An Interview with Miles Merry

Miles Merry on playing Billy Ray Junior

in On Golden Pond

 Tell me a bit about yourself, Miles.

 I am 11 years old in grade six at McCammon Elementary.  I have one older brother...I was born in Chilliwack...I love to sing, play video games, stuff like that.

Is this your first production with the Guild?

 No, I was in Tis the Season and Anne of Green Gables. 

 

Miles on stage in Anne of Green Gables the Musical with cast members Abigail and Kathryn.

How old were you when you were in your first show?

 That was Tis the Season...I was 7 or 8, I think.

You like to sing.  Who is your favourite singing group?

 One Direction.  They are really talented.

Tell me about the character you play in On Golden Pond. 

 I play Billy Ray Junior.  He's thirteen, from California, kind of a "too cool for school" kind of kid.

Miles plays it cool in rehearsals for On Golden Pond.

 Doesn't sound like you.

 No!  He's quite different from me.  I mean, physically we're the same, but he has a bit of an attitude, so thats kind of a stretch.  He tries to hide that he likes to do the things Norman likes to do, like fishing and stuff. 

Norman is his grandpa?

 Right.  Most of my scenes are with Norman (Graham Archer), Ethel (Joan Hogan), and Chelsea (Katy Lowe).

What's it like to be the only kid in the production?

 I'm kind of used to it.  It feels really comfortable.  I like being around adults.  I didn't know the cast when I first came on set, but they are really nice. 

What is the play about?

 I think it's about change, people changing when change is difficult.  It's about a family, and if  you are like one of the characters, you might want to change, too.

How are the rehearsals going?

 Really well.  People are so nice, and I am having fun.  It's a bit of a challenge 'cause it's the biggest role I have ever had.  Lots of lines, but it's exciting. 

Do you get nervous before you perform?  The stage you will be performing on is pretty big! 

 Not really.  I just put myself in the other person's head and then I'm not nervous.  I just kind of pretend I'm in my living room.

Do the kids at school know you are in a play?

 The kids know I'm in theatre...I think there's a rumour that I'm in a TV show! 

What would you like to tell people who are thinking of coming to see the show?

 They should come see it!  They will laugh at parts, and maybe feel a bit nervous at other parts.  I think people will be really into it.  It's a good story. 

Is your family coming to see the show?

 Oh, yeah!  Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa...the whole family. 

Good luck, Miles!

 Thanks. 

Oh, and one more question:  If you could be in any production of a movie or a play, what would it be?

 An action movie, for sure! 

An Interview with Katy Lowe

Katy Lowe on playing Chelsea

in On Golden Pond

 Is On Golden Pond your first show with the Guild?

 Oh, no!  I first became involved with the Guild in 1979, when I was in grade 10!  I was cast in the chorus of Mother Goose.

So you've been acting for awhile? 

 On and off over the years, yes.  I was involved in the Theatre Department at UFV, as well.  I took theatre courses and acted in various plays.

What are some of the roles you've played?

 At UFV, I played Gertrude in Hamlet, the Angel Gabriel in The Mysteries...I was in The Road to Mecca...

Great roles!

 Yes, I've been very lucky.  I was in the Guild's production of Witness for the Prosecution...

Katy as Christine Vole in our 2011 production of Witness for the Prosecution 
along with Ross Biondolillo and Larry Hamm.

And you won the Best Actress Award at the Theatre BC Zone Festival in the spring, is that correct?

 That's right...I actually shared the Best Actress Award with an actress from another group.  I played the part of Claire in an original play by Rick Mawson called Caliban:  Housesitter.  It was a great role. 

What did you do with your Best Actress award?

 It sits on my mantle, and when we have guests, my husband shows it off! 

You play the role of Chelsea in the upcoming production of On Golden Pond.  Describe her for us. 

 Well, she is witty, very smart -- sometimes smart-alecky.  Chelsea is a very no-nonsense kind of woman.  I think she hides a lot of anger and hurt, especially around her relationship with her father, Norman. 

Played by Graham Archer...

 That's right.  Chelsea is trying to change, trying to grow up, but she can't let go of her childhood.  She is successful in her professional life, but she can't seem to sustain relationships.  She hasn't resolved her issues with her father, so she can't move on.  In the play, she's newly married and eager to settle her relationship with her father so she can be happy. 

 In the play, Graham plays a much older man that he is in real life.  What's that like for you acting with a man who isn't really old enough to be your father?

 Graham is absolutely amazing!  When I act with him, I don't see Graham, I see Norman.  He just IS Norman.  He moves like an old man.  He talks like an old man. 

 What do you like about the script? 

 It's a great story about a family relationships.  People will recognize themselves in the characters.  In the play, Chelsea's family does what many families do:  chat superficially about this and that, while lots of things remain unsaid.  Chelsea wants to get the real issues out on the table.  She comes home to face her father and say the things that have remained unsaid between them. 

 

Katy in rehearsals for On Golden Pond with cast member Jeff Hanson.

Sounds very dramatic!

 Oh, it is, but it's also really funny!  And very touching...it's the perfect balance between the two.  The play is very well-written, and all the characters are very rich and realistic.  It will lift an audience up because it's a very hopeful play. 

Who will the play appeal to?

 Everyone!  People with aging parents, people in relationships, people with complicated families.   Bring your tissues, for sure, but be prepared to laugh...a lot! 

What do you enjoy about being involved in Guild shows?

 So many things:  all the people involved are so organized and dependable...and they are all volunteers.  There are so many people involved in this production, so many people building sets, and working on props, costumes, publicity.  As an actor, you feel so supported.  All you have to do is focus on acting.  You feel like you're in good hands.

What is Clint Hames like to work with as a director?

 He's amazing.  I think he has studied every single line of this play...he brings so much humour to the production...it's a great feeling to work with someone who is so capable.