HER WORK ON PARCO P.I. , THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL AND
SHARING THE STAGE WITH MERYL STREEP
By Richard Livsey
most memorable acting experience to date,
she would say, "Performing in the 50th
Anniversary Benefit Concert for the Joseph
Papp Public Theater, The Public Sings."
That night, Davis along other cast
members, kicked the show off with the
opening number from A Chorus Line, which
Davis said "turned into a total dance-off
with Savion Glover."
A host of big names were scheduled to
perform: Elaine Stritch, Cynthia Nixon, Mike
Nichols and Ben Stiller. But many, and
especially the cast, were excitedly waiting
for Meryl Streep to join them on the stage.
rendition of the risqué titled song, "Sodomy" from the musical Hair. An according to Davis, not
only can Streep command a stage, but she can also sing. "She has a great voice."
After her performance, Streep declined to sit in her reserve seats in the theatre and opted to
stay backstage with the other actors. She told the enamored cast that she wanted to be where
all of the 'energy' was.
"Meryl Streep sat in her Versace Dress," Davis said. "In the wing of the theater, and watched
the entire show."
Since that memorable occasion, things have yet to really slow down for Davis. Over the last
couple of months, she has been jumping back and forth between stage and screen. Last week,
she just finished performing at the NYC Fringe Festival in the campy, and very gay comedy,
Muscle Man vs. Skeleton Man.
And on August 28, Davis will be featured on the TV show, Parco P.I. The show portrays the life
and times of the number one New York City private investigator, Vinny Parco.
"She was a delight to work with," Parco said of Davis. "She is pretty and smart just the way I
like my investigators. She has a natural knack for the business and I hope to utilize her more."
RICHARD LIVSEY: I find Parco P.I. very entertaining. How do you feel about the show?
KAYCE DAVIS: I love the idea that Parco P.I. is sort of, a spin on Charlie's Angel's. I grew up watching
Charlie's Angels and Wonder woman. The idea of using beautiful, and intelligent women to solve crime is an
empowering image.
RL: That's for sure. What was it like working with Vinny Parco?
KD: He is very personable and was a great guy to work with. Many times between takes he would fill us in on
actual surveillance tactics that were used to solve certain investigations.
RL: Cool. Speaking about training and experience, let's discuss your acting background?
KD: Much of my experience has been in musical theater. I was a featured dancer in the European Tour of the
rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar. This production is where I met and worked under the direction of
Baayork Lee. Our professional association and friendship has continued. I have worked under Ms.Lee's
direction in "Cinderella" at Lincoln Center- produced by New York City Opera, as well as The Public Theater
Benefit and A Chorus Line. She has been a great mentor for me. I just finished a performance at the Lucille
Lortel Theater in the NYC Fringe Festival: Muscle Man vs. Skeleton Man- The musical! It's a hilarious look at
an old cartoon that we grew up with! Very campy,Very fun!
RL: Being an actor is a tough profession, give me the run down of what might be a typical day for you?
KD: I check my email, phone. See if my agent called. Mail some pictures and resumes. Or thank you letters to
casting agents. Go to an audition or two! The gym. Dance class. Sometimes yoga. A voice lesson. Acting
class. Or maybe a rehearsal
RL: That sounds pretty intense, so let me ask you, what advice would you give a young actor fresh off the
plane at JFK?
KD: Be persistent and flexible. Everyday is different. Always be in classes and working on your craft. Learn
how to juggle your schedule because opportunities come on a moment's notice. Be ready!
Are you ready? Check out Kayce Davis in the Red Herring episode on Parco P.I. - Court TV.
