Learning lessons: Kelsey Landon leads thriller 'On Clover Road' at Santa Fe Playhouse
Oct. 27—Kelsey Landon enjoys being challenged when she gets on stage.
As one of the stars of "On Clover Road" at the Santa Fe Playhouse, she's definitely learned a few things about herself through her character.
"I see the world in a different way," Landon says. "I've been influenced by this play. It's 90 minutes full of a thrilling ride for all the characters."
"On Clover Road" is currently being staged Thursday-Saturday through Nov. 18, at Santa Fe Playhouse.
The play follows Kate, a distraught mother waiting to be reunited with her runaway daughter at an abandoned motel on a desolate road near a questionable community.
Out of desperation, she trusts a private investigator, but no one is who they seem in this psychological thriller.
Family bonds are pushed to their limits in a gritty story of parental love with shocking twists.
Joining Landon in the cast is Vic Browder, Chloe Carson, Tris Ikeda and Patrick MacDonald.
Scenic design is done by Paige Hathaway, costume design by Talia Pura, lighting design by Max Doolittle, sound design by Saibi Khalsa, props design by Emily Rankin, fight direction by Sydney Schwindt, and the sensitivity specialist/intimacy consultant is Zoe Burke. Stage management by Harirai Khalsa.
"Kate's daughter has been missing for four years," Landon says. "She is very young, and some tough cards have been dealt to her. She is trying to find her daughter and maintain her sobriety. Against all hopes at getting her daughter back, she's a love letter to parents who have struggled. She's not going to stop until she gets her daughter back. Kate will keep fighting."
Landon is enjoying her time with the play at Santa Fe Playhouse.
"I've performed on Broadway and at Lincoln Center," she says. "Santa Fe Playhouse is the right size for 'On Clover Road.' It's one of the oldest theaters as well, so there's some amazing history that has taken place on this stage."
Landon says stepping into Kate's shoes wasn't challenging, as she has two small daughters.
"I definitely understand the fierce lioness quality," she says. "It always comes back to the script. The writer has done an incredible job with the characters."
The entire cast worked with an intimacy coordinator, who made it possible for the actors to leave their characters behind once offstage.
"Zoe allowed us to release the characters after," Landon says. "We've had the opportunity to have someone guide us out of the darkness of the play."
Landon has also learned to be more present in her personal life, due to her time portraying Kate on stage.
"She's made me a better parent through her ferocity and her love of her child," she says. "I've grown with this character, and what a joy for me it's been to bring her to life on stage."
