Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 1/17/2009

Question
Hey Wanda,
I'm a 16 year old girl... keyword GIRL, and i was just cast as the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress... Umm my director says that even though I'm supposed to have a crush on Lady Larkin, I'm supposed to play it off like I am indeed a woman... A concerned motherly type figure, but there are many references to the minstrel's being a man in the play... How am I supposed to make the transition? She's also making me dress as a guy... I feel like I'm having a sexual identity crisis lol.
also she says that she wants be to be a story teller, but also mock the story at the same time... Not so sure how to do that... And the songs are made for Tenor, but my range is Soprano/alto...
if you could give me any kind of advice it would be greatly appreciated.
-The Minstrel.

Answer
Hi Jackie...And thanks for writing.

You are in a very tricky situation.  I would suggest that you ask her why she has made this compromise - a woman rather than a man.  What is she trying to do?  Is she stylizing the play - making it something different?  Is it because she is out of male choices?

If you are uncomfortable with the role, tell her so.  And although it would be great to have a role, it may be that this is just not the one for you.  I would encourage you to be integral with this - don't compromise your values.  If it is not something that you can do, don't.  I'm not sure what she is going for with her choices.  Maybe it is just a case of "I don't have enough boys".  If that is the case, then it is really important that you ask yourself if you can go here.  

Her direction to you does not sound clear to me - about story telling and mocking.  If I am hearing her correctly, I think she is trying to tell you that you are a serious storyteller who believes and knows the correct story but are wagered to tell something of a false tale.  And this would fit...

What I know of the piece is that it sounds as if the Minstrel is telling a story that he knows is not quite right.  So you may just be able to just deliver the lines that are there honestly and what she wants will come out - mocker and storyteller.  

If you are able to sing alto, you most likely will be able to sing this.  

The bottom line is that it is very important that you go to her and ask her questions.  Ask her about your concerns.  It is never a good experience to allow yourself to take on a project without respecting your own values and concerns.  By asking questions, you will be able to determine whether this is a good fit for you or not.  

Does this help you?  

Wanda