”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“’Dix Tableaux’ that Generic Theater did several years ago at the Players’ Ring. It involved 10 separate scenes with 10 different costume changes and at least 5 wigs, but the best part about it was working with Peggi McCarthy. Another favorite was ‘Cemetery Club’ with Garrison Players, directed by Donna Goldfarb, and of course ‘Mornings at 7’ with Generic Theater’s exemplary cast!”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“Yes, this will be my 3rd year. And a different monologue!”

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

“The Sisterhood of the Cast – all the different personalities and ways of working with each other and the continued need to make ‘words’ important and how they are used.”

Q – Who is the most influential woman in your life?

“Probably my Mother, since I blame so much on her and seem to be following in her footsteps!”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“Justice; striving for balance.”

Susan Turner

Meet the Cast: Lesley Hamblin

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Lesley Hamblin as Bridie Mannion in Black Mayo Photo by Kathleen Cavalaro/Bird & Bough

Lesley Hamblin as Bridie Mannion in Black Mayo
Photo by Kathleen Cavalaro/Bird & Bough

Lesley Hamblin is one of the loveliest human beings that you will meet, and we are so happy to be surrounded by her warm heart and delightfully fun spirit for her very first V-Day! (Not to mention her beautiful storytelling on the stage…)

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“From a very early age. I started theater when I was in ballet school. My first taste of the stage was dance. I still have the feet to prove it!

Q – What are some if your favorite recent roles/productions?

“This is a hard one! There are so many! Challenging! I would say Bridie in Margaret McAleese’s original play ‘Black Mayo’ at the Players’ Ring this past September- a Leap of Faith but thanks to my director and folks who knew I could do this. Fun! I have to say ‘The Sound of Music’ – playing a NUN!!!!”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“No, but ever since I knew about this I wanted to be a part. I truly admire, respect and wholeheartedly endorse the premise behind this performance.”

Q – Who is the most influential/important woman in your life?

“Janet, my best friend in the whole world – she was firstly my next door neighbor and then became my best friend. We have shared so many life changing experiences – there’s not enough room for me to express them all.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“Life and love inspires me!”

Lesley Hamblin

Meet the Cast: Michael Lavoie

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Mike Lavoie is in his first year at Manchester Community College with exciting plans for his future! Mike joined us this past September at the Players’ Ring for Margaret McAleese’s original play Black Mayo, and we just adore working with him. This will be his very first V-Day and we can’t wait for you to meet this talented young man!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“About 7 years.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent roles/productions?

“My favorite roles have been Edgar/Poe in the ‘Tell-Tale Heart’, Linus Van-Pelt in ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’, Randy in, ‘Day Dream’ (an original play), and most recently, Jimmy Manion in Margaret McAleese’s original play ‘Black Mayo’ at the Players’ Ring this past September.”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“Nope, this will be my first year, and I’m VERY excited!”

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

“Well acting is my passion and I would like to do it for the rest of my life, but also because I was raised by a single mom and grew up with my little sister, Allyson. It was just me, Ally, and my mom for a very long time. The three of us have been through the woods and back together, so I believe that I have developed a deep respect for women.

Q – Who is the most influential/important woman in your life?

“My sister Allyson, my mother Christine, my two grandmothers Connie and Denise, and my God Mother Cara.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“What inspires me is the idea that If I stay true to myself and follow my dreams, I believe that I can achieve all of my goals and possibly more. And if not, then it was meant to be. No regrets.”

Michael Lavoie

Meet the Cast: Michael Stailey

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Michael Stailey

Michael Stailey has been very busy these past few months performing in “Shrek the musical” and “A Christmas Carol” at the Rochester Opera House, “Gift of the Magi” at Players’ Ring and Patrick Dorow Productions’ Benefit “Home for the Holidays”. This will be Michael’s first V-Day and he fits right in with his passion to raise awareness and end the violence in our beloved communities. Welcome aboard Michael!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“My first stage experience was a school Christmas show at age 5. I remained active in theatre until age 12 when I chose to back-burner acting to pursue music, studying classical violin for the next 12 years. I returned to theatre professionally after graduating college with a degree in computer engineering. By that point, my creative self was starving. I haven’t slowed down since.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“‘Shrek’ at the Rochester Opera House was an absolute blast, as was ‘On Golden Pond’ at Artists’ Collaborative Theatre Of New England (ACT ONE). So much talent and so much laughter.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

No, I’m a V-Day virgin. Be gentle.

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

My life, like many others, has been touched by violence. Any small way I can help enlighten folks, letting them know they are not powerless or alone is a good thing.

Q – Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mother and her three sisters, who have shaped my view of and respect for strong, intelligent, and independent women.

Q – What or who inspires you?

Art in all its various forms. The power to educate and entertain inherent within continually amazes me, giving voice to anyone who chooses to pursue it with passion and courage.

Meet the Cast: Carly Souza

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Photo by Jacqueline Martell

Photo by Jacqueline Martell

Carly Souza is a V-Day Rockstar! She has been one of the most outspoken and passionate V-Activists we know, having organized her own V-Day productions at the University of New Hampshire before joining us. We love Carly, and you will too!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“I have been involved in theater since I was old enough to read.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

“Senior year of high school I played Bloody Mary in South Pacific; that was my favorite role. Bloody Mary is the girl I love :-)”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“I have performed in the Vagina Monologues every year since 2009. I am pleased to say this is my 4th V-Day.”

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

“I wanted to be involved in V-Day because I believe in the cause–to end sexual and interpersonal violence against human beings. I like that I can support the cause while doing what I love…performing!”

Q – Who is the most influential woman in your life?

“My mom is a very important woman in my life. I have several important/influential women in my life.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“Support and kindness, my friends, family, gratitude, teachers, and life lessons inspire me daily.”

Photo by Jacqueline Martell

Photo by Jacqueline Martell