Cast interview: Ed Vilade

We're in the home stretch, folks.  Only ten days until the pirates unleash their fury at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Rockville!  Today we talk with one of our pirates, Ed Vilade, to find out just exactly how one goes about becoming a pirate.  

What's your role in the show?
Pirate/Policeman

Is this your first time in Pirates? If no, how many Pirates productions have you been in?
One -- many years ago

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
Around 2006, I suddenly regained my singing voice, which I had lost to a throat operation 10 years earlier. I had seen several quality VLOC productions, and immediately auditioned. I was cast and have been in most VLOC productions since.


What's your favorite part about being in a show (this particular one, or any show)?
The people -- so many wonderfully talented -- and nice -- people associated with VLOC, in production and as performers. Coming together over a period of months to produce something special is a matchless experience. 

What's your least favorite or the hardest part of the rehearsal process for you?
Dancing and moving. I wish I was 40 years younger.

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I am a retired writer. I play golf, hike, sing in a senior citizens' chorus with my wife and travel around America and overseas.

What's your Gilbert & Sullivan show and why? (If you don't have one, pick a favorite musical or opera)
The Grand Duke. I love all Gilbert & Sullivan but The Grand Duke is so under-appreciated -- complicated, bizarre, quirky with some wonderful music, and funny situations.

What is your Pirate name?
Fearsome Fintan O'Malley

Thanks, Ed!  VLOC's presentation of The Pirates of Penzance opens with it's preview performance on Thursday, June 12th.  Get your tickets and don't miss out on Ed and the other pirates in action!

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