Hello, and welcome to another episode of Cross Currents, where we interview people of note in the New York City area. I am your host Alice Stevens. My guest today is actress Ann Marie. She is currently appearing in the hit play Death at the Ascot Hotel, which is appearing at the Royalty Theatre. Welcome to Cross Currents, Miss Marie.

My pleasure. And please just call me Ann.

Of course, Ann. You play Isadora the maid.

Yes, I do.

And without going too much into the plot, your role is very important in this play.

Yes, it is.

And I'm happy to say that this play has become very big, hasn't it?

Yes, it has. Hopefully, it will be a bridge for me to take on some new rolls.

I hope so, too.

Thank you, Alice. You don't mind me calling you that, do you?

Not at all, my dear!

(laughing) Thanks!

Now, there's a crazy, and much talked-about scene at the end of the play where you, and all the other cast members, end up in a swimming pool with your clothes on!

Yes, that's right!

In fact, it's a rather long scene, isn't it?

15 minutes!

Wow! What's that scene like, to do?

Well, it was pretty weird, at first. But I've done it so often now that it almost seems "normal" going swimming with a maid's uniform on!

I see!

The only thing is I keep losing my shoes, while in the water! And also, it was pretty cold, at first, but they recently installed a heater in it, so it's more comfortable, now.

That's good! (She and Ann laugh together.) The pool was specially constructed for the set, wasn't it?

Yes. Fortunately, heavy boards hide it, during the other scenes.

This is your first big role, isn't it?

Yes, I would say so. Before that, I did mainly bit parts in plays, and also a couple of movies. Plus, I was the "star" of several commercials.

I'm just remembering, you were in a bra ad.

You've got a good memory!

Thank you! And in that ad, you jump into a swimming pool with your clothes on!

That's right! It was to show that their bra wouldn't show through no matter how wet it got.

That's important for a girl!

(laughing) Yes, it is!

So, I guess you're no stranger to going swimming with your clothes on!

No, I guess I'm not! (Again, they laugh together.)

Now, the play ends on July 15, but there's talk of it opening in Chicago, later this year. Would you be willing to repeat the role of Isadora?

I don't think so. I'd like to stay in the New York City area, at least for the moment. And besides, my agent says there's a couple possibilities opening up for new roles.

And what are they?

I'd rather not say, at least until they become more definite.

So, it's kinda "hush hush."

For the moment, yes. But things are really looking up for me, now!

That's wonderful! Let's hope that this play is a stepping stone for things in the future.

I sure hope so!

By the way, I understand there's a big event coming up for you, in the near future.

Oh, yes, I'm getting married!

Wonderful! And who's the very lucky man?

My boyfriend Donald Hollinger. He's a writer for Newsview magazine.

Well, I hope that the two of you have a long and happy marriage together.

Thank you.

Has he been supportive of your career?

Very. He was there for my opening night performance.

That's comforting! Oh, wow, we're already almost out of time! One last question: Any advice for the thousands of struggling actresses and actors out there?

Yes I do: Girls and boys, don't give up on your dreams. It may take a few years, but it'll all be worth it when it happens. And it WILL happen!

Truly inspiring words, Ann!

Thanks, Alice.

This has been Cross Currents. I'm your host Alice Stevens, and we're just interviewed Ann Marie, one of the stars of Death at the Ascot Hotel, which is appearing at the Royalty Theatre. It's a wonderful play, and I encourage all of you to go out and watch it. I think it will really...make a splash!

(They giggle together.) That it does!

We'll be right back after this important message.