Cassadee Pope Reflects on Her Role in Off-Broadway’s ‘Rolling Thunder’

Singer-songwriter and actress Cassadee Pope has shared her insights from her role in the Off-Broadway show “Rolling Thunder,” which will conclude its run at New World Stages in New York City on September 7, 2023. Pope expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to originate a character in a production that is deeply rooted in real-life experiences.

Reflecting on her experience, Pope described the process as both rewarding and illuminating. “I’d never originated a role before, so getting to fully realize my character and establish her arc was such a wonderful experience,” she noted. The narratives within the show are based on actual individuals, which added a layer of responsibility to portray their stories accurately.

Pope’s character, Linda, embodies a journey of growth and learning. “I love Linda’s willingness to learn and evolve, especially once she goes off to college and is exposed to different viewpoints,” she explained. Pope also connected with Linda’s loyalty to her boyfriend, emphasizing that these traits resonate with her personally.

One of the most significant lessons Pope learned through this production was about embracing imperfection. “I tend to be perfectionistic, but this experience allowed me to loosen my grip a bit and feel comfortable with the trial-and-error period,” she shared. The actress candidly admitted her initial fear of previews, which quickly transformed into excitement as she discovered the joy in experimentation during the creative process.

Working alongside her cast and crew also proved to be a highlight of the experience. Pope described the team as “talented, kind, and loving,” stating that from the beginning, they felt like family. This supportive environment encouraged her to give her best performance. “I’ve felt nurtured and supported by my fellow cast mates the entire time,” she added.

Among her fondest memories is the camaraderie with her fellow actors. “Meeting and becoming friends with my cast mates has been my favorite part by far,” she said. She noted the humor and creativity of the cast, which has made rehearsals and performances enjoyable. The physical proximity of their dressing rooms allowed for playful banter, contributing to a lively atmosphere.

Looking ahead, Pope is eager to continue her acting journey while also pursuing her music career. “I have some songs I’m featured on by other artists which are coming out this year,” she revealed. She expressed excitement for her fans to experience her musical contributions, emphasizing her commitment to balancing both acting and music.

As for the audience, Pope hopes they take away a multifaceted experience from “Rolling Thunder.” “When people see ‘rock journey,’ I don’t think they realize the stories they’ll hear and how moved they’ll be,” she stated. Pope aims for attendees to feel a connection, leaving the theatre with both laughter and tears.

For more information about “Rolling Thunder,” you can visit its official homepage.

Markos Papadatos, a seasoned journalist and educator, provides insights into the entertainment world through his extensive coverage. With over 23,000 articles to his name, Papadatos has earned recognition in the field, including multiple awards for his contributions to arts and entertainment.