Exclusive: Lauren Elder Talks Starring In ‘Mary & Max’ At Theatre Calgary

Lauren Elder (Side Show, HAIR) is an actress, singer-songwriter, and world champion whistler.

She performs regularly in nightclubs around NYC, including 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, Birdland, and Club Cumming. She currently stars in Mary & Max at Theatre Calgary with Nick Adams (A Chorus Line). It was directed by Stafford Arima (Allegiance, Carrie), with music and lyrics by Bobby Cronin and book by Crystal Skillman.

The Knockturnal: How did you get involved in the show?

Lauren Elder: Bobby Cronin, who wrote the music, is one of my best friends. Years ago, another friend and I urged Bobby to see the film, and when he did, he immediately wanted to turn it into a musical, and he said he wanted me to play Mary. He wrote her with me in mind, and wrote the songs specifically to fit my voice. It’s an incredible gift. I’m so grateful to him for this.

The Knockturnal: Tell us about your character?

Lauren Elder: Mary is an awkward girl living in Australia, who has a brown birthmark on her forehead. As a young girl she is bullied by kids who call her “poo face”, and told by her parents that she was an accident. She has a big heart, and yearns for a real friend and true love.

The Knockturnal: What do you love most about her?

Lauren Elder: I love how real she is. She feels every emotion so deeply. When she’s happy, she’s over the moon, when she’s sad or lonely, she feels it to her core. I’m a lot like that, too, so it’s fun to play.

The Knockturnal: What does performing at Theatre Calgary mean to you?

Lauren Elder: It’s a beautiful, well respected theatre, so it’s definitely an honor to be here. It’s also my first time playing a lead on this level professionally, so it’s a very special experience.

The Knockturnal: How is working with Nick?

Lauren Elder: Working with Nick Adams is a dream. He’s so insanely talented, and so easy to work with. My scenes with him are my favorites, because we feel so safe together, and have this incredible chemistry. He’s also just a really wonderful person, and has become one of my best friends.

The Knockturnal: Speak about your collaboration with Stafford Arima.

Lauren Elder: I’ve been working with Stafford on this since the beginning. He’s such a kind, gentle, knowledgeable director. He makes it so easy to make choices, take risks, and explore character. I’ve grown so much as an actor and artist since working with him.

Photo by Trudie Lee