Natalie DiCristofano is a newcomer to the horror genre, but she’s not holding back in her performance as Motel 666’s timeless maid. Although she’s an admitted ‘scaredy cat’, she does a great job of keeping a straight face and helping bring the terror to life in room 6.
Do you consider yourself a horror fan? What is your favorite genre of horror?
I’ll be honest, I’m pretty much a huge scaredy cat when it comes to all things horror. Blood and violence are really tough for me to watch, even if I know something isn’t real, so I really think I’ve kind of avoided these things at all costs. I am however, drawn to Urban Gothic stories- films, books, costumes-there’s something very sophisticated, classy and undeniably sexy about the characters and settings that help me forgive the gore.
What was the first time you encountered horror in entertainment? Was it a book, a movie, a play or something else?
I’m pretty sure my first encounter was watching Poltergeist at my neighbor’s house when I was around 4 years old. Perhaps this explains why I’m so terrified to watch more horror films.
Does acting in a horror piece present any unique challenges or opportunities? Have you done any horror theatre before, or is this your first time? What is your favorite part about being in a horror piece (no spoilers!)
This is my first foray into this type of acting, I would say the biggest challenge so far is being able to control my reactions to everything, I find myself laughing, gasping, and just having these really organic reactions to what the other actors are doing and I have to remember I’m a character in the ‘play’ too and can’t get sucked into the world!
How have motels played a role in your life?
Motels? Not so much. Hotels? Big time. I worked in a hotel all through college and still to this day love staying in hotels. Maybe it’s because we didn’t travel a ton when I was younger, but I am kind of obsessed with them. I do also have a sort of fascination with the people who live in motels and hotels, especially ones who do so voluntarily.
If you could take on any role in any horror tale what would it be and why?
I wish Twilight franchise hadn’t ruined the ‘cool’ factor on this one… but Vampires have been and will always be the sexiest most stylish and bad ass horror villains in my opinion and I would be honored to play one anytime. I recently watched ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and HIGHLY recommend everyone seeing that film.
What is the one thing that scares you the most?
I should probably say something meaningful and poignant like ‘failure’ or ‘regret’…but I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for here so I’ll say I AM TERRIFIED OF THE DARK…and all clowns except Bozo.
Motel 666 opens June 5 – get tickets here! Performances will be held at the DCASE Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph Street, with shows Thursday–Saturday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.