Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Big Girls Don’t Cry

Company: Crowning Monkey Productions
Written by: Rachelle Elie

Fringe veteran and winner of the 2008 Ottawa Fringe Festival Outstanding Comedy Award, Rachelle Elie returns with a dazzling new show about Haitian fathers, Kenyan night clubs, and aging Barbies.

Show Times:

• Fri 2/24 @ 8:00pm
• Sun 2/26 @ 6:30pm
• Mon 2/27 @ 6:30pm
• Thu 3/1 @ 6:30pm
• Sun 3/3 @ 6:30pm
• Sun 3/4 @ 2:00pm

Answers by Rachelle Elie

(Writer / Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Rachelle: INTRO… I had just returned from Kenya and found the experience left me feeling overwhelmed with tears of joy and sadness. When girls grow up, have kids, and get married, and pursue a satisfying carreer…or not get married, not have kids but pursue a career, we’re expected to get our emotions together and we’re not supposed to cry. The reality is that we do cry and we want to cry. We also live in a society where people shut themselves off from their emotions and my job is to delve deeply into feelings and share them with the world.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Rachelle: My father, who passed away two years ago. He was an inspiration and hugely supportive of my work.
Lady Gaga, an original and a huge risk-taker.
Sam Kinison. I love his comedy and the quote I always have in my head is “get your f*** personality in line!”
My husband, a doctor who’s putting his job on hold, taking care of our kids for ten days while I’m following my dream.
Picasso, another risk-taker, prolific, and my favorite artist.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Rachelle: Every time I leave my family it’s a big sacrifice. My art was my first child though so the moments doing my work are precious and rewarding.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Rachelle: I have been exploring my heritage in this show, analyzing and dissecting that part of my personality. My dual American-Haitian heritage has shaped who I am and influenced choices throughout my life, and in developing this piece I have (re?) discovered that aspect.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Rachelle: I hope they leave with a new awareness of what you see is not necessarily what you get, and that nature and nurture play strong, dual roles. I play with what lies beneath my own stereotype.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?

I take on Little Lady and send her PAPER.

Now that’s quite a pairing – Little Lady and Big Girl!  Why, it’s almost fate!  Unfortunately, it’s not in your favor, as Little Lady chose SCISSORS which cuts you up to Deaaaaath.  But!  You were also challenged by Love in the Time of Chlamydia and Intium/Finis. They both threw ROCK … which leaves you with two wins! No reason for this Big Girl to Cry … unless it’s tears of joy.  Congratulations!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Big Girls Don’t Cry!

~~~

Big Girls Don’t Cry

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• Big Girls Don’t Cry: Laughing On The Outside (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Stripper Lesbians: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I’m Only Explaining This Once: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Man Saved By Condiments!: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Initium/Finis: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)