Christa B. Allen spoke with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in “Night of January 16th,” which is being performed at Theatre Row in New York through October 18th.
The production stars Matt de Rogatis (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”), Christa B. Allen (“13 Going on 30”) as Karen Andre, and Maryam Basir as District Attorney Flint. There will be a total of 12 performances.
The entire play takes place inside a courtroom during a high-profile murder trial. International business tycoon Bjorn Faulkner (Matt de Rogatis) allegedly fell or jumped to his death from the penthouse of the Faulkner Building in New York City on the night of January 16th. “I love working with Matt de Rogatis. He is awesome,” she said.
How has this show been for you?
This is definitely a very different experience for me because I’ve always worked in film and television. Making my Off-Broadway debut in New York City in an Ayn Rand play has been an absolute dream come true.
What do you love most about your character?
I love that Karen Andre strongly believes in her views on the world. I love that she doesn’t conform to society’s expectations. I call her a real “think-for-yourselfer.”
She has her own perspective on life, society, and the way things should be done. Whether you think she is right or wrong is up to you, but I love how strong she is in her convictions.
What did this play teach you about yourself?
Ayn Rand’s writing is obviously incredible, whether it’s a novel or a play. There are so many layers and so much depth to her work. As we progressed through rehearsals, we kept discovering more and more in the text and realizing just how richly layered with meaning it is.
The experience taught me that I love things with depth and meaning, as well as the search for truth. It also taught me that I really love theater. I’m having the best time making this show with the most incredible people.
What was 13 Going on 30 like for you back in the day?
13 Going on 30 was another extraordinary experience because it was such beautiful material that resonated with so many people and has continued to do so for decades. There’s something inherently resonant about it. I think everyone can identify with the character of Jenna Rink, so being the person who gets to embody a character we can all relate to is incredibly special. It’s such an honor because I feel like we’re all Jenna Rink.
What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?
“Courageous Exploration.”
What does success mean to you?
Success means living a life that you personally enjoy, without being influenced by anyone else’s expectations of what your life should look like.
If you’re living a life that makes you happy—if you wake up every day and do something you enjoy, have time to nurture your relationships with friends and family, take care of yourself, and pursue things that truly satisfy you—that, to me, is success. It’s about living a life you enjoy.
What would you like to say to your fans?
I would like to say thank you so much for supporting me throughout this decades-long journey, which has taken many wild and wacky turns. I feel like we’re all growing together and supporting one another through that growth. I’m just so grateful and honored to be on this journey with you.
What’s the one thing you wanted to get out of this show?
When the opportunity arose to do an Off-Broadway show in New York City, I looked at my manager and thought, “Really? Is this for me? Is this aligned with who I am?”
I’m so grateful that he believed in me, in my abilities, in this show, and in the people making it. He helped push me in this direction. There were a few people in my life who really supported and encouraged me to do something that felt scary.
For me, the big question going into this experience was whether I could do something I had never done before. I wanted to challenge myself and find out. I did something scary, and I think it worked out! It’s been a lot of fun, and audiences seem to really enjoy it.
To learn more about Christa B. Allen, follow her on Instagram.
