Company Interviews:
John Wamsley as Philostrate / Flute
We asked John Wamsley, who plays Philostrate and Flute in our production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, a few questions about himself, his characters, and his first play...
John Wamsley as Flute. Photo by Kyle Purcell.
Have you been in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream before?
I played Lysander a few years ago in an outdoor production of Midsummer. It was hot, humid and thunderstormy all month so it was… a damp run.
What might people be interested to know about your take on your characters?
Flute is a straight up theatre school kid. Fresh off of graduation, he’s very eager, passionate and ready to take the theatrical world by storm. If something doesn’t turn out the way he had in mind, he will “yes and” the situation because nothing gets in the way of stardom.
Philostrate, the Duke’s “manager of merth,” is very confident, great at his job and a confidante to Theseus. However, unlike Flute, he’s easily flustered when things don’t go according to plan.
What’s the best line in the play?
“You acorn!”
If your characters were at the Monarch Tavern, what drink would they order?
Flute: Pabst Blue Ribbon. Cheap and goes down like water.
Philostrate: Espresso martini. For the man on the go.
If you could have one magical power what would it be?
I’d like to be able to control water or fire. That way when the earth inevitably crumbles in 2050 I’ll be just fine!!!!!!
Have you ever been in a play that was a flop?
The first show I ever did was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and only one person came to our opening night. *flops*
What are you most excited for people to see in this production?
This play is so much fun from top to tale, so I’m just really excited to bring audiences into this strange little topsy-turvy dream we’ve created!
I played Lysander a few years ago in an outdoor production of Midsummer. It was hot, humid and thunderstormy all month so it was… a damp run.
What might people be interested to know about your take on your characters?
Flute is a straight up theatre school kid. Fresh off of graduation, he’s very eager, passionate and ready to take the theatrical world by storm. If something doesn’t turn out the way he had in mind, he will “yes and” the situation because nothing gets in the way of stardom.
Philostrate, the Duke’s “manager of merth,” is very confident, great at his job and a confidante to Theseus. However, unlike Flute, he’s easily flustered when things don’t go according to plan.
What’s the best line in the play?
“You acorn!”
If your characters were at the Monarch Tavern, what drink would they order?
Flute: Pabst Blue Ribbon. Cheap and goes down like water.
Philostrate: Espresso martini. For the man on the go.
If you could have one magical power what would it be?
I’d like to be able to control water or fire. That way when the earth inevitably crumbles in 2050 I’ll be just fine!!!!!!
Have you ever been in a play that was a flop?
The first show I ever did was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and only one person came to our opening night. *flops*
What are you most excited for people to see in this production?
This play is so much fun from top to tale, so I’m just really excited to bring audiences into this strange little topsy-turvy dream we’ve created!