Alexandra Doering-Dorival interview by Jen Bush

Alexandra Doering-Dorival is a musician in S.U.N. In The U.S.A. opening in late June.  This dungeon master and karaoke queen likes to do a bit of acting here and there working with people she knows.  “I’m an occasional actor, mainly working in projects led by people I know. I’ve been able to lose that super-nervousness of singing on stage by going to karaoke often. And I hone my improv skills every week at my D&D game!”

 Ms. Doering-Dorival recognized a winning piece of theater in Michael Hagins’ compelling story that simply had to be told.  Having worked with some of the artists involved before also drew her to the project.  “The combination of the script and the people behind the production. This script has started so many important conversations, but if I hadn’t already worked with both the playwright and the director, I would probably have been more hesitant to join.”

S.U.N. IN THE U.S.A BY MICHAEL HAGINS

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2PM

S.U.N. IN THE U.S.A. IS A STORY THAT LOOKS AT HISTORY THROUGH THE EYES OF AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN EVERYMAN KNOWN ONLY AS BLACK, WHO IS “KINDLY” REMINDED JUST HOW GOOD HE HAS IT IN HIS TIME IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA—FROM THE BEGINNING OF AFRICAN SLAVERY TO TODAY’S CULTURE.  

THEATRE ROW, 410 WEST 42ND STREET, NEW YORK

 Ms. Doering-Dorival’s creative process includes thorough examination of the script as well as note taking.  “When I’m acting, I jot down anything that pops into my head while I’m reading the script. Many times, those first impressions are the most valuable. They help me learn my lines as well! Singing in this production is no different; I have to read the script closely to understand what has just happened, and how I should be reacting. First impressions are everything.”

When undertaking a piece with serious or topically charged subject matter, an artist sometimes feels as added responsibility when presenting the work.  “I want to be true to the script while being true to myself. There is added responsibility; I don’t want the message to be garbled or misunderstood because we were off. Of course, there’s always nuance, and no one can predict how the audience will take this message!”

 The pandemic changed everything including the ability of artists to earn a living during the time of lockdown.  A more positive change is that people found their voices to speak up against injustices.  “This production is my first live one since March 2020. I’ve been stressed going back into “the world” but I felt this was important enough for me to push through. I do think that if we didn’t have this pandemic, the global protests of the last 2 years might not have happened as fervently, and this project might not have held as much significance.”

When this production is finished, you can find Ms. Doering-Dorival on a stage near you crushing it at karaoke or entering a storytelling world of swords and sorcery.  That sounds like a lot of fun to me!  Of course, she’ll find some time to fit in some good old live theater here and there.  “What’s next for me? More karaoke and D&D gaming! Seriously, 2022 has been a year of serious introspection so far, and I’m looking forward to working on projects both that are important … and not so important.”