We recently spoke with Lauren Maria Medina who plays lead role Anne Egerman in “A Little Night Music” at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Lauren shared insight into her role, what it’s like behind the scenes (literally and figuratively), and what she enjoys in her off time in beautiful Ogunquit, Maine!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC?
Anne Egerman! Pictured above on the right. Lauren had never seen a performance of “A Little Night Music” before. It’s a tough show to produce, it challenges an audience, and it’s not a common show. This is the first full Stephen Sondheim show (with music and lyrics) that the Ogunquit Playhouse is done in its 90 years in existence. Lauren has learned a lot from the charters, and the cast in putting this show together.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT PLAYING THIS CHARACTER?
Tapping into Anne’s optimism and joy and silliness! She is dealing with issues of pain and sadness in the show, but she’s also someone who always chooses a lot of joy, and follows her heart.
WHAT IS IT LIKE PERFORMING AT THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE?
This is Lauren’s very first time performing in a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse and she absolutely loves it!! She mentioned that this theatre is largely considered one of the best theaters in the United States and has a great reputation in the there community. Lauren has been well aware of the Ogunquit Playhouse for a long time and says it’s such a treat to be able to perform at such an iconic, well-known theatre and to spend several summer weeks in Ogunquit!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PART IN THIS PERFORMANCE?
Lauren immediately mentioned the “Now, Soon, Later” trio which she explains as being difficult to learn and execute, but such a beautiful number. That first moment they performed it freely, confidently, and seamlessly together for the first time was a feeling like no other.
THEY SAY THIS SHOW IS SPLENDID & HILARIOUS. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE HUMOR?
Lauren expressed to us that the show is funny in a quick-witted, smart way, and the Ogunquit Playhouse’s version is especially hilarious. Hunter Foster designed the performance in a especially funny way where the laughs are always earned.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS CAST?
Lauren has great respect for everyone on the cast and shared that they all get along and have fun together! And she’s learning a lot from this talented group of performers.
SINCE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE PERFORMANCES ARE TIME-LIMITED, WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT IN A SHOW IN OGUNQUIT?
Coming from Brooklyn, New York specifically for this performance, Lauren has been enjoying the laidback coastal lifestyle of coastal New England in the summer. She does a lot of exploring and has walked the marginal way many times. She’s been eating lots of lobster rolls (Shoutout to Barnacle Billy’s and Footbridge Lobster!) and ice cream, and has gone to the beach. We asked Lauren if people recognize her from being in the show and stop her when she’s out and about—and they do! She says it’s really sweet and people get shy but excited to say hello, but she enjoys it and hearing positive feedback about the performance.
All of the actors in the show are New York-based actors. When you book a job, that’s a vacation, the rest is work and auditioning. Tours. When she’s not performing, Lauren also nannies, serves, and teaches a wellness in NYC public schools. Very privileged to be an artist and creative, and is so grateful for the opportunity to be part of a production at the Ogunquit Playhouse.
CURTAIN CALL! A FEW FINAL NOTES FROM LAUREN!
“Come see the show! It’s a rare production. Everyone in the show excels in what they do. The music is timeless and the set and costumes are gorgeous—luxurious, and well done. You leave feeling happy and touched.“
TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 17!
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