What’s your name?
My name is Wayne Crow.
Who are you playing?
I am playing the sheriff. Sheriff Gilbeau.
What town are you from?
I am from New Britain, Connecticut.
Is this your first time at Hole in the Wall Theater?
This is not my first time at the Hole in the Wall Theater. This is actually my second time in this location and I have been known to do a few things back in our old location on Harvard Street.
Um, how did you get into theater and what is your background in theater?
Oh, how did I get into theater? I got into theater because I ended up doing a small show with Summer Arts Festival in West Hartford. Uh, my background, I have been seen on stage in Corpus Christi, The Elephant Man, Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. I’ve been doing this for a few years.
Describe your character.
My character is the strong, silent type. He is there to let the family know, uh, some stuff that happens and basically be there for a member of their family.
If you could give your character advice, what would it be?
Relax.
Why do you think this show got a Pulitzer Prize for Drama?
It’s wonderfully written. It is, it touches on so many different topics, especially abuse, uh, of many different forms. Drug abuse, alcohol abuse, verbal, emotional, physical abuse. I mean, it just touches on so many different aspects of our lives that a lot of people don’t talk about and are hard to talk about.
Do you, Wayne, have a favorite book?
Yes, I do. My favorite book would be “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
I think Shawn might have said the same.
Possible. It’s a good book.
Any reason why?
The British humor is very dry. There’s a lot of sarcasm, and it just explains the universe in a way that I’ve never seen done before. It was introduced to me as a kid, and it was really my introduction to sci fi in book form.
Out of curiosity, does anyone compliment you on your voice?
A few people do compliment me on my voice saying I have a face for radio.
Okay, uh, do you have a favorite poem?
Probably… Beowulf. It is an epic poem. But it is still a poem.
Okay, do you have a favorite drink? Alcoholic or otherwise.
Shameless plug: CT Valley Brewing Spiked Smoothie Strawberry Lemonade.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
What is a fun fact about me? I have a face for radio.
I wouldn’t say so, but whatever. Last question, is there anything else that you’d like to say? Other ventures, shoutouts. You already did one, you can do some more.
Just let my wife know that, you know, she’s been incredibly supportive in all of my ventures, and me coming back to the theatre after many, many years of absence. To the cast and crew of this show, who are putting on an amazing piece of work. The director, who I have worked with many, many times, Warren Dutkiewicz, who just is an incredible director, and I’ve met some really nice people in this show, and I hope to continue working with them in the future.
Appended: an excerpt from “Beowulf”
The hand that was famous
She grasped in its gore; grief was renewed then
In homes and houses: ’twas no happy arrangement
In both of the quarters to barter and purchase
With lives of their friends. Then the well-agèd ruler,
The gray-headed war-thane, was woful in spirit,
When his long-trusted liegeman lifeless he knew of,
His dearest one gone.