Meadow Brook Theatre's 'Strangers On A Train': Travis Walter, Ron Williams & Stephen Blackwell | Exclusive Interview

The Cosmic Curtain

With Strangers on A Train beginning its run last week, we've sat down with Meadow Brook Theatre's Artistic Director, Travis Walter, along with stars of this play, Ron Williams and Stephen Blackwell! In this interview, the two stars and director discuss why Strangers on a Train felt like the perfect show to begin the season with, what drew them to the project, how some of the character decisions and motivations came to be, and how this production has challenged them all in their respective roles. Enjoy!
Timestamps for this interview:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:40 - How is production going so far with Strangers on a Train? What has the audience reaction been?
• 04:35 - Talking about the opening scene, the banter and intensity and the dynamic between the characters.
• 11:42 - Impressive performances from the actors provide a lot for the audience to take in with every performance
• 15:27 - Perception of Guy's behavior from the audience
• 16:47 - Book (by Patricia Highsmith) vs Alfred Hitchcock film vs the play. How the hero and villain roles are presented, and the motives of the characters.
• 28:25 - The addition of "the mirror bit"
• 30:00- Balancing humor & charm with an equally terrifying character
• 32:00 - Charles' return and audience reaction
• 35:30 - Guy's reaction and guilt about what happened
• 36;55 - Challenges of this production
• 43:05 - What are you hoping audiences will take away from Strangers on a Train?
• 47:20 - Outro