Denene Mulay and Danny Gurwin are long-time friends who will finally get to share the stage again, opposite each other in Farmers Alley Theatre’s upcoming production of Dear Evan Hansen.
They first met when they were competing against each other on their respective high school forensics teams and then later, they went on to play Tony and Maria in West Side Story at Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania, “It was a 3-week gig for $100/wk. We were each cast because the original person cast backed out, so in a way, it was meant to be!” Mulay explains, “I absolutely loved playing Maria opposite Danny’s Tony. We had a very playful chemistry that made our interpretation unique. We were a little goofy actually, but it worked. I remember giggling a lot during our balcony scene.”
Gurwin also has fond memories of working with Mulay, “I remember being really impressed with Denene’s singing. She had one of those flawless voices; she could sing anything, belt or soprano, and it sounded fabulous.” Having both of their combined talents on stage again is exciting, undoubtedly. Gurwin adds, “I can’t believe how much time has gone by since West Side Story. I am so excited to work with Denene again on such an important piece of theatre. We’ll be able to support each other and can build on the trust that has come from our thirty year friendship.”
Not only has Mulay performed in various shows at Farmers Alley Theatre, but she is also one of the founders, who has been here since its conception. After the birth of her son, the family decided to move to Michigan to open a theatre. Mulay reminisces, “I’m grateful to have Farmers Alley as a performing outlet and I have played many dream roles on this stage. It’s hard to pinpoint the most rewarding experience for me. I’ve directed both of my children, performed right along next to them and I’ve had wonderful experiences working with my mom.”
She goes on to discuss the important work that Farmers Alley Theatre does, “I think the best part of what we do comes from the stories we tell and the feelings that accompany those stories, whether they be funny, inspiring, brutal or sad. Theatre is a rollercoaster of emotions and each experience is an opportunity to learn something about yourself and the world around us.”
It is clear that they are both so excited to be working together again, this time on the Farmers Alley Theatre stage and on Dear Evan Hansen, which they both deem as a highly important piece. Gurwin says that he is looking forward most to working with the music, “I think the songs are so accomplished in the piece. How lucky am I that I get to sing them all summer long?!” On top of this, Mulay is excited to roll up her sleeves and answer some of the musical’s toughest questions, “A lot of people question what the show is trying to say. I think I need to get up on my feet, with Danny beside me, to figure out what this story is going to teach me. I can't wait to find out!”
Dear Evan Hansen opens July 9th; you won’t want to miss this exceptional cast sing their hearts out!
Written by Abigail Doonan