Today we’re speaking to Ziola Hale, one of the performers in the production The Timekeeper’s Collection, written and directed by Marie Kynd, at the Alliance Theater, 602 S. 500 South in Trolley Square, from Nov. 15-,17 21-23.
FRR: Can you tell me the players featured in The Timekeeper’s Collection and what is the vibe so far in rehearsal?
Ziola: Our cast is: Ziola Hale, Connor Abeyta, Matthew Mencia, Brittnie Eliason, Erika Bricio, Caroline “Chip” Castleton, and Dakota James. As usual, the beginning of rehearsals is just getting our lines down, our blocking tweaked, and becoming more familiar with the other members of the cast. But as we approach opening night (in three days!) we have become a synergistic group, and like a family. It’s been amazing.
FRR: That sounds great! Please tell me about The Timekeeper’s Collection.
Ziola: The Timekeeper’s Collection tells the story of Avalon, played by Hale, a woman with the ability to see the past when touching an antique, who stumbles into an antique shop, her worst nightmare. Luckily Jamie, played by Abeyta, a seasoned Timekeeper and willing mentor, guides her through items as we see into the past through Avalon’s ability. Ziola adds another description of The Timekeeper’s Collection is a brat with a lot of opinions goes in and out of the past and realizes how important their power is.
FRR: That sounds fun and certainly entertaining for the audience! If you had to describe the process of putting on this show with one word, what would it be and why?
Ziola: Controlled chaos!
FRR: I bet. What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned while working on this production?
Ziola: It is fantastic to see how incredible the people are and how much our director Marie Kynd cares for the integrity of the production and us as individual performers.
FRR: What do you do right before each performance to get ready, and right after each performance?
Ziola: I get into the character and think about their baggage. After a show it takes some time for me to come off the high so I usually take a moment to come out of it all.
FRR: What is it about this role that made you want to audition?
Ziola: I found the character growth and evolution of Jamie’s and Avalon’s relationship to be a delightful challenge.
FRR: What experience do you have as an actor?
Ziola: I have been in many shows. I have been in plays in high-school and at SLCC.
FRR: That’s great! What are your dream roles?
Ziola: Eurydice (Hadestown), Jenna (Waitress), Matron Mama Morton (Chicago)
FRR: You’ve chosen some of the best roles ever created. I hope you can be in each production. You’ll be great. What have you found out about yourself as you’ve been rehearsing for this role?
Ziola: That I relate to Avalon in the sense of feeling out of control.
FRR: What have you found out about yourself as you’ve been rehearsing for/performing this role?
Ziola: Set design!
FRR: Tell us more about the show.
Ziola: The Timekeeper’s Collection was originally presented at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival in 2023. This is a slightly different version of the piece.
FRR: Is there any other information you’d like to share with your patrons?
Ziola: Unusually, the theater company sells the antiques that are onstage after the show. The show is family friendly, with a PG-13 rating for swearing.
FRR: Here are some comments from the show’s director.
Marie Kynd: I have written my whole life, starting with poetry that when I was younger my dad was convinced I was Googling! I’ve always enjoyed fantasy and worlds where magical things happen. I have won different awards for the different types. I have won a Jane Austen award for my poetry, best director for a short film, and a Fringe Favorite during Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival. I have written for three 24-hour festivals at Salt Lake Community College, and directed two of those times. I also have written and produced my own songs, available on Spotify and Apple Music.
FRR: Well, it’s been great talking with you, Ziola. One last thing. When and where can we see this fantastic production?
Ziola: Alliance Theater at 602 S. 500 South in Trolley Square, from Nov. 15-,17 21-23, 2024 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: $17.03, $15.00 + $2.03 Service Fee
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