Meet our Cast: Liv Stevns Peterson

... in the role of Kitty.

Hi Liv!  Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.  Tell us about past SDSU productions you’ve been involved in or any other San Diego-area projects that we might know you from.

            We started out with a great concert performance of Les Miserables in 2014 when I started my MFA in Musical Theatre here at SDSU. It was a lovely collaboration with the music department, and we were over 200 on stage, with a huge choir and symphony orchestra. I got to play Fantine, which was a lovely part to explore. 

            The following semester we changed the genre completely with the production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, which was very fun to be a part of. My character was a biker chick, with a rough mouth and I got to work on a southern accent and wear a crazy wig. 

            Last semester, we did a production of Into the Woods, where I got to play one of my dream roles: Cinderella. Sondheim is such a brilliant composer, and every time I get to work on one his pieces, it is a gift. 

            So here we are at the final semester of my education at SDSU and we’ll wrap up 2 years of hard work with one of my all time favorite shows: The Drowsy Chaperone. 6 years ago I had the honor of playing Kitty in the showcase production of The Drowsy Chaperone as a part of my graduation from the Danish Academy of Musical Theatre. It is an honor for me to get the opportunity to do an upgraded version of Kitty (now in English) at the Don Powell Theatre, San Diego State University.

So, what originally made you choose to participate in musical theatre?

            My first participation on stage in a musical production was when I was 10. It was the stage version of Bugsy Malone. It was a great experience and it made me wanna be an actress. I thought I was gonna do straight plays, when I realized that I had a flair for dancing too, and since music and singing was always a part of my life, (growing up in a very creative family), I thought that musical theatre was the perfect solution since it combines all three skills. 

What is one thing that you love about Drowsy?

It makes me laugh. Even after working on this show for the 3rd time now - it still makes me laugh... and cry!

What are some unique challenges of your role?

            My character, Kitty, is not very smart! She is what you would call a dumb blonde. With characters like this you have to be careful not just to play the stereotype. The audience still has to care for your character and it can only happen if you as an actress love your character and connect to it.

What is one thing that audience members should know before coming to see the show?

If you love musical theatre, you are gonna love this show. If you don’t like musical theatre, you are probably gonna love this show too. 

Meet our Cast: Kikau Alvaro

... in the role of Robert Martin.

Hi Kikau!  Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.  Tell us about past SDSU productions you’ve been involved in or any other San Diego-area projects that we might know you from.

Last year, I was Bernardo in San Diego Musical Theatre’s West Side Story, one of the Director/ Choreographers for SDSU’s The Great American Trailer Park Musical, part of the ensemble and creator of the role of Captain of the Guard in La Jolla Playhouse’s Up Here, and Cinderella's Prince/ Wolf/ Giant in SDSU’s Into the Woods.

So, what originally made you choose to participate in musical theatre?

One of the first times I sang on stage was in a Christmas review show called 'Cool Yule' when I was 9. I fell in love. 

What is one thing that you love about Drowsy?

I've directed the show before and I loved watching the show over and over again. Being in the show is fun, but knowing how much the audience will love watching it makes it that much more special. 

What are some unique challenges of your role?

I've never roller-skated on a stage in my life. It is terrifying. 

What is one thing that audience members should know before coming to see the show?

I want them to know that the fun we are having on stage is very real.

Meet our Cast: Holly Echsner

... in the Ensemble.

Hi Holly!  Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.  Tell us about past SDSU productions you’ve been involved in or any other San Diego-area projects that we might know you from.

I have performed in two showcases for the Musical Theatre 350, and 351 classes. My freshman year I was cast in the dance ensemble for The Great American Trailer Park Musical. My sophomore year I played the Stepmother in Into the Woods and now I am performing in Drowsy. 

So, what originally made you choose to participate in musical theatre?

When I was about 9 years old my mom signed me up for the musical Guys and Dolls with the community theatre by my house and I haven’t stopped since. My freshman year of high school I played Ariel in Footloose and that was when I decided I wanted to do this as a career. 

What is one thing that you love about Drowsy?

I love that it takes place in the 1920’s and that it is a show within a show.  

What are some unique challenges of your role?

Because I am ensemble, I would say the biggest challenge for me is to create my own character that will work in the setting of the show and the other characters.  Another challenge is all the fun props we get to use throughout the show.

What is one thing that audience members should know before coming to see the show?

One thing they should know is that they should kick back and get ready for a great show!