Photo Source: T. Charles Erickson
“I got my first Broadway show from going to an open call,” says Spanger, adding that she found the audition for “Sunset Boulevard,” her debut, from a Back Stage notice. “I always mention Back Stage when I tell the story.”
Spanger might not go to open calls anymore, but like any actor, she still auditions. When she received her appointment for the role of Gwendolyn in David Hyde Pierce’s interpretation of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” she immediately connected with the character. Pierce transplants the 1895 Oscar Wilde comedy from upper society to the gritty mafia world of 1930s America. It’s “Downton Abbey” meets “The Sopranos.” (Pierce initially wanted James Gandolfini to play Lady Bracknell, now being portrayed by Tyne Daly in the production.)
“I assumed that I would never have the opportunity to do it because it’s not something that I would normally be cast in,” Spanger explains. “But with this conceit in place, I fit right in.”
Your character, Gwendolyn, is a 1930s gangster's moll in this production. How did you prepare for the character?
Amy Spanger: I watched “Born Yesterday,” which is one of my favorite films. I love Judy Holliday’s performance in that. Whenever I’m playing a character from this era who’s sort of tough but vulnerable, that’s a great reference point for me. I also read the play over and over and over and over again. And I actually YouTubed Tyne Daly quite a bit because she plays my mother, and I wanted to have her speech rhythms ingrained.
Did that help you with your work with her?
Spanger: A little bit. I’m a huge fan of hers, and I’ve seen her do a bunch of stuff. She reminds me of my mom a bit so it was very easy to slip in there and play her daughter.
What is it like to work with her?
Spanger: She’s amazing. She’s all about making things better all the time. It’s like I’m taking a master class in acting just being onstage with her. It’s a great privilege for me to spend time with her, listen to her talk, and watch her act. She’s quite brilliant.
You’re done a lot of musicals, including “Rock of Ages” and “The Wedding Singer.” How has your musical theater background helped you approach this project?
Spanger: There’s no connection whatsoever. [Laughs] I’ve never done a piece like this where there’s so many words, and it’s quite intimidating. It’s something that I have to work on every single day. It’s also a comedy, and we kind of forgot because we had been in a rehearsal room for so long. We weren’t getting any laughs. Our first performance, it was so refreshing because we got all that back. And I think the way that David approached directing, he directed it like a straight play. We weren’t going for laughs at all, and I think it works because we’re not asking the audience to laugh. This very well-known actress recently approached me and said, “This is the first time that I have ever thought that this particular piece was funny.” I feel like the way that David approached it with this conceit actually helps ground it a little bit. It helps create this earthier quality so that you actually get the meaning of the words.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)
What has it been like working with David Hyde Pierce as a director?
Spanger: He is the kindest, nicest human you will ever meet. He worked with my husband in “Spamalot” seven years ago, and my husband’s been here the past few days, and he just had his birthday. A few days before his birthday, David said, “Oh is Brian going to be here for his birthday?” because he had it in his phone. Then on the day of my husband’s birthday, he presented me with a card for Brian. It’s disarming how kind he is. He gave every single person this sterling silver cardholder engraved with “Earnest.” Not only did he give it to the cast and all of the crew, but he gave it to every single intern involved. It’s not heard of. I feel like I’ve been completely spoiled because he’s an incredible director and he also assembled a group of really good actors but also really nice people. The whole process has been just wonderful.
You mentioned the interns that worked on “Earnest.” Do you offer any advice to the young actors?
Spanger: I ran into one of the interns at the opening night party, and she was asking me about how you do comedy, and I’ve always done comedy. My family’s really funny, but I have honed it a bit in classes. I studied at Second City in Chicago. It’s interesting because they want to know how you do what you do, and I have been around a little bit. I think just keep your ears open, keep your eyes open. If there’s someone with more experience than you, listen to them. Figure out what you do well and try to really hone that. Even the things that you don’t do well, just practice and practice and practice. And study.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” plays as part of the Williamstown Theatre Festival through July 14. For tickets and more information, visit www.wtfestival.org.
