Talking to Mark and Lynzee 4man about working on the local premiere of BE MORE CHILL at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre

the cast of Be More Chill
photo by Ellen Versen

by Gil Benbrook

Mark and Lynzee 4man have worked at what seems like every theatre across the Valley, in acting, choreographing and directing duties for Lynzee and Mark is one of the best known music directors in town. The couple are currently working together on the Phoenix premiere of the recent Broadway musical Be More Chill, which runs at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre from May 6-May 15.

In between final rehearsals for the show, the two sat down to answer some questions about this production.

 

Be More Chill is a relatively new and unknown musical, what can you tell us it’s about?

Mark: "It's about the navigation through high school life. Dealing with your parents, peers, and trying to survive! The main character of the story, Jeremy, is introduced to a pill from Japan that travels through your blood, enters your brain and tells you what to do. Helps him to be cool. Helps him rule."

How familiar with the show were you?

Lynzee-  "I was basically 100% unfamiliar with the show with the exception of the song “Michael in the bathroom” which I have heard a million times at different cabarets, but none sang it quite like Evan Kaushesh does in this production."

Why did you want to work on this production?

Lynzee-  "Mark and I haven't worked on a full production since Tick Tick Boom here at Desert Stages a year ago. We really love being creative and edgy with our shows and Be More Chill seemed like a great creative outlet."

While this show didn’t run that long off or on Broadway, it clearly has struck a chord with younger theatre lovers. Why do you think that is?

Mark-  "The show is set in high school and deals with topics such as bullying and trying to fit in. These are things teenagers experience every day, plus it helps that the music is cool!"

What has the rehearsal process been like?

Lynzee-  "This rehearsal process with this group of actors has been absolutely amazing. From Callbacks to opening night - we had such a great time with this group. They showed up prepared, worked hard, took chances and the product shows that."

What does it mean to be working on the local premiere of this show?

Mark- "It's exciting. We always enjoy doing premieres in order to set the bar - good, bad, or otherwise!"

In the musical, as you mentioned, Jeremy swallows a pill that contains a micro computer chip that promises to help him be cooler and fit in with the in crowd. If you were offered something like that when you were a teen would you take it, and why or why not?

Mark- "I wanna say no. Because I don't think I would wanna miss out on my true life!"

Lynzee- "probably not-- I enjoyed my loser high school years !"

What do you hope audiences take away from seeing Be More Chill at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre?

Lynzee- "Sometimes being yourself is the best you that you can be."

Mark- "the power of live theatre is important and these teens are some of the most talented humans and we are lucky to be able to watch them perform"

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs May 6-May 15