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The Connecticut Theatre Company’s Spotlight On series turns its focus to one of the ensemble members of Sordid Lives: actor Kate Micari. Playing Noleta Nethercott, Micari joins a large cast for a production that opens at the historic Repertory Theatre in New Britain and runs March 13–22, 2026. The play, written by Del Shores, is often described as a black comedy that balances outrageous humor with heartfelt moments; this interview-style feature explores how Micari approaches the role and what she hopes audiences will take away.
Noleta is a character whose surface antics mask real emotional stakes, and Micari says that duality is the part that drew her in. She describes Noleta as impulsive, relentlessly loyal, and frequently the spark that sends situations spinning out of control. While the character leans into comedic extremes, Micari emphasizes the humanity beneath the jokes: a woman who has been publicly humiliated, who navigates an imperfect marriage, and who ultimately seeks agency. Embracing those contradictions helps Micari shape a performance that is vivid without becoming a caricature.
Crafting the performance: balancing comedy with truth
On stage Micari aims to let the audience laugh while also feeling the underlying pain that motivates Noleta’s choices. To accomplish that she focuses on emotional beats rather than solely on punchlines: letting a hurt settle into the character before transforming it into bravado keeps the portrayal anchored. The role also demands an identifiable regional voice; Micari works to deliver a convincing West Texas accent while prioritizing clarity and emotional honesty. In rehearsal she layers gestures, inflection, and timing so that the humor emerges from character logic, not just gag work, and the audience can sense the vulnerability beneath the bravado.
Rehearsal and ensemble dynamics
Building trust for chaotic family scenes
Because Sordid Lives functions as an ensemble piece, much of the production’s power depends on the relationships among cast members. Micari highlights how trust was cultivated in rehearsals: long run-throughs, offstage conversations, and intentional listening exercises allowed the actors to respond to each other honestly under pressure. That trust makes the family chaos feel lived-in; when moments escalate into comic madness, the underlying connections keep them from seeming empty. Micari credits the cast’s willingness to be vulnerable as the foundation for much of the play’s emotional payoff.
Finding authenticity amid the absurd
Micari also describes practical techniques used to ground Noleta: choosing specific physical habits, creating a private backstory, and rehearsing responses to scripted insults so they land truthfully rather than theatrically. Standing under the lights and absorbing barbs from other characters can be exposing, she says, but that exposure is precisely what makes survival visible and, ultimately, triumphant. The collaborative environment lets actors take risks; when one performer commits, others can move confidently in response, creating the kind of live chemistry that translates to memorable theater moments.
What audiences should expect and production details
Audiences should be prepared for loud laughs paired with emotional resonance. Micari hopes theatergoers will recognize a bit of themselves in the extremes onstage and leave feeling entertained and seen. The company notes that Sordid Lives contains adult language and themes, making it best suited to mature viewers. Tickets are on sale now for performances March 13–22, 2026 at the Repertory Theatre in New Britain, with evening and matinée slots throughout the run. Reviewers have praised the piece for being both uproarious and affecting, calling Del Shores’ characters sharply observed and broadly appealing across different audiences.
Final notes from the actor
When asked about her favorite moments, Micari points to a handful of lines where Noleta’s hurt flips into defiant humor and to scenes that allow her to reclaim the room. She envisions Noleta years down the line as someone who still loves a little drama and sparkle but who carries herself with more agency. For anyone curious about seeing that arc onstage, Micari invites you to come ready to laugh hard and, perhaps, to recognize familiar truths hidden in the outrageousness.