by Haley Flanders, dramaturg
Fisherman and His Wife is currently up and running on BYU’s Nelke stage. To celebrate our production, we wanted to give you the chance to get to know the cast that is bringing this story to life. You can meet the Fisherman and his wife, Isabel, here. Check back tomorrow for the rest of the cast!
Name: Ross Wilcox
Character: Flounder
If you could have a supernatural helper, what would you have? After learning from this show that you have to be careful what you wish for, I would be hesitant to have a supernatural helper that offered me any wishes. I think I would rather have some kind of fairy godmother or wise mentor that appears and tells me exactly what to do with my life every time I’m faced with a difficult decision, because so far I still don’t have a clue.
What would you wish for? To be able to do whatever I want in life (support a family, work, take on hobbies and projects), without ever having to worry about money. Not that I want a lot of money; I would just have it not be such a stressful part of life.
What is the overall message of this play? Be grateful for what you have. Happiness comes from the people, not the things, in our lives. Alternately, be careful what you wish for, because it just might come true.
What has this message taught you? This play has taught me that wishes, without work, only lead to dissatisfaction. It’s not bad to have desires and aspirations, but unlimited gratification can never satisfy the soul’s need for honest achievement.
What was your favorite part of working on this show? I love how playful the show is. As an actor, I felt like I was able to grow tremendously, taking risks and using techniques I’ve never used before. I also loved the ensemble feel of the show. We all got to know each other very well, and every rehearsal felt like coming home.
Name: Emma Truax
Character: Prince’s Assistant (Seahorse)
If you could have a supernatural helper, what would you have? I would want a fairy godmother because you could have her help whenever you truly need it, and I feel like my fairy godmother would be awesome!
What would you wish for? To be able to go to Harry Potter world in Florida with all my friends and family, and have the whole park to myself for a week.
What is the overall message of this play? Focusing on material things and worldly accomplishments won’t make you happy. Focusing on friends, and family and those you love is what makes you happy.
What has this message taught you? Serving others and loving others is what truly brings me happiness. If I am focused on myself or things that I need, I am never going to be satisfied and so I therefore won’t be happy.
What was your favorite part of working on this show? I loved what I have been able to learn and accomplish physically in this show. The physical aspect of this show is SO cool and I have loved learning the different techniques that Nestor has shared with the cast.
