The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens: An Interview with Two Cast Members

by Bobbi Unger

On November 21st and 22nd Penn Manor’s theater students put on a play.  The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens is a new experience for the students because they have never done a murder mystery comedy. I had the chance to sit down and ask actresses Lauren Elledge and Madison Beatty some questions about the experience.

When I asked Lauren and Madison why they decided to be in the play, Lauren said, “I wanted to experience theater with school friends.” Madison answered, “Theatre is such a great experience, especially being with your friends and bonding over something you love.”

What were some of their expectations? Lauren thought that the play would go very well, which it did.  She was confident that all of her cast mates would do well. Madison said, “We have such a skilled and talented cast and crew, plus a wonderful group of advisors making this a great experience. I know it will be a great show.”

Lauren played the role of Debra and she enjoyed imitating Alyssa Crook’s every move. Her role in the show was ‘bitter daughter of bitter ex-wife of billionaire’. She helps and loves elderly Aunt Beatrice. Madison was Mrs. Vickers which she said was “a great role to embody and become.” Her main concern in the play is keeping her daughter figure, Edith, away from the playboy and brother-in-law of her employer, Tony Blackwell. She had a lot of fun creating this subplot and making it their own with Paul and Jules.

As for their favorite parts,  Lauren enjoyed all the bad puns and Madison liked all the little things they made up and created to make this play thoroughly funny and fun to play out. For instance, Edith (Jules) left her feather duster on the table for her to find later, leading her in on where she disappeared to. Things like that made this show their own.

Lauren loves improvising as well as watching other castmates improvise, and Madison said it brought the audience into what they experience every second they’re on stage. Plus, it is a great way to get more laughs out of the audience and to have the actors  think on their feet.