Anya Kai, reporting

For Julie Lorson, a dedicated board member of Modern Classics Theatre of Long Island, theatre isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Her involvement spans far beyond the stage, encompassing producing, stage managing, technical operations, publicity, and even prop and costume sourcing. This deep commitment makes her inclusion in the cast of “As Bees in Honey Drown” at the BACCA Arts Center a particularly significant contribution, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

While deeply involved behind the scenes, “As Bees in Honey Drown” marks only Lorson’s third main stage performance with MCTLI, following her roles in “The Curious Savage” (alongside fellow cast member Christina O’Shea) in 2022 and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” in 2023. She has also been a consistent participant in their annual One Minute Play Festival, demonstrating her consistent engagement with the company.

Lorson’s connection to “As Bees in Honey Drown” began during the play selection process for the season. Among thirty scripts, Beane’s work stood out for its “brilliantly written and incredibly witty” dialogue. She was particularly drawn to the central character of Alexa Vere de Vere, whom she describes as the aspiration of every actress, a compelling “anti-hero” who is both captivating and detestable. Lorson also appreciates the rarity of a show driven by a strong female lead, making this production particularly appealing to her.

Despite the play being set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Lorson finds its themes strikingly contemporary. She draws a parallel to the recent news surrounding Anna Sorokin, whose real-life deceptions bear a remarkable resemblance to Alexa’s schemes, even playfully suggesting Sorokin might have drawn inspiration from the play. This relevance underscores the enduring nature of the play’s exploration of ambition and artifice.

In “As Bees in Honey Drown,” Lorson takes on the ambitious task of portraying six distinct characters, each demanding unique costuming, accents, wigs, and shoes. This demanding feat has led to a significant personal realization. “I play six different characters, with 6 different costumes, 6 different accents, with 5 different wigs, 4 pairs of shoes and it’s a lot. But I learned that I can handle more than I thought,” she reflects. This challenge has proven both demanding and deeply rewarding, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Lorson finds inspiration in the transformative power of wigs, particularly referencing a Tracy Ullman stand-up skit where wigs embody distinct personalities. This concept serves as a key influence for her multiple roles in the play. Beyond this specific inspiration, she admires the powerful presence of Broadway divas like Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, and Audra McDonald, as well as the sharp wit of female comedians such as Judy Gold, Lisa Lampanelli, Amy Schumer, and Sarah Silverman.

As a self-described “comedic actress,” Lorson’s primary mission is to evoke laughter from the audience. “I feed off of laughter,” she admits, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between performer and viewer. She also emphasizes her responsiveness to the audience’s reactions, adjusting her performance to their preferences.

Interestingly, despite holding a degree in film theory, Lorson has no aspirations for a career in film acting. The prospect of multiple takes for a single scene holds little appeal for this “one and done type of girl,” further solidifying her passion for the immediate and dynamic nature of live theatre.

Lorson humorously describes her weekend role as a birthday party clown, where she enjoys the enthusiastic reception from her young audience. However, her true appreciation lies with performing for “theatre people” who understand the dedication required to mount a successful production. While her family offers their support, she notes that only her theatre-involved father truly grasps the intricacies of the process.

When considering who “needs” to see “As Bees in Honey Drown,” Lorson highlights its dual nature as a mystery, following Evan’s unraveling of Alexa’s identity, and a character study in multiple personalities. This makes it particularly appealing to mystery enthusiasts and fellow actors seeking to observe the complexities of portraying diverse roles.

The intricacies of managing numerous wigs have become a running joke within the production. “We joke that the show isn’t actually about Alexa and Evan but about the 13 wigs we use throughout the piece,” Lorson quips. A specific challenge lies in differentiating between her various British accents, ensuring her “proper British accent doesn’t sound too much like my Cockney British accent.”

Looking ahead, Lorson is eagerly anticipating her role as Beth in “Birthday Candles” at Lighthouse Repertory Theatre. This production marks her fourth consecutive show since early May, leaving her with a packed schedule until her brief “break” around July 4th, which will be followed by a cabaret performance.

Julie Lorson’s deep-seated love for theatre, her willingness to tackle multifaceted roles, and her dedication to engaging the audience make her a vital part of Modern Classics Theatre of Long Island’s production of “As Bees in Honey Drown.” Her ability to seamlessly transition between six distinct characters promises a dynamic and entertaining experience for all who attend.