Archive

Best moments from “Orange is the New Black” at PaleyFest NYC

The cast and creative team of Orange is the New Black kicked off the inaugural PaleyFest: Made in New York event last night to a packed house and sold out overflow room. I was lucky enough to score a seat in the auditorium, and the energy in the room was undeniably giddy. Even actresses Natasha Lyonne and Kate Mulgrew were prone to fits of giggles.

TV and film critic Elvis Mitchell moderated the event and was joined onstage by writer Piper Kerman, whose autobiographical account of her time in a women’s prison inspired the series.

The show’s head writer/co-creator and producer Jenji Kohan was also in attendance as were Orange regular cast members, Taylor Schilling (Piper Chapman), Jason Biggs (Larry), Danielle Brooks (Taystee), Uzo Aduba (Crazy Eyes/Suzanne), Natasha Lyonne (Nicky), Taryn Manning (Pennsytucky) and Kate Mulgrew (Red).

The atmosphere on stage among the cast and crew was one of genuine appreciation and collaboration. Jason Biggs, the only male cast member in attendance, was hilariously self-deprecating and in turn often lovingly made fun of by his cast mates for his longish responses. “Finish it! Finish it,” a laughing Kate Mulgrew called out when Jason tried to explain his experience doing the visitation room scene with Alex (Laura Prepon). Jenji Kohan, her hair dyed green, explained that she built the flashback sequences into the show to show that these women were “full people, with full lives” prior to ending up in Litchfield. They were also a way for Kohan herself to creatively take a respite from the prison scenes and give us all a chance to “get out and live in the real world.” The whole cast had beautifully insightful things to say about their characters. It’s easy to forget that acting is a craft, and this cast in particular (many who have strong theatre backgrounds) takes their performances very seriously. They also love their characters as much as we do.

For Taylor Schilling, her character Piper Chapman is learning who she really is behind the mask of her own creation. Piper is forced to “dig deep by necessity.” The actress was fascinated with Kerman’s story. Since the show deviates in many ways from the novel, it allows her to be not “bound to the book, but inspired.” She also finds the continuing transformation of Piper’s character to be “thrilling.”

For Kate Mulgrew, who slipped into Red’s Russian accent whenever she spoke of the character, said Red is a complicated woman, but not complex. She survives at the prison because of her role in feeding the other inmates. She and Natasha also spoke warmly of each other and the mother/daughter dynamic between their characters. Natasha talked about the realization that Nicky’s episode was not about drugs or addiction, but rather about mothers. Elvis brought up the topic of romantic and sexual relationships among the prisoners and how it affected each of their characters. Natasha talked about how sex is sometimes the only “slice of freedom” these women get. She also brought up the fact that there is a different sexual dynamic for characters, like Nicky, who are actually queer.

Danielle Brooks doesn’t believe that sexuality is a priority for Taystee. For her it’s about finding a companion to go on this journey with. For Taystee, that’s the character Poussey (Samira Wiley). Brooks calls her the sister and friend that Taystee didn’t have on the outside. Uzo Aduba sees Crazy Eyes/Suzanne as a real romantic navigating “natural human instinct through her own way.” The entire cast spoke incredibly highly of the writers. Uzo talked about how the level of writing makes her as an actress rise to match it and make bolder choices: “It makes you better.” Taryn Manning was sold after only reading her first two lines. Three days later she was on set. Jenji added that her policy on the writing is as such: If you can stick one character’s line in another character’s mouth, then you’re not doing your job.

The cast and crew of Orange is the New Black are hard at work on their second season, and it was delightful to see them all so positive and committed when speaking about their to roles. The connection that exists between them and the creative crew is evident in everything they do. Oh and if you were wondering about the chicken….

“The chicken is everything!” shouted Kate Mulgrew when asked about the episode.

Jenji chimed in that the chicken is whatever you want it to be. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for Season Two.

Below are a few more shots from the night:

Lesbian Apparel and Accessories Gay All Day sweatshirt -- AE exclusive

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button