Canadian actor Anthony Konechny chatted about starring in the upcoming stage production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” for the KAPA Repertory Theatre, where he is playing Stanley Kowalski.
The play will be performed from February 20 to 22nd at Circa On Seventh in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The production stars Bridget Regan (“The Rookie” and “Jane the Virgin”) as Blanche DuBois, Anthony Konechny (“X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Supergirl,” and “Animal Kingdom”) as Stanley Kowalski, Jennifer Brown (“The Game”) as Stella Kowalski, and Norman Towns (HBO’s “Insecure” and Jordan Peele’s “HIM”) as Steve Hubbell.
Experience in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
On his experience in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” he shared, “It has been nothing shy of wonderful. We are led by our great director, Braxton Molinaro, who happens to be an incredible creative and artistic genius. He is surrounded by a phenomenal team.”
“Also, we have an insanely talented cast, all whom are bringing it each and every day to rehearsal,” he said. “Being surrounded by great folks raises your game at all levels.”
Playing Stanley Kowalski
On playing the lead male character Stanley Kowalski, he remarked, “Stanely is such an iconic character, and he has a certain power about him. He likes things his way, and he will do everything, and anything, to get that.”
“There is a certain type of power with that, whether it’s brute force, or just fierce determination to clear anything (and anyone) in his path,” he noted.
“One thing about great writers, is the extraordinary depth they give to their characters,” he said.
“With layers on layers… and then even more layers! That is usually not something you personally experience in your day-to-day life, with your current given circumstances, so needless to say it has been a wild ride so far,” he elaborated.
Working with Braxton Molinaro, Bridget Regan, Jennifer Brown and the rest of the team
On working with Braxton, Bridget, Jennifer, and the rest of the team, Konechny said, “They are all so freaking talented, and humbly so! They just show up each and every day, ready to go, and they bring it!”
“Braxton is not just directing the play, he is producing, he is coordinating all the (hundreds) of moving pieces, and he is also one of the leads of the play as well,” he added.
Lessons learned from ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ play
On the lessons learned from “A Streetcar Named Desire” play, he reflected, “It is such a gift doing theater again. Working with such great writing is so uplifting for an artist. It cracks things open inside of you as an actor.”
“Great depth in character, brings out great depth within yourself. Also, getting the honor to work on a play for weeks at a time and prepare it. Usually, we are in ‘audition mode,’ where you don’t get that luxury,” he elaborated.
“So, having the opportunity to really dissect, do more comprehensive detective work, and really carve and flesh out a character is such a gift,” he added.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology and social media are so prevalent, Konechny said, “I mean, streaming is not a bad thing and it’s actually created more content, and more content means more jobs for actors.”
“I think the old stereotype of TV Land acting has shifted dramatically, with some phenomenal writing and projects being created now,” he noted.
“The downside of the digital age I would say is the new auditioning process,” he admitted. “I think myself, and others can agree that we miss being in the room, and getting that stimulation from casting directors and producers right there in person.”
“So, hopefully that goes back to the way it was,” he added.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he said with a sweet laugh, “I think I’m still currently defining myself.”
“I wouldn’t say that booking certain jobs is defining,” he admitted. “When you get to learn and experience different waves of passion, as an artist, then I think those are the subconscious defining moments.”
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, Konechny said, “Work on great plays, and great writing. Figure out who you are, intimately. Self-awareness is a tool you must learn and make it your best friend.”
“Listen to what is really going on inside,” he said. “That’s usually a form of a whisper on what your truth is. Figure that out, and cut out all the distractions.”
“Lastly, the whole saying ‘being at the right place at the right time,’ it is actually ‘staying at the right place, for an extended period of time’,” he said with a sweet laugh.
Konechny on Laura Carswell
Konechny had great words about actress and filmmaker Laura Carswell. “Laura has her own little theater company in New York, and she has been directing as of late,” he said. “I hope she will also get back on stage because she is so talented. Whenever she taps in a character, she is just brilliant.”
Konechny on guest starring in ‘Tracker’
Konechy also recalled guest starring in the “Camden” episode of “Tracker,” where he worked opposite Justin Hartley, who plays Colter Shaw.
“It was a great experience,” he exclaimed. “It was a lot of fun working with Justin Hartley. He was so great! The show ‘Tracker’ has had so much success, and it is a well-oiled machine.”
Working with Justin Hartley in ‘Tracker’
“Justin is such an incredible leading man actor,” Konechny said. “Justin is executive producing the show as well. He has so much drive, he is very focused, and it was great to watch him work. He is also one of the nicest guys in the world.”
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Konechny said, “Success, to me, is ‘firing on all cylinders,’ and knowing what those cylinders are.”
“Also, having the self-awareness to evaluate yourself. There are many aspects, nooks, and crannies of ‘thy self,’ perhaps very neglected pieces. When you are able to shine light on those pieces, through positivity and creativity, they begin to fire,” he elaborated.
“Anyway, that’s where my process is at right now,” he said with a sweet laugh. “Continuously trying to bring more of me to the game. Not being perfect, but bringing my best.”
Closing thoughts on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ play
For fans and viewers, he concluded about “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Come see the play! If you’re in the Chicago or Kenosha area, you must come see this.
To learn more about Canadian actor Anthony Konechny, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on KAPA Repertory Theatre, visit its official homepage and Instagram page.
