Masquers brings suspense to the theater. We visited with Director Nick Mahaney
WAIT UNTIL DARK opens April 13
V GalleryMasquers Theater presents Wait Until Dark with the opening on April 13. We at VM were curious about this upcoming play so we sat down with Nick Mahaney, Director and asked him a few questions.
VM. What is the play about?
Nick. It is a classic suspense/mystery that at its core is about female empowerment. It’s not what you’d expect in 1958, that’s why I love it. The play is about Susy, who is blind. There are three men trying to steal an item from her, but she is smarter. Susy even recruits the assistance of an 11-year girl to help her.
VM. Did you pick the play?
N. Yes, in conjunction with my Co-director Heather Rhoades.
VM. What kind of creative mood are you hoping to bring to theatergoers with this play?
N. This is a going to be a fresh experience for Masquers’ audience. We’re amping up the suspense and thrills for this show. It’s also one of the most technical shows I’ve ever been a part of, I’m sure that the audience will be wowed. I can’t wait for people to see it!
VM. What experience did you have casting the play? Who did you select?
N. Casting was both extremely easy and extremely difficult. The men fell into place almost exactly where I wanted them to be, Adam Zaleski, Darryl Pheasant, and Jesse Huntwork are wonderful to work with. Casting Susy though, that was a different story. We had several ladies audition, all of whom did wonderfully. Heather and I ended up choosing Laura Knittle, who is doing a phenomenal job. She is bringing a wonderful sense of humor to Susy, which I didn’t originally expect… It’s a great addition to the show.
VM. What attributes do you personally bring to theater?
N. I have a very high standard for myself and for the shows that I am involved with. I always push myself to be uncomfortable whether I’m on stage or directing. I believe that if I’m comfortable with what I’m doing, it’s not going to be the best that I can do.
VM. What/who inspired you as a youngster to be interested in theater?
N. I was not the typical kid. I couldn’t get into sports like most kids, I still am not the biggest sports fan. The first play I ever saw was “Noises Off” at the Ashland Shakespeare Festival, which in my opinion is the funniest play ever written. In High School I was involved in the theater from my sophomore year until graduation; I was even the president of the theater group my senior year. It was quite a few years since I was involved with the theater when I got a phone call from Randy Brooks. He asked me to be a part of Sweeny Todd. I haven’t left the theater after that, and I never will.
VM. How involved are you with Masquers Theater?
N. I was elected to the Board of Directors early last year and was voted to be Vice President for this year. I didn’t think that I would like the ‘politics’ part of running a theater as much as I do. Masquers will be celebrating the 40th anniversary in a few years, which is a major accomplishment. I have learned so much about the history of our theater. I am excited to be a part of the vision of where the theater is going.
VM. What is your end goal with theater in Grant County?
N. We have great theater in the area and we can always have more. I ultimately want to lead the action to fund a performing arts space in Moses Lake. A building that does not sit empty, but rather can be rented out for a variety of things between play productions. I plan on accomplishing this within the next 10 to 15 years. I have had preliminary conversations with several different people. The interest is there, it boils down to who is going to take the lead to bring it to fruition. I know I can do it!
VM. Your other job is working at Synergy Wellness in Moses Lake. Tell us about your commitment there?
N. Synergy Wellness has made a huge change at the beginning of this year. We made a decision to leave the company we were with and partner with a wholesale buyers club that specializes in helping people buy safer, healthier eco-friendly products. We wanted to be able to help more people live happier, healthier lives. Not just with nutrition, but whole wellness with a holistic approach to life. I know that we can help people both save money, and live healthier.
VM. How do you do all you do?
N. One of my favorite quotes is from Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was talking about how no one has enough time. He said, “Sleep a little faster.” That resonates with me. No matter who you are, you only have twenty-four hours in a day; so why not utilize the time you do have? My alarm goes off early in the morning, and I am up late. Successful people are busy. I truly believe there is no such thing as balance. There IS such a thing as harmony. No one likes to constantly spin plates. I believe in deciding on what to do with the time you have and be okay if things that aren’t in your focus slip a bit. No one is Superman! There is a wonderful thought process I abide by. The 5-second rule. Count to 5 and decide. It stops me from being indecisive, which I am by nature. The 5-second rule helps me every day get my tasks accomplished.
For event details please go to EVENTS on this site.
Visit http://masquers.com
Gallery
Nick Mahaney, Director