Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Education: Harvard University (BA)
Who do you play in The Mysteries?: A procession of scamps: Ishmael, the apostle Bartholomew, and a prophet awaiting Christ's harrowing of Hell, among others.
Tell us about The Mysteries: It starts at the Start, ends at the End, and covers (almost) all the greatest hits in-between. Plus dinner and dessert. It's six hours, which may sound like a long time, but there is so much beauty and energy and passion and variety, it feels much shorter. The sugar hit during dessert also helps.
Describe The Mysteries in three words: "Let there be..."
What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: One Halloween, my mother dressed me in a garbage bag. I went door to door telling worried adults that I was a superhero called Garbage Man. I collected a lot of candy that year. Ever since, I've wanted to revisit my "trash chic" costume, and in The Mysteries, I finally get my chance.
If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: God. Anyone in this cast who doesn't say God is lying-- we're actors! God is nothing if not the greatest Actor of all time. Bonus: if you're God, you can shape-shift into anyone else in the Bible, so you win no matter what.
Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: I have to vote for Matt Cox. In addition to his lion's mane and proficiency with the banjo, his Abraham has a flair for drunken urination that I think might have suited life in those days.
Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: Whichever company member brings in the most delicious treat for us during previews.
Most likely to become an angel?: Our stage manager, Kara Kaufman, who is the physical embodiment of infinite patience.
Most likely to hear voices in their head?: That would be our fearless leader, Ed Sylvanus Iskandar. I have long suspected his bawdy direction to be divinely inspired. (Sample metaphor used in rehearsal: "a cage full of starved cannibal parakeets who'd been promised their pound of flesh".)
Who's the most spiritual?: It's hard to say. There are certainly many people of faith involved in the show, but this is the Northeast, after all, so I find spirituality is something people tend to keep more close-and-personal. As for least spiritual, look for the "Atheist" t-shirt during the Last Judgment (one of my favorite gags in the show).
On the 8th day God said _____: "The reviews are in, and they're pretty good."
Are you going to heaven or hell?: Wouldn't you like to know? Actually, if you do happen to find out, please let me know.
Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: Lust. Anyone in this cast who doesn't say lust is lying-- we're actors!
What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: The actor who plays Eve is allergic to apples.
What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: Any time one of the angels opens their mouths to sing.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: I won't be too specific, so as not to spoil anything, but there are moments in the play that still pack an emotional wallop, even though I've seen or played through them dozens of times. The Mysteries is filled with such power and intensity that it is honestly rewarding to get to live it over and over, especially with this wonderful group of people that Ed and the Flea have assembled.
Why should we come see The Mysteries?: Come for the food and booze, stay for the profoundly sublime connection to the mystical.
For more on Rory, visit http://www.rory-kulz.com/ and follow him on Twitter @rorykulz
