Feb
18,
2024
“Sex with Strangers” by Laura Eason opens at The McCadden Theater in Hollywood this week and runs through runs through March 3rd.
The play features actor Jonathan Dylan King (Ethan Kane), best known for his starring role in Netflix’s “From Scratch,” opposite Sarah Wylie (Olivia) who also serves as the play’s producer. The play is being directed by Kate Sargeant who started her career in the entertainment industry at the age of eleven as “Emily” in the cult classic film 3 Ninjas, directed by Jon Turteltaub. Kate has written and directed several successful plays in London and Europe and television projects stateside including episodes on Castle, CSI, NCIS Nola, Blindspot, Obliterated, The Rookie Feds and more.
In addition, Wylie is known for producing the 2021 short film The Shift benefiting LGBTQ youth in crisis during COVID-19 and starring Jade Tailor (The Magicians), Brittany Curran (Dear White People) Danny Trejo (Machete), Jessica Tuck (True Blood), and Toni Trucks (SEAL Team.)
We sat down with Sarah Wylie to discuss her dual role as lead actress and producer on the project.
What attracted you to this specific play? Why produce and act in it?
What drew me to it initially was its exploration of complex relationships, the dynamics of human connection, and the interplay between intimacy and technology in the modern world. As a producer and actor, I’m always on the lookout for projects that offer multifaceted characters and thought-provoking themes, and “Sex with Strangers” by Laura Eason delivers on both fronts. Producing and acting in this play allows me to immerse myself fully in the creative process and bring these rich characters to life on stage. I’m passionate about storytelling and the power it has to evoke emotions and spark meaningful conversations.What were some of the challenges to getting it off the ground? Getting “Sex with Strangers” off the ground presented its fair share of challenges, especially considering the unique landscape of producing theatre in Los Angeles. One of the primary hurdles was navigating the dominance of filmmaking in the city’s entertainment industry. Building an audience base for theatre in a city known for its film culture required innovative marketing strategies and outreach efforts. While there’s no shortage of entertainment options in Los Angeles, getting people to prioritize live theatre over movie screenings or other events poses a challenge.
You’re producing on an upcoming film with Woody Harrelson “Lips Like Sugar” What can you tell us about the project?
Nothing specific, but pre-production is underway!
What’s different about producing for stage vs. film?In theatre, the live aspect demands meticulous planning and consistent performances, while film allows for more flexibility with multiple takes and post-production editing. The rehearsal process differs too, with theatre requiring longer, intensive rehearsals for live performances, while film rehearsals are often shorter and scenes can be shot out of sequence.
Anything else in the pipeline you can discuss?
I’m producing another play this summer, and multiple films on the slate this year. Announcements to come!
Images: Courtesy of Sarah Wylie