Saturday, March 8, 2014

Spotlight On...Lyonel Reneau

Name: Lyonel Reneau

Hometown: Houston, TX

Education: BFA Acting - Oklahoma City University

Select Credits: Frenemies- TV: ID; US TOUR: Shrek The Musical; The Taming of The Shrew, Othello

Why theater?: It's the only medium that lets me be an artist with all these crazy voices in my head.

Tell us about Wild: Wild is freeing. Crystal Skillman wrote an amazing piece of literature that goes right for that "thing" that we try and avoid in relationships with people. It's that fight for understanding, love, and appreciation that all of us can relate to.

What is it like being a part of Wild?: #EPIC. It's like having a surprise birthday party and someone invited all your ex's without you knowing.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: It has to be as honest as it is radical. I love a good twist. I love complexity. I love a good fight for the underdog. What or who inspires you as an artist?: The list of people could go on for days. Michael B. Jordan, Viola Davis, Michael Fassbender,  Meryl Streep, Jamie Foxx...the list could go on and on..When it comes to what inspires me I'm definitely driven by perception. The way you look at something and the different variations it allows you to go with gets me every time.Drive, something with an outlook ( good or bad, just be moving doing something)

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Corey in Fences, Ken in Red, Spike in Vanya/Sonia/Masha/Spike, any character they would like to write for me for "New Girls".

What’s your favorite showtune?: "I'm ALIVE" Next to Normal (my shower edition)

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Patina Miller, Alan Cumming..and something where Viola Davis is my mom.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Haha..I don't think I've met the person to play me yet...The title would definitely be "Just Not Your Type"

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Pippin and The Glass Menagerie

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "Blurred Lines"

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Peanut Butter Burgers with bacon