43
Games gung-ho about community theater
‘blithe spirit’ at the youngstown playhouse
By MILAN PAURICH
YOUNGSTOWN
Since moving back to the Mahoning Valley, Ursuline High alumnus Cheryl Games has taken the community-theater scene by storm.
A graduate of New York’s Actors Studio, Games already had an illustrious r sum — roles in independent films and plays in New York and L.A.; and a smattering of commercials — before opting out of the fast lane for northeastern Ohio’s more laid-back vibe.
Last month, Games made her local debut in the Oakland Center for the Arts’ acclaimed production of “Dinner With Friends,” and next weekend she’ll be starring in Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” at the Youngstown Playhouse.
In her free time, Games created a Web site (mtvtheaterbuzz.com), which sends out bimonthly newsletters with theater news and information.
In a recent interview, Games discussed her latest role and why she’s gung-ho about the future of Youngstown theater.
Q. What prompted you to move back to the area?
A. My husband and I really like the lifestyle here. Plus, most of my family lives in the area, and I’m at a point in my life where being with them is more important than pursuing a career. And I’m really loving the theater scene in the Valley. There’s so much going on, and it’s as good — or better — than work I’ve seen at smaller theaters in New York and L.A.
Q. What attracted you to “Blithe Spirit”?
A. I adore Noel Coward’s writing, and “Blithe” is a great combination of quick-witted, sophisticated banter and physical comedy. It’s also very challenging, almost like working on a classical piece. Where else would you get to say things like, “On the moors with Captain Bracegirdle,” and “A treatise on hyperplasia of the abdominal glands” in the most upper-crust of British accents. Because of the language and physicality it’s almost like working on Shakespeare or Moliere.
Q. What’s the hardest part about playing a ghost?
A. The floating (laughs). My character (Elvira) has a rather spunky and lively personality. But since she’s a ghost, she must have an ethereal quality, too. (Director) Mary Ruth Lynn told me that I must give the impression that Elvira is always flitting and floating about, even when standing still. I’ve been drawing on my Actors Studio training where I once spent four weeks studying the movements of a wolf to establish the physicality of a character. I won’t say which animal I’m using for Elvira, but it’s definitely not a wolf (laughs).
Q. What has your experience been like working at the new Playhouse?
A. Playhouse executive director Mary Ruth (Lynn) is doing a terrific job, and I’m very excited to be working with her. I feel completely safe under Mary Ruth’s wise and experienced hands. She’s bringing out aspects of the play I never knew existed, and really gives her actors the freedom to explore and come up with things on their own. It’s a fun cast, too: Connie Cassidy, Candy DiLullo, Terri Wilkes, Regina Reynolds, Terry Shears and Tom O’Donnell.
Q. What are some of your favorite past roles? Are there any “holy grails” (coveted dream roles) that you’re itching to play at some point in your career?
A. My favorite previous role was a recent one: Karen in “Dinner With Friends.” Another favorite was in a not-so-kid-friendly version of “Little Red Riding Hood” where I played Red’s big-haired, chain-smoking, bipolar white- trash mother. My dream role is probably Cleopatra in the Shakespeare tragedy. Talk about a gal who’s got it all. Power, lust, greed, revenge, romance, death and eunuchs!
Q. Tell us a little about your Web site.
A. I’ve had a lot of experience building theater audiences via online marketing programs, so I thought it would be a good idea to help coordinate the efforts of area theaters by providing a convenient and centralized source of information. I’ve had a lot of fun working with everyone to get the message out about all the great theater in the Mahoning Valley.