Theatre TCC! will present six performances of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” written by Ray Bradbury. The Talon sat down with cast members Cassidy Cummings, Ray O’Neal Jr. and Kaitlynn Ricketts to discuss their experiences with the play, rehearsals and their love of theater.
What is your position in Something Wicked?
“I play Mr. Dark… He’s the antagonist of the whole play.” – Cummings
“[I play] Charles Holloway, the janitor of the local library.” – O’Neal
“I’m Mr. Dark’s second-in-command, the Dust Witch.” – Ricketts
Is this the first production you’ve been a part of?
“This is my first production at TCC, but I’ve been in a few plays in Ft. Lauderdale.” – Cummings
“I’m no spring chicken, I’ve been in a few productions already. ” – O’Neal
“I’ve been in three shows in my time at TCC, [including] She Kills Monsters, Rent, and Head Over Heels.” – Ricketts
What drew you to theater in college?
“It’s definitely an appreciation of the environment. I think there’s something to learn in every position and you feel really well-rounded after enough time.” – Cummings
“I found out about this from a post on Facebook, and I enjoy acting so much that I wanted to apply.” – O’Neal
“I have an extensive background in theater from high school. I just wanted to continue doing that into college.” – Ricketts
What are you looking forward to the most in the show?
“Oh definitely dress rehearsals. Tech Week can often be called Hell Week, but I don’t see it that way.” – Cummings
“I enjoy delving into and inhabiting the character. I even plan on shadowing some Leon County Library janitors in order to help understand the movement my character [a janitor for the local library] might have.” – O’Neal
“Yeah I feel like everything really comes together during Tech Week. Nothing gets you into character like putting on their costume.” – Ricketts
What advice would you have to someone who might be too nervous to try out for theater in college?
“The hardest part is ripping off the Band-Aid. Just get friends who support you and everything else will fall into place.” – Cummings
“In theater, you have to cultivate your ability to imagine. Really take your time, study life as it happens all around you and don’t let any other interpretations influence you. You’re entertaining others, so entertain in your own unique way.” – O’Neal
“Do it… it’s not clique-y. It helps build your connections even if you aren’t cast. Tally is a small place, so it’s about 50/50 you’ll be able to get the position you want. Just try” – Ricketts
The curtains rise on “Something Wicked This Way Comes” at 8 p.m. on Oct. 12 in the Turner Auditorium. Additional performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Oct. 12-14, 8 p.m. on Oct. 20-21 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 22.
