Hometown: Born: Lake Charles, LA; Grew up: Ft Worth, TX; Live: Brooklyn
Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Favorite Credits: I really like doing this one.
Why theater?: It humbles. It excites. It’s where the action is at.
Tell us about The Play About The Coach: It’s the final three minutes of a March Madness basketball game where a coach’s life is falling apart. He’s trying desperately to hold his team’s lead, but in the midst of this, he is battling with his assistant, the ref, the universe, the opposing coach, the players, himself, himself, himself. Oh, and he’s getting phone calls during the game. He’s got a lot on his plate.
What inspired you to write The Play About The Coach?: I grew up with sports, but I migrated to theatre in my teens, and I was convinced that there was a story to tell marrying the two. Willy Loman on the basketball court – that’s kind of what we’re going for here. This is one man’s American Dream on trial. Right in the middle of this high intensity playoff game.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Simplicity speaks to me. Minimalism speaks to me. Authenticity speaks to me. And I like surprises. I’m inspired by dogged commitment. And beauty. But who isn’t?
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Yet to work with? That’s some crew. Uh… Robert Duvall.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Oscar Wilde. Any Oscar Wilde role. I’d play a spear-carrier in an Oscar Wilde play.
What shows have you recommended to your friends?: I don’t recommend much, for whatever reason. The Suit at BAM is great. Two years ago I recommended The Old Globe’s The Merry Wives of Windsor that was touring through New York. That was a riot. Before that, I recommended Waterwell’s show The Persians to a lot of people. Everyone agreed. It was a hell of a good time.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Most people would say Bruce Campbell. I’ll go with resurrecting Paul Newman, and if I can do that, then I think the title should have something to do with the fact that I resurrected Paul Newman.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Late night jazz? Warren Zevon? I don’t know. Next question.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Who are you, my high school counselor? I’m desperate for the answer to this question. Air traffic controller? Yes, let’s say air traffic controller.
What’s up next?: Co-writing a piece with a playwright from Minneapolis, Thomas Ward, entitled You’re Not Fooling Anybody. Also writing my first multi-person play tentatively titled, Quinoa. But, I’m hunting high and low for a better title.
