Currently Beth is working on bringing "Charity Hope Valentine" to life. She took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions.

Q:        You have the lead role in SRO's upcoming production of SWEET CHARITY the last weekend in October.  What drew you to that role?
A:        Honestly, I knew very little about this particular production.  I was familiar with the song "If My Friends Could See Me Now", and I knew that Christina Applegate had played the role on Broadway...and that's the beginning and the end of what I knew about the show.  When I auditioned to be in the show...it had been 3 years since I had done a show with SRO and I was itching to be in another show.  Of course, though, I'm quite excited that I got the role of             Charity!! 

Q:        What is the hardest part for you in this production?
A:        Aside from memorizing all of the lines (very scary!), I would have to say just "honing in" on Charity...who she is...and how she would act.  Oh, and the dancing!!!  But I welcome the challenge!

Q:        How did you get started in musical theater?
A:        Well I started in high school being in the drama club.  Then I went to college first at SUNY Cortland and then finishing at SUNY Binghamton being a voice major, Theater minor.  Of course, I found a husband instead after college, got married, had 3 kids and stayed out of the performing arts for several years.  Then when my youngest was 8, I decided to jump back into community theater....and I love it!!! 

Q:        What has been your favorite character to play?
A:        This is a tough question.  I have been blessed to play a variety of characters in several productions, but if I must choose then I would have to say it's a tie between 2 roles that I did.  I played "Mrs. Walker" (Tommy's mother) in the production of TOMMY over at EPAC.  It was an intense and edgy role as well as being a little whacked and singing rock and roll was the best!  The other favorite role was the role of "Sally" in SRO's production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN.  It was so much fun to revisit my childhood and play a 6 year old little girl!  It was simply fun!!  However, it is quite possible that this role that I am doing right now (Charity) may top those!  

Q:          What was your most difficult character to play?
A:           This question is easy....my most difficult role was 2 summers ago over at EPAC playing the role of “Dorothy" in THE SUMMER OF '42. I was the oldest in a cast of 8 teenagers.  It was a very deep dramatic role and in the end my husband dies, I get drunk and have an affair with one of the teenage boys. 

Q:        How do you overcome the difficulties of a role?
A:        You have to just "sell out" to the character.  You have to get to know them inside and out.  You learn their mannerisms, body language, how they think, act, talk, where they come from, where they are going.  I try to do this with every role that I play, but some are easier than others.  And if I'm being truthful in that matter, then I would have to say I'm still working on finding "Charity".  Where there is so much drama going on in your own personal life, it's sometimes hard not to let it seep into your "role playing".  But I am eager and confidant and I look forward to the challenge of that role.

Q:        Who is someone that you look up to in this "business"?
A:        OK.  This is going to sound strange, nut the first person who came to mind when you asked me this question was my daughter, Cortney.  She is an amazing actress and it comes to her so naturally and easy.  I have been watching her for years now doing her own thing, and making her own way in this performing business....and believe it or not, I have learned a lot from my daughter.  And I'm not too proud to go and ask her for her input.  She inspires me in many ways and I'm very proud of her.

Q:        How did you first get involved with SRO Productions III?
A:        Interesting!  This kind of goes along with the last question; my daughter, Cortney, was 12 and wanted to try community theater.  My husband found an ad in the paper for auditions for "PAJAMA GAME and COMPANY with SRO and brought it home for Cortney.  She asked if I would go in the room with her for moral support during auditions.  And then I said "Well, maybe I'll try out with you".  We both thought that it was a great idea, so we did!  And those were my first 2 shows with SRO Productions III ("Amy" in COMPANY and "Babe" in PAJAMA GAME).              And yes, Cortney was in PAJAMA GAME with me.  Great fun!!!

Q:        Why do a show with SRO Productions III?
A:        Well, I just love working with all of the people again at SRO!  It seriously is a terrific bunch of talented people that are so grounded.  You can't help but enjoy being in the company of people like that. 

Q:        What is your favorite type of performance (since you do so many different types)?
A:        My favorite type of performing I would have to say is with a live band.  There is something extremely exhilarating about having a group of talented live musicians backing you up as you sing.  You're up there dancing and harmonizing and just having a plain ole good time.  I LUV, LUV, LUV IT!!!!  

Q:        What do you see as community theater's value?
A:        There is tremendous value in having community theater in this area!  Because of it, there are so many opportunities             for those kids/adults who are interested in tapping into their talents as performing artists.  It's a great outlet as well             as a wonderful tool to use to help you grow as an actor/actress/musician.  If you just want to be a part of it for the             fun of it, it's perfect...or you can choose to use it as "training" before you head off to college or a larger performing             arts arena, then it's perfect for that as well.  We are quite blessed in this area to have so many community theater             companies and I would encourage people to take part in them. 

Q:        What is the best part of being in community theater?
A:        Well, as I have said before, I do love meeting and being around the people in this community!  I also have enjoyed growing as an actress and musician...and of course, there is nothing like the THRILL of "show week" and "opening night"!!

Q:    What would you like to see SRO do in the future?
A:    Well, I pray that someday we have a theater of our own to call HOME!!!  Then the possibilities would be endless!!