Becky Robinson – Middlemost Post

By starrymag | August 27, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the new series “Middlemost Post.”

A) YAY! “Middlemost Post” is a fantasy rooted in reality animated series about a reformed rain cloud who joins forces with the mailman of the sea and a magical walrus to create the wackiest most lovable Postal Service on Mt. Middlemost, the Middlemost Post!

 

Q) Talk about your adorable cloud character Parker J. Cloud and how he was described to you originally. 

A) Well, sweet Parky J. Cloud is neither a he or a she, it’s a joyous little nimbus! Parker is a reformed rain cloud who represents the rainbow after the storm. Parker just wants to spread joy and make people happy, but sometimes doesn’t know the correct way to do so, which is why Angus Shackleton III (voiced by the amazing John DiMaggio) helps guide and mentor Parker along the journey of life they embark on together working at the Middlemost Post.

Parker is exploding with emotion, from the get-go, the character (in being a “reformed rain cloud”) reminded me of one of my favorite Robin Williams quotes where he said, “I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.”

That is Parker. And coming from a standup/character background, I immediately latched onto the emotional intelligence that is the backbone of this character.

 

Q) Was there anything that you added to him that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) The first pieces of artwork I saw of Parker were Parker transforming into all kinds of different shapes/sizes/things – from a lightning bolt to a badminton shuttlecock. When I learned PJC had a malleable form based on emotion or situation, it immediately struck a chord with me where I felt like we were one and the same. My goal as an entertainer is to spread joy via telling jokes and/or transforming into characters or objects in videos or live performances – all inspired by real experiences, situations or encounters. John Trabbic (the creator of “Middlemost Post” and Parker J. Cloud) based Parker’s character on so much of his personal life story and background that I wanted to honor everything he invented artistically while focusing on making sure every part of that emotion, spark, spunk and heart came to life through the vocals. We’ve had an amazingly collaborative experience where John Trabbic and Dave Johnson will say, “Hey, we saw you did ‘Wild ‘N Out’ and can rap, let’s have Parker rap in this episode!” So, I’ve added quirks, squeals, noises, certain pre-existing skills, jokes (when they let me [winks]) to just make Parker everything John envisioned for this brilliantly colorful character.

 

Q) What was your audition like for Parker? 

A) It was a very special day for all of us. It was like magic. Those days are rare and hard to come by in this industry. I initially went in to audition for a different character, Lily, and they were like “Eh,” but also like, “Ooooh.” While we were joking around when I was in the recording booth they heard my natural voice, which is very androgynous, which is Parker J! I also have a sh*t ton of energy and go from zero to a hundred and back again about a million times a day, so I think they recognized I had very Parker like characteristics naturally and it all just felt right. I also wore a really cool red full body jumpsuit that they thought had swagger so, ultimately, I think that’s why I got the job.

 

Q) What was it about the series or the role that really made you want to be a part of it?

A) Everything I read about the show made me think, “Wow, I wish this show would have been on TV when I was a kid. I wish I could have seen an unlikely trio of characters come together and take on life while leading with love. Especially a show containing a character that can transform at a moments notice into whatever it wants to be. People try to put others in boxes way too often. This show and Parker J are here to let you know you can be whatever you want whatever you want as long as ya don’t hurt anyone. The show has something for everyone. It’s so full of heart and humor and really allows the viewer to let their imagination run wild. The entire team that brings Middlemost Post to life is so extremely, truly WICKEDLY amazing at what they do, I feel honored to be working with such good company.

 

Q) This show has a lot of cute humor to it. What were some of your favorite lines to say?

A) Ah, there are so many! The writers constantly have me dying laughing in the recording booth. Parker humanizes random things sometimes and it cracks me up, like, “Does your butt know that?” Parker also transforms into different little versions of Parker, which I can’t exactly break down full details of – because you’ll have to watch the show! No spoilers here! But there’s some classic transformations that I think both parents, kids and any person at any age can really relate to.

 

Q) What episodes stand out as some of your favorites?

A) “Darker Parker” and “First Delivery” (the premiere episode).

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Middlemost Post” that will make it a fast fan favorite kids show?

A) Parker J. Cloud represents the rainbow after the storm. “Middlemost Post” is so explosively colorful, so bursting with heart and humor and is truly the show everyone needs after such a dark, difficult year. Kids had to experience things in so many difficult ways this past year, and I think this show will allow the chillun’s imaginations to just run wild.

 

Q) You’re also a standup comic. What have you missed most about being on stage because of the pandemic?

A) I like to live in the moment – maybe even too much! I try to involve the audience a lot, and I missed being able to have that connection and electricity you feel in a live show. I tried my darnedest to pivot and put out as many sketches and virtual one woman shows throughout the pandemic to continue engaging with people going through dark times who needed a break or a laugh. I always try to answer every DM and engage with people online at every chance because we all were put on this earth to help each other and if I can spread joy in any way I try to do so!

 

Q) Is comedic timing something that comes naturally to you, or have you had to work at it?

A) I was born with it. I always know when to fart on queue. And if I mess it up, the directors scream at me until I get it right. JK. But sometimes I’ll say a line a couple of ways, and then they’ll re-direct specific comedic timing/inflections so incredibly well that I never would have thought to do. It’s a very collaborative experience.

 

Q) For those interested in a career in standup, what advice would you give to beginners?

A) Make sure the pants you wear on stage aren’t too tight because they can and WILL rip. And it sounds simple, but ultimately just be you and go for it, and champion your ideas. No one else can do you as good as you can.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way to keep in touch with your fans?

A) I love DM’ing and getting to know biggles fans on social media. They fill up my tank with joy equally as much as I try to do for them! Sometimes I can get so caught up in the business of it all I forget to have fun, or sometimes I feel down in the dumps, worthless and unfunny and I’ll pop on IG and read a message about how a video turned someone’s whole week around and that is so special and nice to hear. It’s like running low on gas. If you need a refill and can’t see a show, you can always pop open your apps and watch your favorite funny people do funnies digitally. We need constant refills!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) Thank you, I love you and the best is yet to come.