Lexi O’Reilly
Lexi is a much beloved figure at Pegasus Theatre! She works with Wig Designer Stephanie Williams to ensure that our cast looks their very best, and she does it for every dress rehearsal and performance. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard a distressed (or dis-tressed) actor call out for Lexi because their wig was misbehaving. She calmly works her magic, and all is right with the world again. Read on for more about her background!
How long have you been involved in theatre?
I became involved in theatre when I was a freshman in high school. [Editor’s note: We think Lexi is an old soul in a young body, so who knows what theatre work she did in previous lives!]
How long have you been involved with Pegasus Theatre?
This is my third year. [Editor’s note: It seems hard to believe it’s only been three years! We’ve come to rely so heavily on Lexi, it’s hard to remember life before her!]
Any favorite moments so far with Pegasus that stand out for you?
I absolutely love when the first preview performance comes around because I enjoy hearing the audience’s reactions for the first time. During rehearsals, often the crew will laugh during the funny moments on stage, but that’s only a handful of us. When there’s finally a big crowd watching, those funny moments are followed with roars of laughter, “oohs” and “ahs” and that is the best.
You recently finished working on Death Is a Bad Habit! Tell us about your role during the performance period, perhaps also something you especially like about it?
During the run of the show I maintain the wigs making sure they are always clean and styled correctly. Before showtime I help the actors into their wigs and after the performance I help them out. Throughout the performance I may be doing wig changes or tidying the wigs up if they get a little messy. The best part about running the wigs in this show are the heads I get to put them on. The cast is full of great people. They are all so friendly and funny, it really is a joy working with them.
What do you do when you aren’t working with Pegasus?
I work at The Dallas Opera for their entire opera season, as well as The Santa Fe Opera during the summer. Occasionally I will find myself working out of town with companies such as Opera San Antonio or The Colorado Ballet.
Looking back at all your experiences, who would you say has influenced you the most in your theatrical career?
My theatre teachers at The University of Texas definitely had the most influence on me. Without them I would not have developed the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a full-time career in theatre. I am so lucky and grateful.
What comes next for you?
Next I will be working on the opera Cold Mountain at Opera Philadelphia and then I look forward to finishing up the current season at The Dallas Opera. [Editor’s note: Sadly, Lexi has conflicts this summer and won’t be able to work with us on It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder! We look forward to having her back for the January 2017 Living Black & White™ show!]