Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Anya Kai, reporting

Ronni Schweitzer, a dedicated individual who balances her weekday role as a special education teacher with her passion for performing in plays and musicals, makes her Modern Classics Theatre of Long Island debut in Douglas Carter Beane’s “As Bees in Honey Drown.” Having acted since the young age of four, Schweitzer brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the production at the BACCA Arts Center.

Schweitzer’s decision to join the cast was significantly influenced by her positive past collaboration with director Tarmo Kirsimäe. “I have worked with Tarmo before and loved it,” she shares. “So when I saw he was directing another play, I knew I had to audition.” After a two-year hiatus from theatre, she expresses her delight in returning to the stage under Kirsimäe’s direction, highlighting the strong professional bond between them.

Interestingly, Schweitzer found the themes of “As Bees in Honey Drown” to be so universally resonant that the play’s specific historical setting felt almost irrelevant. “The themes of this play resonate with contemporary audiences so it doesn’t matter when it’s set,” she observes. “I originally thought it was set in modern day because of how the play is so universal.” This speaks to the timeless quality of Beane’s exploration of fame, fantasy, and desire.

A unique aspect of Schweitzer’s experience in this production is the opportunity to portray multiple characters, a first for her. “This is the first show I’ve ever played multiple characters so it’s been a fun challenge for me,” she explains. She enjoys the process of “creat[ing] backgrounds for all the different characters and bring[ing] them to the stage,” showcasing her versatility and imaginative approach to acting.

In terms of inspiration, Schweitzer expresses admiration for Sutton Foster in the realm of musicals. For acting in general, she is a proponent of the Meisner technique, which emphasizes authentic reactions over pre-planned delivery. “For acting, I’m a big fan of the Meisner technique – reacting authentically rather than being pre-planned,” she states, highlighting her commitment to truthful and spontaneous performance.

Schweitzer’s primary mission as a performer is to forge a connection with the audience. “My goal is to connect to the audience,” she explains. “I want to make them to be able to relate to the character and make the characters feel realistic as if it’s someone they could know in real life.” This desire for relatability underscores her dedication to creating believable and engaging portrayals.

While her primary focus is theatre, Schweitzer remains open to opportunities in film. “I will take any opportunity that is available! I was an extra on a television show once and I loved the experience!” she shares, indicating a willingness to explore different mediums.

Family plays a crucial role in Schweitzer’s support system. “My family is my biggest supporter,” she affirms. She expresses particular excitement for opening night, as her best friend will be in attendance, emphasizing the personal joy she finds in sharing her performances with loved ones.

When considering the ideal audience for “As Bees in Honey Drown,” Schweitzer believes it will appeal to a wide range of theatregoers. “This show will be a hit with fans of theatre, fans of classic movies and people who love wigs,” she playfully suggests, hinting at the visual and thematic elements that will captivate audiences.

The rapid transitions between multiple characters have presented a significant challenge during the production process. “Our quick changes are tough as a lot of us play multiple characters in the same scene with only a few lines of dialogue to transform,” Schweitzer reveals, highlighting the demanding technical aspects of the show.

Looking to the future, Schweitzer has aspirations to step into a directorial role within her school. “My goal one day is to direct a play at my school,” she shares, indicating a desire to further expand her involvement in theatre education.

Ronni Schweitzer’s enthusiasm for tackling multiple roles, her commitment to authentic performance, and her excitement for her Modern Classics Theatre debut all point towards a dynamic and engaging contribution to “As Bees in Honey Drown.” Her ability to bring distinct characters to life promises to enrich the play’s satirical exploration of identity and illusion.