Thinking Caps Q&A: Laura Stratford

We sat down recently with Laura Stratford, who plays Maggie Cusick in Strangeloop's current production, Thinking Caps, and chatted about Cabaret, dogs and what it would be like to connect with the entire world.

Q: What do you like about your character and Thinking Caps? 
A: Maggie is a passionate, vibrant person who's a lot of fun to play, and the possibilities of the Thinking Caps world are nearly endless for her.

Q: What have been your biggest challenges? 
A: Trying to really feel what it would be like to be connected to the entire world and then have them turn on you. That's embarrassment and terror on a scale that's hard to imagine.

Q: What are you working on after Thinking Caps? 
A: Producing the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival with Underscore Theatre Company.

Q: What are you favorite highlights on your resume?
A: I was Sally Bowles in Cabaret in college and convinced them to put Maybe This Time back into the stage show.

Q: Any interesting hobbies when not acting? 
A: For awhile I was taking aerial silks classes; I'm out of the habit right now but would love to get back into it.

Q: Anything else about Thinking Caps you'd like to add? 
I'm really excited for this show — I think it has everything, from humor to horror to heart. 

Q: Tell us a little bit about where you live and what you like most about your neighborhood.
A: Andersonville is the perfect blend of small-town feel, families, inclusive LGBT storefronts and visibility, and interesting stores and restaurants. Plus lots of dogs.


See Laura in Thinking Caps through May 31 at The Charnel House, 3421 W Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. The show is at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $18 for general admission and available at the door or in advance through Brown Paper Tickets. Discounts are available for students and seniors.