Interview-Kate Wood Riley* (Venus)
While every member of the Love! cast can act, sing, and dance, Kate Wood
Riley (Venus), is a particularly fine dancer, and looks it. She comes from Lincolnshire, IL.
Kate’s portrayal provides Venus with the unintentional, smoldering heat that ignites the
story in Love! That 4-Letter Word.
What bought you to NYC?
I came to New York to go to boarding school for my
last two years of high school. I attended The Masters School at Dobbs Ferry and graduated in 2002.
I liked living in the Chicago area, but I knew that I wanted to move as close to NYC as possible.
My boarding school decision is not as colorful or interesting as most would hope...I just wanted
a change, an excellent education, and to get to wear a sassy uniform. No, that's a lie.
We didn't wear uniforms. We did have a dress code, however. No jeans, collared shirts, that
kind of thing.
I would get permission to go into the City by myself
every weekend. I would take the Hudson line into Grand Central and just walk around the City all
day and night until curfew. When the train would leave the station to take me back, I would start
counting the days until I could return. I love this city more than any place in the world. When
I'm in a bad place in my head, I walk around aimlessly like I used to. If that fails to get me
in a better place, I say that I'm in a fight with the City. You don't want to be around me when
New York and I are fighting.
What do you like most about your character in Love!?
I like that she says whatever is on her mind.
I'm going to be more like that from now on: I hate answering questions about myself.
Questions about me make me squirm.
Any personal stage stories we should hear?
I am prone to wardrobe malfunctions,
especially on the buttons of big solo numbers. That’s all I’ll say.
Your favorite old love song?
I love that old standard "Little Girl Blue". Is that a love song? It breaks my heart. Does that count? I also like "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Leonard Cohen. I don't think that's a love song either.
Favorite place for a date in NY and why
The dog park in Union Square Park.
It's impossible to own a dog in this city, I don't know how anyone does it.
People watching is great, but add their dogs into the mix and you have a three-act play.
I love when there's a bunch of enormous dogs in the dog run and only one tiny, sassy
puppy trying to keep up with the rest. Hilarious. Get a cup of coffee, grab a bench,
and just sit and watch and get to know someone right there, outdoors, with all the
happenings happening in front of you. Very nice.
Is romance alive today? How do you know?
I don't know. I know that my parents have been
married for about a hundred years, and that's incredible in this day and age. That may not
be romance, but it's impressive.
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