Broadway Director Returns to Holmdel Theater

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HOLMDEL – Over the past 20 years, Kathy Hendrickson has directed actors at many different theaters – from children to Broadway stars and everyone in between. She is now at the helm of David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Proof” at the Holmdel Theatre Company, and couldn’t be happier about it.
“This is a very well-run and well-thought-out theater with a great mission,” she said. “It’s a professional-level theater that also serves the area’s youth. That’s very important.”
An actor, director and educator, Hendrickson is co- founder and artistic director of Jersey City Children’s Theater. In 2012, as assistant director of Mike Nichols’ “Death of a Salesman” on Broadway, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman.
“It’s the same job no matter where you are,” she said. “The only difference is that when you get to Broadway, the stakes are higher. There is more pressure for the show to be popular, to make money and to win awards. We have a purer job in regional theater. We don’t have to worry about extending our run or whether the shareholders get their money back.”
The Minnesota native came to work at the Holmdel Theatre Company at the request of Laurie Devino, the theater’s artistic director. The two attended grad school together at The New Actors Workshop in New York City and have kept in touch. This will be Hendrickson’s second show in Holmdel, where she also teaches acting classes.
“The thing I like most about teaching is being able to empower the students,” she said. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge in 25 years. I think of myself more as a guide. Here’s what I know; now it’s yours.”
Proof is about a young woman struggling to come to terms with the legacy of her late father, a brilliant mathematician. Her father’s skill in the world of numbers stayed strong, but as his health declined, his grip on reality began to slip away and he descended into madness. Catherine begins to wonder if she may have inherited her father’s mental illness along with his mathematical genius.
“It’s a good play, a well- written play,” Hendrickson said. “Those are harder to find than you may think.”
The Holmdel Theatre Company rehearse the upcoming production of “Proof:” From left, stand- ing: Eric Rolland*, Kathy Hendrickson; seated: John Bergeron, Colleen Clinton* and Amanda Deltuvia. *Appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
The Holmdel Theatre Company rehearse the upcoming production of “Proof:” From left, stand- ing: Eric Rolland*, Kathy Hendrickson; seated: John Bergeron, Colleen Clinton* and Amanda Deltuvia. *Appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

The nonprofit, semi-professional theater company stages its shows in The Duncan Smith Theater, a 125- year-old barn that has been transformed into a fully-air conditioned, 99-seat facility. Its mission is to integrate young people and non-professionals with professional actors, technicians, designers and directors for a collaborative and educational experience. Holmdel Theatre Company often casts middle and high school students in its productions.
“It’s amazing the kind of dialogue you see between older, professional actors and students,” she said. “It builds bridges between the professional community and the youth of the area.”
Proof stars two seasoned professionals – Eric Rolland and Colleen Clinton – both appearing courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association, along with up-and-coming actors Amanda Deltuvia and John Bergeron.
“I learned so much from Mike Nichols, who was my friend and colleague for 20 years,” Hendrickson said. “He always told me to get away from caricature, to play real people and tell a real story. He used to say that casting is everything.”
Proof runs from April 10- 25. Tickets are $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students.
The Duncan Smith Theater is located at 36 Crawfords Corner Road, in front of Holmdel High School. For more information, visit www.navesinkmedia.com.
— By Mary Ann Bourbeau
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau @tworivertimes.com.