Spotlight on the Artist: Phillip Hoelscher

How would you describe this production’s take on The Comedy of Errors?

Something that we have talked about during rehearsals is that this whole play is like a cartoon.  Think of your favorite old-time cartoon, Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Mickey Mouse, you name it.  These characters are each trying to solve their own little problems, but something as simple as getting a rope becomes a ridiculous obstacle that drives them nuts.  It’s like every character is an Elmer Fudd, and the confusion caused by all this twin nonsense is Bugs Bunny.

What made you want to return to perform in The Comedy of Errors?

So many reasons.  I’ve been doing some Shakespeare work at Ohio University where I’m getting my Master of Fine Arts in Acting.  But I have never performed Shakespeare professionally, so this will be the first!  I love springtime in Duluth and so does my dog, Pip.  We get to walk by the lake and get an ice cream cone and pup cup from Love Creamery.  I always have a great time working at Perk Place Coffeehouse (come get a latte sometime, I’m getting better at my latte art!).  Also, knowing all of the people who were going to be working on this show made the decision to return a no-brainer.  Have you seen these people perform before?  They’re hilarious, they’re brilliant!

‍Dromio goes through a lot in this show. What would be in his survival kit for making it through this day?

Oh goodness, this poor man.  I think Dromio would need a polishing towel for both his shoes and for Antipholus’ head.  He would need a few Liquid IV packets to stay hydrated after all of his running.  He could use a helmet, I mean he could really use a helmet.  

How does it feel to return to this community of artists and audiences?

It really feels like coming home to a warm hug.  I went to school at UMD, met my wife there, got married at the Greysolon Ballroom, and acted at the Playhouse and around Duluth for three years before heading out to Ohio.  So, a lot of my personal and artistic identity is tied to this place and I feel incredibly proud to be a part of the theatre scene here.  The artists who work in Duluth are really lovely people.  The audiences have always been so kind.  It’s been two years since I performed at the Norshor, and I can’t wait to be with a Duluth audience again and share some laughs.

Who has had the biggest influence on your artistic journey?

There are three answers here that are too important to leave out.  First, when I was a kid, my parents always told me “We could really see you on stage someday!”  Little Phil told them that was silly, but now here I am.  They have always been loving and supportive of what I do, and I can’t thank them enough.  Then there is my acting teacher, Tom Isbell.  He helped me understand the kind of person that I aspire to be in this career, not just the actor that I want to be.  And last but definitely not least is my wife, Alyson.  She really is the smartest and most engaging actor that I have met, and she challenges me and inspires me to keep growing.

What has been one of your most memorable experiences as a performer?

I was in a production of Go, Dog, Go! The Musical during my time at UMD (directed by the wonderful Rebecca Katz-Harwood).  I played Red Dog, and it was a lovely, funny, zany show for children, it was a great time.  After one of the performances, I went out into the lobby in my costume to thank the audience.  A father and his son (he must have been 3 years old) came up to me and the father asked if his kid could have a hug.  The boy looked up at me in my Red Dog baseball cap and dog ears, and his eyes were so wide and happy.  That moment has stuck out to me ever since.  I was so proud to have given that little guy that experience!

The Comedy of Errors runs May 29 - June 7. Click here to get your tickets!