“Iconic” Moments with Photographer Larry McClemons

Welcome back to the Front Row blog! Today we are excited and honored to interview an essential member of Encore’s team. Larry McClemons has been capturing memories of Encore’s productions as our staff photographer for years. We are so lucky to have him and happy to speak with him today!

Encore: How did you first get involved?

Larry: When our son was at Washington-Lee High School, I began photographing dress rehearsals. One of his classmates had a mother on the board of what was then The Children’s Theatre of Arlington. When CTA’s photographer moved out of the area, she suggested me to [long time Executive Producer] Celeste Groves. I took some of my show albums, had a lovely visit, and voila! I got the gig.

Encore: Could you share some of your favorite photos with us and tell us why they top your list?

Larry:
1. This photo from Night at the Wax Museum (Lynn Loftus as “Polly Popper,” March 2017) is sort of a quirky choice. I just like photos that make the viewer ask “what is going on here?” I think this one qualifies.

2. West Side Story (July 2000) marked a change in the summer shows being produced. I am fond of this photo because it seems to capture the tension between the two leads, Erin Driscoll (“Maria”) and Alex Pyke (“Tony”).

3. Whenever I photograph a show, I hope to capture an “iconic” moment that perfectly symbolizes the show. This picture of Gabriella Flanagan as “Alice Otterloop” in Cul de Sac does just that. It was a moment I hoped I would be able to capture, and the fact that it came so early in the show helped me relax and just enjoy the rest of the ride.

Encore: What are some of your most memorable moments working with Encore?

Larry: My favorite, most memorable moments aren’t necessarily tied to specific shows. It’s a pleasure to watch the younger performers, playing secondary characters, develop, grow, and end up as main characters and leads. You can almost feel the increased confidence as they continue on.

I also enjoy watching the true teamwork and camaraderie shown by casts and crews. Also just interacting with the performers, parents, staff, and crew. I think I learn something every show.

Encore: What would be your top 3 Encore shows to photograph overall?

Larry:
It’s hard to narrow it down to just three, but I’ll try. In reverse order, Into the Woods, Jr. (March 2004), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (April 2016), and in first place, Cul de Sac (June 2016).

Into the Woods, Jr. because of a great cast and great visuals. I also liked that it showed well-known characters in a different light. I would hope that this sort of production would stimulate the imaginations of the young audience.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, because it was just a fun and entertaining show with a very talented cast. I also found the “black box” theatre allowed for more interesting pictures.

Cul de Sac was a very special experience. I was eagerly awaiting it when I saw it on the schedule. I feared that the production would not live up to my expectations, but instead it went far beyond that. Everything about the production, from the cartoonesque sets and props, to the projections for the Zombie Toads, and the acting made for a terrific (and photogenic) experience. The cast was top-flight all the way through, especially Kostya Cook as “Dill,” Joey Pickel as “Andre,” Xander Tilock as “Petey,” Caitlyn Knittig with a sensitive portray of “Mrs. Otterloop,” and Gabriella Flanagan as the irrepressible “Alice.”

Honorable Mentions include Rebecca’s World (March 1994), The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes (February 2014), Disney’s High School Musical (July 2007), Once Upon a Mattress (July 2014), and Hansel and Gretel, (November 1998).

Encore: Do you have any wishes for Encore as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary season?

Larry: My hope is that Encore will continue on the paths that have already been started. The casts and crews seem to get better with each passing season, which certainly says a lot about how Encore is run. Obviously, it would be nice to have a dedicated stage to avoid some of the logistics that arise from shared facilities. The various classes and camps are also provide an invaluable experience, whether or not performing is in the future of each student.

Thank you so much, Larry! It was so wonderful to learn about some of your favorite memories from Encore’s many years of history. We are lucky to have on our team to capture such wonderful images!

Want to be a part of the next chapter of Encore’s history? Check out some of the 50th Anniversary special events coming up this year!
Photos by: Larry McClemons

Blog contribution by: Shannon McCarthy, 2016-17 Arts Apprentice