Caitlin Houlahan Shines in Off-Broadway’s ‘Not Ready for Prime Time’

Actress Caitlin Houlahan stars in the Off-Broadway production “Not Ready for Prime Time,” which offers a raw and unsanitized portrayal of the early years of the iconic television show, “Saturday Night Live.” The play, which runs through December 7, 2023 at the Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space in New York, is co-written by Erik J. Rodriguez and Charles A. Sothers, with direction by Conor Bagley.

“Not Ready for Prime Time” takes audiences behind the scenes, capturing the chaos and brilliance that characterized the inception of an American comedy institution. Houlahan plays the role of Jane Curtin, a key figure in the ensemble who she describes as “the glue of the cast and the leader of the pack.”

Reflecting on her character, Houlahan shared, “She just really wants everyone to feel included.” She emphasized the balance Curtin strikes between work and fun, stating, “Jane is not a square, and she also wants to be having fun.” The actress noted that through her experience in the production, she has discovered parallels between herself and Curtin, stating, “I think I’m more like Jane Curtin than I even realize.”

For Houlahan, the role has provided profound insights into her own personality, as she aims to foster inclusivity among her peers. “It has been very obvious through this process how much I am like her in that way,” she remarked.

As an actress navigating the digital landscape, Houlahan acknowledged the challenges, saying, “It’s a bit scary. There’s a learning curve there.” Yet, she also recognizes the advantages of social media for promoting her work.

Offering advice to young actors, she emphasized the importance of embracing individuality. “You need to work your quirks. You must embrace what makes you really quirky and different,” she advised. Furthermore, she highlighted authenticity as a key to success, stating, “Being yourself is what is going to get you far.”

Houlahan’s career-defining moment came with her Broadway debut as Dawn in the musical “Waitress,” which she describes as transformative. Her recent experience in “Only Murders in the Building” further fueled her passion for acting. “It was such a blast. I felt like I was a fly on the wall just observing these comedy legends at work,” she recalled.

Looking ahead, Houlahan remains open to new opportunities, saying she is “waiting for the next dream project to emerge.” She optimistically summarized her current outlook as “One Step at a Time,” emphasizing a steady approach to her career.

When asked about her ideal superpower, she expressed a desire for “teleportation,” highlighting a whimsical side to her personality. In defining success, Houlahan stated, “I think success means happiness and being content with what I’m doing.”

Regarding “Not Ready for Prime Time,” she hopes audiences will gain insights into the cast and enjoy the humor embedded in the narrative. “I want people to learn bits of information about this cast that they had no idea about prior, and I want them to come and have a good laugh,” she concluded.

For further details on the Off-Broadway show “Not Ready for Prime Time,” interested individuals can visit its official website. To learn more about Caitlin Houlahan, follow her on Instagram.