Carol Dolphin, a Sunset Playhouse Life Member who has been involved with Sunset Playhouse for over 50 years, is directing our next production: ANY NUMBER CAN DIE.
- When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
I’ve now been involved with Sunset for just over (gasp!) 50 years. I began with acting and working backstage in props. I’ve done some costume work and lots of front of house, including working in the box office for a short time. I served on the Board for a number of years and am a Lifetime Member.
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
I am currently directing ANY NUMBER CAN DIE. It’s a very funny mystery/comedy, a spoof of both 1930’s mysteries and 1920’s cinema styles.
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role? If a Production Team member, which show have you most enjoyed working on? What show would you like to do in the future?
Most challenging and rewarding role: Sister Miriam Ruth in AGNES OF GOD with Stage West Theatre. Most fun roles: Mme. Arcati in BLITHE SPIRIT at Sunset and Eulalia McKeckny Shinn in MUSIC MAN with New Berlin Players. I always wanted to play Mama Rose in GYPSY but my voice range was too high. Favorite shows I’ve directed: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (Sunset), THE NERD (UW-Waukesha), WIT (Waukesha Civic Theatre)
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
Sunset is a FAMILY – but a welcoming one. There are many, many old friends here, but there are also new ones every year.
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
When in town, it’s volunteering (Ten Chimneys, Alverno College, St Williams, Milwaukee Symphony) and more theatre and family. I spend a lot of time in travel. It used to be more adventure travel but now it’s more cruising. I’ve been to all 50 states and about 140 countries. I love it!
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Color: Turquoise
Food: dark chocolate and red wine
Book: THE LITTLE PRINCE
Play: DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Musical: CABARET
Travel Spot: On safari in East or South Africa
- What is your favorite quote?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Life’s a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death.” Auntie Mame
- Any other comments?
I began my career as a Speech/English/Theatre teacher at the then new New Berlin High School and began the theatre program there. I was the first Alumnae Director at Alverno College before staying home with children for a few years. I taught Theatre and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha for over 20 years and served as the statewide department chair. I retired as a full Professor.
I have been a professional storyteller with national and international gigs. (I retired a long time ago – 2001.)
I have two children, three granddaughters, and a great grandson.