TAA Frankenstein Artist Spotlight: Brooke Rogers as Elizabeth Benning!

TAA is so excited to have amazing actress Brooke Rogers join us on stage this season!  An incredibly versatile actress, Brooke is stunning in serious and period pieces, but in this comic romp her sparkling wit will have everyone rolling in the aisles as she portrays Elizabeth Benning, Frederick Frankenstein's "madcap fiancee!"

"I'd say any adults with a sense of humor should see Young Frankenstein and have a great time, and adults without a sense of humor should see it so they can get one!"



 We asked Brooke a few more questions about her life in theater and current project... read her other thoughts below!

 1) What roles have you played in recent years and what are your all time favorites?  I just finished playing Anna in The King and I at COS and had an amazing time. It was the first musical I had done in YEARS and the fact that I got to be in such a classic show playing one of the roles I have always wanted to play made it extra special. A couple years before that, I did The Glass Menagerie as Laura, which was another dream time. I'd love to do that show again, I love it so much! I got to be both Belle and Mrs.Potts, which was awesome. At CAL STATE FULLERTON, I had an incredible experience in being an ensemble show called The Spoon River Project as well as The Laramie Project. Both let me explore many diverse characters and it was not only exciting, but it was provided great growth.

2) How is Elizabeth Benning the same/different from any of these? Does she present any particular challenges or fun for you? Elizabeth is SO different from most roles I've played!! It's one of the reasons I was so stoked to take it on, apart from the fact that it's Madeline Kahn's character in the movie. I've played big, out-there characters like Miss. Hannigan in Annie and Nanny in Baby with the Bathwater (who I think is the most Elizabeth-like role I've had). It's going to be hard letting myself be as big and bold as I can be! I'm so freaking excited. She's definitely the dirtiest broad I've ever played, that's for sure. BRING IT ON!

3) Why Theater? Is this kind of art important for the community? Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes. I've seen theater inspire many people, may it be backstage, onstage, or in the audience. The theater community goes past just the cast and crew. The community is incomplete without an audience, so being able to be a part of a show and connect the outside world with the artistic world is an honor, and from the audience point of view, it's an honor to be invited into the story being told.

4) Why see Young Frankenstein?   Um... because it's hysterical. Fans of the movie will get to see many beloved moments live onstage. Even those who haven't seen the movie will have a blast. It has a definite melodramatic element which makes the site even funnier! I'd say any adults with a sense of humor should see it and have a great time, and adults without a sense of humor should see it so they can get one!

Come see Brooke and the rest of the incredible #TAAFrankenstein cast May 26th-28th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia!  
For tickets, call Kym at 559-972-8417 
or go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2540771