Long-time Capital Region actress makes debut at theREP

Kathleen Carey, active for more than 30 years in local theatre community, stars in “Sweat”

ALBANY—Sometimes things just don’t work out. Until they do. And after working at most area theatres, Kathleen Carey is about to make her debut on the MainStage at Capital Repertory Theatre Friday, March 8.

Carey stars as Jessie in theREP’s upcoming production of “Sweat.” Performances run until Sunday, March 31. Tickets are on sale now attherep.org.

“I am beyond excited to be making my MainStage debut at theREP! It really is a long-sought dream realized,” Carey said.

After being involved with the local community theatres and summer stock theatre for over 30 years, the timing finally worked out for Carey to take the MainStage!

“Over those years I was lucky enough to be involved with many of theREP’s NEXT ACT! New Play Summits. But, also working full-time, I knew it would be challenging. Producing Artistic Director Maggie Cahill and I have had many conversations over the years of how I could end up on that stage!”

For Carey’s character Jesse, things aren’t working out as well. “Sweat,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, exposes the devastating impact of the loss of work in America’s Rust Belt in the early 2000s. Based on interviews with residents of Reading, Pennsylvania, the characters and situations have become far too recognizable in the heart of de-industrialized America.

“It’s raw, it’s real, and at times it’s incendiary. … I can’t predict how an audience will react to a play and every audience is different, but I think this play, despite its time frame of almost 25 years ago, absolutely still speaks to issues we grapple with and are still relevant today,” Carey said.

Her most recent appearance was as the title role in Harbinger Theatre’s acclaimed production of “Mrs. Packard.” Other recent appearances include Mary Mallon in “Typhoid Mary” (Theater Voices), Carol in “Hurricane Diane” (Harbinger) and Margie in “Good People” at Theater Barn.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to opening night’s curtain call and finally looking out at the audience that I am usually a part of. There will be tears,” Carey said.

Single tickets for “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at (518) 346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or visiting attherep.org.

Capital Repertory Theatre is a part of Proctors Collaborative.