Deanna Strasse now in the Sunset Spotlight. ┬áDeanna returns to the Sunset stage in the role of Alice in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU.
- When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
The first Sunset show I did was “STAGE DOOR” back in 2012.┬á It was an amazing experience because I was fresh out of college and knew practically no one, but nearly every woman in the Wisconsin community theatre area was in that show (it had a large female cast!) ┬áI met so many talented and wonderful people and many of my theatre connections start with that show and Sunset.
 
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role? 
I’m in “YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU” now and I’m playing Alice.
 
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role?
“THE NERD” (here at Sunset in 2015) will always have a special place in my heart.┬á I loved that cast and it was the first time I worked with Brian, whose work I love.┬á My two cohorts in the show were Zach Zembrowski and Phil Stepanski, and, as part of my costume, I was given a large golden locket to wear.┬á So, of course, I had to put a picture of both Zach and Phil in the locket.┬á The costumer told me I could keep it after the and it’s very special to me.┬á The three of us just really clicked and I consider both of them to be very close friends.
As for dream roles, I’m a big fan of Sara Ruhl and would love to do something of hers in the not too distant future!
 
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
Sunset really feels like the community’s theatre. ┬á┬áI feel as though the volunteers are really, truly appreciated and everyone wants to be here.┬á The atmosphere here is just friendly and welcoming on top of the some of the great shows Sunset produces. ┬á(And O.D.’s is right down the street) 😉
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
By day, I’m a barista and full time mom of three rats (two of whom you see in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU!) . ┬á(Yes, rats.┬á Please, ask me about them!┬á They don’t bite or live in the sewer or eat garbage.┬á They are really the perfect pet.) ┬áI’m also an aspiring playwright; I’ve had the privilege of seeing some of my shows (one-acts or full lengths) produced through companies like The Village Playhouse, Macha Monkey Productions (in Seattle), St Croix Festival Theatre, and more.
 
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
My favorite color is yellow and my favorite Donna Daniels quote is, “LUST, Mr. Kirby!”
Photo courtesy of Cilento Photography
