FRR: Welcome, Connor! We’re excited to talk about your upcoming show, Western Minerals and Their Origins, at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival. Can you give us the craziest or most creative summary of the plot?
Connor Johnson: Absolutely! Imagine a hunt for the legendary, ultra-precious Leopard Beryl that leads a young woman on a psychedelic quest through red rock, time, and her own mind. It’s a wild adventure you won’t want to miss!
FRR: That sounds incredible! If you had to describe the process of putting on this show with one word, what would it be and why?
Connor Johnson: Adventure. As a company, we gave ourselves a massive challenge and stepped into the unknown. It’s been an exhilarating journey from start to finish.
FRR: What’s the most interesting, funny, or wonderful thing you’ve learned while working on this production?
Connor Johnson: The Acasta Gneiss is the oldest rock in the world. It’s fascinating to think about the history and stories that ancient stones hold.
FRR: How do you and your team get ready before each performance? And what do you do right after?
Connor Johnson: Before each performance, we keep a ball in the air as long as possible while listening to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. It’s a fun and energizing ritual. After the performance, we usually just collapse and bask in the afterglow of the show!
FRR: Do you have a favorite inside-joke, quote, costume, or set piece from the show?
Connor Johnson: Oh, definitely. We have a mischievous spirit haunting our company named Barnold. Plus, our miniature canyon diorama is pretty cool and always gets a great reaction from the audience.
FRR: Tell us about your background in this field.
Connor Johnson: I’m currently attending grad school at the University of Arkansas for playwriting. This project has been a fantastic opportunity to apply what I’ve been learning in a practical and creative way.
FRR: How long did it take to create this work?
Connor Johnson: We devised and wrote this piece in about three weeks, although we had been discussing it for a few months prior. It was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration.
FRR: What do you hope your audience will take away from this piece?
Connor Johnson: Nothing—because we would like to keep all the props for ourselves! Seriously, though, we hope they take away a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
FRR: What’s your next project after this?
Connor Johnson: Trying to live in the moment. It’s important to savor the experiences and lessons we gain from each project.
FRR: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about Western Minerals and Their Origins?
Connor Johnson: Yes! There’s a live electronic score, and during the first weekend, we will have a live electric guitarist on stage. It adds a dynamic and immersive element to the performance.
FRR: Thank you, Connor! This has been wonderful. We can’t wait to see Western Minerals and Their Origins at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival!
Show Information:
- Show: Western Minerals and Their Origins
- Theatre: Great Salt Lake Fringe – Alliance Theatre Blackbox
- Dates: 7/26, 7/27, 8/3, 8/4
- Website for Tickets: Great Salt Lake Fringe Tickets
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through redrock, time, and mind. Don’t miss it!
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