Saturday, May 3, 2014

The Gospel According to...Lauren Hayes

Name: Lauren Hayes

Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA

Education: BS in chemistry, Stanford University

Who do you play in The Mysteries?: Angel

Tell us about The Mysteries: It is an immersive evening involving dinner, dessert, 54 actors and 48 playwrights riffing on 50 biblical plays from medieval England. The evening starts with Adam and Eve and ends with the final judgment.

Describe The Mysteries in three words: Entertaining. Powerful. Thought-provoking.

What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: A mummy costume which involves lots of strips of white fabric, a ski mask, and black-light paint.

If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: Deborah. She was a prophet, a judge, and a leader of Israel in the Old Testament. Totally inspiring.

Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: Matt Cox. Just look at his impressive hair and beard! Definitely Biblical.

Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: It's a toss up between Matt Bovee, Kara Kaufman (our stage manager), or just the entire cast of angels. They've all saved my booty so many time in life, rehearsal, and performance.

Most likely to become an angel?: Either Tyler Gardella (who, ironically, plays beezulzebub) or David Dabbon (our music director). Both of them are so sweet, generous, and always bring cheer into the room.

Most likely to hear voices in their head?: Julia Anrather, our effervescent music captain. I'm pretty sure she'd hear gorgeous angelic voices.

Who's the most spiritual?: Rebecca Rad!

On the 8th day god said_____: Time for some fun!

Are you going to heaven or hell?: Well, heaven, I hope.

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: Some combination of gluttony, sloth, stress case and gym junkie.

What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: Ooooo tough call. Don't know if this counts, but I'm gonna go ahead and say anytime an actor accidentally farts on stage. I won't name any names, but it makes me laugh hysterically every time.

What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: I am in love with the episode of "Doubting Thomas." It's beautiful, funny, and always warms the cockles of my heart. And A.J. Ditty plays Thomas beautifully.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: The people: the creative team, the Flea staff, the actors, the audience. I am constantly amazed by their talent, their humor, and their generosity.

Why should we come see The Mysteries?: It will be a unique experience, unlike anything you will ever see anywhere else, and it will definitely dazzle and make you laugh, cry, and think. And, just to put some icing on the cake, there's great music and delicious food!

For more on Lauren, visit www.LaurenHayes.info