Many of us know talented Catherine Bergman
for her wonderful comedic flair, especially leading our teenage
improv group, FUNKY BUNCH. Check out Catherine’s perspective on
the very serious and very funny play, August: Osage County.
1. Tell me about your character. How does your character fit
with the Weston Family? What attracted you to audition for this
play?
Karen is text book insecure to the point she will do
anything to have people in her life. She doesn’t fit in at all
with the family but really, really tries to. I didn’t know this
play before I auditioned, but I feel so privileged to have this
experience and work with so many wonderful people.
2.
Wow, August: Osage Countyis a heavy duty play. It has been
called a “tragicomedy.” It is heartwrenching and hysterical at
the same time. What is your take on Tracy Letts’ combined use of
comedy and tragedy to depict the Weston Family?
I have
never read a play that reads so true to the way we speak. He
seamlessly blends the deepest human emotions with words taken at
face value may not seem very funny, but when the actors bring
the words to life it is painstakingly funny because it is so
true!
3. There are a lot of great moments in
this play. Which one is your favorite? Andy why? (For me, the
image of Barbara holding a glass and saying she had the “plains”
stuck with me.)
Oh goodness. Only one favorite? My favorite
as an on-looker is when Violet is dancing on the bed at the end
of act one saying “it’s got a good beat.” It is so tragic and
funny all at the same time. My favorite scene is with Barbara,
Dina, at the opening of act 2. I ramble on forever but Barbara’s
reactions crack me up every time.
4. What was it like to
work together? Hopefully the Weston Family dynamic stays on the
set…
Like I said before, I feel very privileged to get to
work with all of these wonderful actors. We got some talent in
Billings!
5. Why should someone see this play?
It is
a MUST see. This play and the challenge it brings to the actors
and audience is what NOVA is all about. It’s in your face drama,
makes you laugh, makes you think, and you will remember it for a
long time.
6. After the August: Osage County, what are
you looking forward to in the remainder of NOVA’s first season.
I’m excited for Dead Man’s Cell Phone because I love comedies,
and Little Shop of Horrors!
