Actor Adam Dodway chatted about playing Gooper in the re-engagement in the Off-Broadway production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
Dodway has appeared with Ruth Stage and Matt de Rogatis in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” directed by Joe Rosario, and “Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III,” directed by Austin Pendleton and Peter Bloch.
His other roles include Luke in “An Apartment in Purgatory” (Hudson Guild Theatre), Ben (Look Homeward, Angel), Bobby in “Small Craft Warnings” (Theatre Row), Wilbur in “Charlotte’s Web,” Peter in “The Diary of Anne Frank” and Charlie in “Brigadoon” (St. Bart’s Players), Francis (La Cage aux Folles), Captain in “Sleepy Hollow.”
Playing Gooper in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’
On playing Gooper, he said, “It is really satisfying to take over Gooper. I have lived with him since last summer when I originally covered him and now playing him full time in this production feels as though the preparation and work I put into the role as a cover can now be realized in a much deeper way.”
“Being kept on my toes when I needed to be ready at a moment’s notice to go on has added a level to my work that I haven’t quite experienced until now and it feels intensely gratifying,” he added.
He is drawn to playing Gooper for several reasons. “Gooper is not necessarily a very lovable character but I do love his tenacity. He sees and knows that his opportunity to acquire his family’s riches is slipping from him to Brick and yet he holds on until it is impossible to retain control,” he said.
“He doesn’t let go even then (no, not even then!) when it is abundantly clear that Big Mama is taking over with determination to give everything to Brick,” he explained.
Working with the cast
He opened up about working with his cast members Alison Fraser, Matt de Rogatis, Fredereick Weller, Christine Copley, and Courtney Henggeler.
“This show is such a collaborative effort, particularly in Act III when we are all on stage together,” he said. “I really trust all of them and the experience of connecting with each of them on stage has been exhilarating.”
“There is nothing quite like feeling a moment of truth live, on stage and being observed, and to be able to do that with all of these actors – Alison, Matt, Fred, Christine, Courtney, Milton, and Jim, is something that I will take with me and that will last far beyond what we have accomplished with this production of ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’,” he elaborated.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, he said, “Being an actor and acting on the stage is so personal, so connected that the integration of certain kinds of digital elements are definitely a challenge.”
“Technology is a wonderful thing but my first love is the stage,” he said. “There is something so intimate and special about actors and spectators being in the same room, experiencing a live event. It is particularly engaging for everyone when a specific story is being told and those who are a part of it can feel affected by it.”
“Live theatre is an ephemeral event and the digital age with recorded performances just doesn’t have the same energy as acting in the moment on stage,” he added.
Dialogue-heavy
When asked how he handles being dialogue-heavy in this play, he responded, “Most of my dialogue is much briefer than some of the other characters but I do have a few longer speeches that really show why Gooper is the way that he is. That is a beautiful aspect of Tennessee Williams’ writing. He is dialogue heavy but every word means something and gives you insight to who the character is.”
“I like to listen or read the script over and over again even though I have heard these lines before because I know I will find something new. The dialogue is specific but it stands the test of time and every actor who plays these fascinating and heartbreaking characters can offer something new and vital to the story,” he said.
Dream acting partners
On his dream acting partners, she shared, “I recently saw Samuel L. Jackson in August Wilson’s ‘The Piano Lesson’ and thought he was just incredible as Doaker Charles so I’m going to say him. It would be real dreamy to work with Samuel L. Jackson.”
Success
On his definition of success, he said, “Feeling and knowing that I am loved, fulfilled, purposeful, and worthy.”
Dodway concluded, “Support live theatre. It is the greatest craft on earth! The themes of this iconic play that Tennessee Williams so brilliantly wrote are universal and stand the test of time. While specific within the story, the circumstances resonate with just about anyone. See it, experience it, and let the play and performances sit with you and affect you, in whatever way that may be.”
“It has been thrilling for me to be a part of this production and I am grateful to the cast, crew, interns and the supportive audience for a profoundly rewarding, connected and collective experience,” he added.
To learn more about Adam Dodway, follow him on Instagram.
