For this, the very first installment of FringeFamous Five, we were able to connect with Angela Walberg of Starting Gate’s upcoming production of The Hollow by Agatha Christie.

Give us a quick run-down of The Hollow and your role in the show.

ANGELA WALBERG: The Hollow is a murder mystery written by Agatha Christie. It centers on “Dr. John Cristow” (played by the amazing local actor Edwin Strout) and the women in his life; his current wife, his mistress, and his former love. I play “Veronica Cray”, his former love who left him to become a film star and broke his heart, hence making him bitter towards women. She is a fun role. A femme fatale, if you will. Manipulative, seductive, spoiled, and rather cold.

You’re normally a musical theatre actress. What’s the biggest difference between the way you usually prepare for a role in a musical, and the way you’re currently preparing for your role in The Hollow?

AW: The biggest difference I have noticed is that our brilliant director Ellen Fenster actually does scene work! She offers such wonderful direction and thoughts towards each individual. I rarely have that luxury in musicals and operas. There is always just so much going on that you do not get the same one-on-one attention. However, I do miss having a score to guide my character development. I remember another musician that once told me that if I get lost in how my character is feeling or where she is going, to always return to the music underneath you. Well, there just isn’t that sort of guide in a non-musical.

Have you made it a choice to stay away from straight plays and focus more on musical theatre, or is that just the way you’ve been cast?

AW: I have never done a non-musical before. I have always considered myself a singer and have placed my focus on that. However, I started to realize lately that I wanted to see what else I had to offer (if anything) as an artist. So, I have decided to expand beyond my comfort zone. The audition for The Hollow was the first time I have ever walked into an audition where I didn’t sing, but just read from the script. I have to tell you, it was very intimidating to me. But just think of how many experiences I have possibly missed because I have not paid attention or have been interested in the world of straight theatre. I want to grow.

What’s the most challenging role you’ve ever played?

AW: “Eileen” in Wonderful Town. I had to sing a slow sustained number about 30 seconds after leading a very high-energy dance number. I had to train to get my stamina up. I used to sing on treadmills.

You’ve been working a lot lately. Got anything coming up (for Fringe perhaps), or do you have some off time?

AW: Next up, I am playing “Rapunzel” in Into the Woods. Then I thought this year I would enjoy the Fringe Festival from an audience perspective instead of a performer.