Debuting Artists at OpenStage: Ashley Salehi
Introducing Ashley Salehi as “Brisaille/Lise/Musician/ Cadet/Sister Cecile” in Cyrano de Bergerac
It’s time for another entry in our Debuting Artist blog series! OpenStage is home to many incredible artists, some who have worked with the company for years and others who are brand new. This week we introduce Ashley Salehi, playing Brisaille, Lise, a Musician, a Cadet, and Sister Cecile in Cyrano de Bergerac.
Tell us about yourself! Where you’re from, your hobbies, past work, fun facts, or anything that comes to mind!
Hi everyone! My name is Ashley Salehi. I’m an elementary school teacher, barista, and actress who is so very excited and proud of this show. My hobbies include (but are not limited to) baking, reading, and starting puzzles and never finishing them. I quite literally always have a kazoo with me and probably a snack and some stickers. Tragically, we couldn’t work a kazoo solo into the show.
What made you decide to audition for Cyrano? What was the audition like?
I auditioned for Cyrano because I had read the play in junior high and wept in the middle of English class. I find it to be so beautiful, heartbreaking, and hilarious. The moment I saw that OpenStage was doing a production of it, I knew I had to audition.
Tell me about the character you play in the show.
I have a handful of roles in the show, and there isn’t one I don’t absolutely LOVE. In Act I, I play Brisaille, who is pretentious and foppish. I have had so much fun playing with this idea and bringing Brisaille to the stage. Act II brings Lise, a disgruntled and irritated woman who eventually runs off with a solider (oops). I also get to play a poet and a musician and a cadet, each of which have a unique energy to bring to the show!
How has your experience with OpenStage been so far?
This is my first show with OpenStage and I have been blown away by the welcoming, professional, kind environment they have fostered. It has been a privilege to work with everyone on the OpenStage team.
What is your favorite thing about acting?
My favorite thing about acting is being able to lose myself in a character for a while. When in character, I face experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise and I learn from each role. I discover more about myself, while getting lost in storytelling and creativity. I love the vulnerability and beauty in it.
What can audiences look forward to in Cyrano de Bergerac?
Audiences can look forward so incredible fight scenes, larger than life characters, and a beautifully told tragedy. I’ve laughed and cried and been utterly blown away by the skills of my cast mates. Audiences can look forward to an unforgettable show.
Do you have any upcoming projects after Cyrano?
I don’t currently have any upcoming projects, but am on the hunt and in full “audition mode.” Theater brings me to life and I am so excited for whatever else may come.
Come see Ashley and the rest of the cast in Cyrano de Bergerac, now opening July 8th!
Cyrano de Bergerac
Directed and Adapted by Judith Allen
July 8 – July 30, 2022
A sophisticated turn of phrase … or … a pretty face? Which will Roxane choose?
Larger than life Cyrano—soldier, philosopher, poet and adventurer—is in love with the resplendent Roxane. Hampered by his self-perceived lack of beauty due to his absurdly large nose, Cyrano offers handsome fellow cadet, Christian, his poetic mastery of language to woo his beloved Roxane. As she falls under the spell of Cyrano’s beautiful letters, believing they are coming from Christian’s beautiful face, war propels the love triangle beyond whimsical antics into love and heartbreak. Full of wordplay and swordplay, as well as the most famous nose in history, Cyrano is a night of comedy, mistaken identity, and romantic tragedy under the stars. Walk-in, bike-in, or drive-in! Featuring nightly food trucks.
