By far, the most daunting task of reading the novel The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is the first 150 pages— that is, unless you have a thirst for Swedish politics and economics. But, if you hold on, you're rewarded with an intense story intertwining corruption, a family's dark history, broken social systems, and, of course, this decade's favorite anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander, an anti-conformist loner who refuses to let her shitty hand of cards keep her down or dependant — not to mention her being the best kept secret in the private security industry as an uncanny investigator with a photographic memory. In David Fincher's American film, you don't have to wait for the payout — the master of compressing intricate plot info into short scenes that often let a single shot say 2,000 words, gets right to the point. Famous journalist Mikael Blomkvist is down on his luck: He loses a libel case, which drains his bank account. If that's not bad enough, the case shakes Millennium's (the magazine he publishes) future so badly, it doesn't look like they will be able to stay alive for more than a few months. That's when he gets an offer he can't refuse: Former dominant corporate CEO Henry Vanger hires him to write his memoir, but what he really want is for Blomkvist to investigate the most detestable people he knows — his family — regarding the murder of his niece 40 years prior. The old man has been obsessed with the case for decades, but never has come close to cracking it. When new clues are uncovered, Blomkvist demands a research assistant, which through a pretty hilarious series of events, where he finds out Salander investigated him for the Vanger job, he hires the girl with the dragon tattoo to help him out. And together they find out the truth. The dark, kind-of-happy, really messed-up truth. Bottom line: David Fincher came through, compressing a complex plot with delicate issues into a fast-paced film with the same bite as the book. It's actually pretty amazing how he trimmed the fat without losing the story. And the visual experience is just as creepy as the read, with drawn-out, desperate situations complemented by Trent Reznor's ominous, but never overwhelming score. With the exception of the opening credits (a cover of Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"), the former NIN frontman and digital metal genius keeps the story going (and you on the edge of your seat), without taking over the action and anticipation scenes — a place where so many movies go wrong. Strap in. It's a wild ride. And, while it's not perfect, I don't think any other director could have done it better.
Theater is not for the faint of heart. It involves an incredible amount of commitment that must be earned through a preliminary process of audition before the months of strenuous rehearsal before even starting the whirlwind of show time. Rehearsal days become 12-14 hour marathons and for the perfectionists who take the work home current shows are absolute 24/7. Scripts turn into scripture, the halls backstage become impromptu places to nap and cast and crew's lives become intertwined for the whole length of production—through hell or high water. Musical theater is additionally grueling when choreography and elaborate musical numbers are heads added to the beast.
Nobody gets involved in theater because it is easy, or to just earn a paycheck—theater "people" get into it for that roar at the
end of the show—for that ultimate high of putting on a hell of a show and receiving an ovation as for the entertainment. And no high compares to the ecstasy of performing on arguably the planet's biggest stage, Broadway!
Toledo native Cassie Okenka knows all about the rigors and thrills of pursuing a life on stage. She caught the acting bug at an early age here in Toledo beginning in area youth theater at The Children's Theatre Workshop at the Collingwood Arts Center and other area youth productions. After graduating from the now defunct Performing Arts School of Metro Toledo, she went on to attend the prestigious Conservatory of Music at Baldwin-Wallace College, and after earning her degree she eventually moved to the Big Apple to pursue a career in musical theater.
Cassie has quickly achieved success by earning the role as Dorothy in the national touring production of The Wizard of Oz and becoming a top ten finalist on MTV's theatrical reality show, Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods.
Now Okenka is making her big Broadway debut in the inaugural cast of Bonnie & Clyde the musical. She has been cast as the "Swing," or the understudy for all the ladies ensemble roles and the main role of Bonnie. The play follows the story of America's most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, and their turbulent love-fueled crime spree across the dust bowl during the Great Depression. On November 13, 2011 she made her official debut when she played Bonnie during one of the preview shows.
Cassie was gracious enough to take time out of her busy production schedule to answer a few questions about her theatrical journey and her big debut current on Broadway.
TCP: Broadway is a big deal. Is this opportunity something you have always aspired for, or is something that became a more tangible goal as your theatrical career progressed?
Okenka: Yes, yes and yes! Broadway is a HUGE deal. There are only 9 women in the cast. And to be chosen as one of those 9 is just incredible. The caliber of people involved with this production are out of this world. These are people I have seen in numerous other Broadway shows, seen their work and just been in awe of them.
When I realized that I did want to do this for the rest of my life, my final goal was Broadway. Its the ultimate. It's the highest you can get. Why not reach for the top. As I furthered my education in Musical Theatre, the possibility of Broadway was getting closer. I met more people in the business, made more business connections, bettered myself as a performer, etc. I mean there are hundreds upon hundreds of actors in NYC so getting where you want to get is a lot of luck, talent, and persistence.
TCP: How did your experience touring nationally prepare you for the leap onto Broadway?
Okenka: Being the The Wizard of Oz tour was a great stepping stone. I really learned how to carry a show, constant changes in location, cast members, along with keeping the show fresh and fun. I also learned how to handle fans, press interviews, and all the business side of show business. It also gave me experience that I can put in my "tool-box" to use later in my career.
TCP: Anything particularly exciting about this production of Bonnie & Clyde that makes it stand out above the flurry of other big Broadway shows?
Okenka: There is no one that won't enjoy this show. It is a great love story between Bonnie and Clyde, seeing how they become these outlaws. It has a TON of guns and blood (for the hesitant men who thinks musical theatre isn't for them), and its original. This is not based on the movie from 1967, its built from books from real-life encounters with Bonnie and Clyde. The use of historical evidence and pictures really create a cool piece of theatre. The music is unlike other normal musical theatre shows. It uses ukuleles, banjos, a rock and roll drum set, slide guitar, among other instruments. The music is fun, haunting, sexy, powerful, everything you would want. There aren't any jazz-hand, tap dancing numbers. Its a very honest show that can be called a play with music.
TCP: What lessons from your time working with The Children's Theatre Workshop here in Toledo still carry over to your professional experiences as an adult?
Okenka: I learned all my basics and manners there! I know how important every person involved really are. From the sound guy, to the deck hands, to wardrobe to fellow actors. Everyone is important. And people notice that. I know that if something were to happen while I'm on stage, I'm in good hands. And I learned the responsibility required. To know where you are going on stage, knowing your lines, and being prepared for everything. That has helped me in this huge step forward.
TCP: The Big Apple is the most exciting place in the world, but is there anything you miss—places or activities—back in the Toledo area that you cannot experience in New York?
Okenka: I miss the Lights Before Christmas at the Zoo!!! Also the poppyseed rolls at Haas Bakery! And just driving around and seeing the houses all decorated. Those are holiday traditions I can't really do here. Thats what makes Toledo my home.
