Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Education: Fordham University
Select Credits: BUNKED! A New Musical (Lucille Lortel – NY Fringe ’10), Open the Dark Door, Jack Perry is Alive (and Dating), I Got Fired (NYMF), Life of Galileo (Fordham Alumni Co.), Viral Video (Manhattan Rep), Williamstown Late Night Cabaret.
Why theater?: Theater brings people together in pursuit of a common goal. The people you find in this business are full of passion (maybe that’s why we’re all so crazy) in a time where passion seems to be weirdly passé (am I right ladies?). So I guess what’s kept me coming back to theater all these years are the people – it is my favorite form of connection, whether it be with my buds or an amazing audience, theater is ultimately about connecting.
Tell us about Exit Carolyn?: Exit Carolyn is a really special play. I think playwright Jennie Berman Eng has done an amazing job writing a unique story about the complexities of grieving that is simultaneously heartbreaking and hilarious. The action takes place in the Alphabet City apartment of Lorna and Julie – two friends who are mourning the loss of their third roommate and childhood best friend Carolyn. The girls aren’t doing so well, but it’s when two new characters enter the picture that things really explode – Matthew (Carolyn’s little brother) and Avery – a mysterious new roommate. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It’s fun! I think it’s a great play (and I hate most things so when I say it’s awesome I really mean it).
What is it like to be a part of Exit Carolyn?: It’s been a really amazing experience. I was at Williamstown the same summer as Adam Knight [director] and always really admired his work so it’s very exciting to be working with him now. These three actresses (Anna O’Donoghue, Lauren Blumenfeld, and Laura Ramadei) are virtuosos. I am learning so much from watching them work and I admire them greatly. It’s been a lot of fun, but also a great challenge.
What kind of theater speaks to you?: The magical kind. The honest kind. The kind that hits me over the head with a two by four. Word is trying to tell me I’m writing in fragments, but I guess fragments speak to me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Anything Sondheim. Really. I’ll do anything.
What’s your favorite show tune?: "A Weekend in the Country" from A Little Night Music. I still don’t understand why they let Crazy Eyes Zeta Jones perform at the Tonys when they had that great ensemble number in the bag. Whatevs.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Sondheim and Beyonce. Together. And after that disaster I’d love to work with Amy Ryan.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I’d like to see Meryl Streep try – she really needs to prove her versatility. Maybe Emile Hirsch? He’s pretty awesome and M.I.A. Remember "Homeless To Harvard"? I could be "From Fordham to Flailing"… "Or Weak Ankles and Limp Wrists: The Jake Loewenthal Story (in 3D)".
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Venus in Fur is pretty amazing. Nina Arianda gets all the glory (deservedly), but Hugh Dancy is also killing it every night on that stage. I also loved Sons of the Prophet. Stephen Karam (someone else I would love to work with) has a really unique voice and Santino Fontana is just the bee’s knees.
What’s up next?: Good Lord… Thanksgiving Dinner – where I will evade this question all night.
For more information on Exit Carolyn, visit http://exitcarolyn.org/
