Sitting down with Ophelia: Jessica McDonough

Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am unreasonably enthusiastic about adolescent fiction, cats, gnocchi, jolly ranchers, and traveling. I recently graduated with my masters in counseling, and I am thrilled to share that I don't plan on writing another research paper ever again. I spend my spare time with an incredible group of artists and warm hearted individuals, who inspire me on a daily basis. In my eighth grade yearbook, I wrote that I planned on growing up and becoming an actress, and I think 13 year old me would be happy to see that 31 year old me hasn't lost sight of the game plan!

What can you tell us about your character/role in this production (without revealing spoilers)?
Ophelia is determined with childlike fervor. She is aware that she doesn't have the answers, but she demands more from not only herself, but Jane. She is the most challenging character I've ever had the privilege of playing- and I'm thrilled to have been given this opportunity.

What do you find exciting and challenging about this project?
This project is exciting because of it's challenges. It's essentially a show that deals with a subject that no one talks about by quite literally not talking about it. At the end of every rehearsal I'm exhausted, physically and emotionally, and yet I can't wait to come back to it the next day and see what this incredible team will bring to the table. It's been such a collaboration between the cast, director, stage manager, tech gurus and playwright- and that's really rare and beautiful. I think it's provided us with the opportunity to not only bring a profound experience to our audience, but invite them into this moment with us.

Have you ever worked with Gaslight Theatre Company before? How has it been working with them on this show?
I have! I was involved in their Bathroom Playroom series a few years ago. I was directed by Matt Hinton and Brandi George and performed in a show by Kait Burrier and another by Maureen McGuigan. This experience has been great- we aren't simply speaking our lines and going through the motions, we're having meaningful discussions about the motivation and the stakes for our characters, and it absolutely has informed the way in which the show has evolved.

What is it like working with a living and local playwright?
Rachel is a joy to work with. I will say that the subject matter of this show (which we are delightfully dancing around) is important, and the way in which she explores it in "Drowning Ophelia" is so purposeful and raw, while at the same time whimsical and cleaver- and I am completely honored to be a part of it. She's also been super accessible and helpful throughout the process. I'm very excited for her to see the show!

What is your favorite part of the process so far?
I really enjoyed our discussions about the motivational content for our characters in each scene. The stage combat work has been something new for me, and Jonathan really has done such a great job of explaining and modeling it for us- so that's been pretty cool too.

What is your favorite line from the play (and who says it)?
I really love when Edmund says "I slayed a dragon today" primarily because Jeremy is amazing in the role and somehow manages to achieve equal parts of charming, hilarious, dear, and awkward in one line.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I hope to see you there!

Drowning Ophelia opens January 28 at the Theater at Lackawanna College and runs through January 31. Head on over to our Up Next page to find out how you can see it!

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