Hometown: Natick, MA
Education: Fordham & Yale School of Drama
Select Credits: Morgan Gould’s groundbreaking re-imagining of “Shrek” that we did in that women in the arts festival and the original Losing Tom Pecinka at HERE. Upcoming: These Paper Bullets at The Geffen in LA and The Atlantic in NYC.
Why theater?: Because it rewards and encourages bravery and empathy, which as I’ve gotten older has influenced my everyday life I believe. Also the moments of having audience completely engrossed and on the edge of their seat is amazing, it doesn’t always happen, but when it does it just drives you to go further.
Who do you play in Losing Tom Pecinka?: I play Kai, a young man struggling to accept the loss of his best friend.
Tell us about Losing Tom Pecinka: It’s like no other play I’ve ever seen or worked on in that it dares to go there. Where? Exactly. It has got it all, love, loss, science, sound cues, Amir in a hat, stage pictures.
What is it like being a part of Losing Tom Pecinka?: We have such a great time working together, and I trust Morgan and these actors so much that going to rehearsal is a pleasure every single day. I also love to see how we’ve all grown up a little since the last time we did the show and yet remain completely stupid in all the best ways.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I suppose I’m a fan of extremes, I either want it really dark or really funny. I want to feel like I’m losing my mind or just have a great time. I think what Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is doing is pretty incredible. There is nothing Steven Skybell cannot do. Also my friends and peers inspire and teach me every time I watch them work or create characters.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I mean whatever I write here someone will be like “what a boring answer” but fuck them. I would love to play Vanya and Richard II but to be able to create a role that would stand the test of time would be the ultimate dream for me.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Right now “Something Wonderful” from The King and I. It perfectly sums up what a long-term relationships. Also that NY Times video of Ruthie Ann Miles performing it is outstanding.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would love to be in an Ira Sachs movie or maybe do a production of “The Vortex” with Amy Morton.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Quincy Tyler Bernstein and it would be called “The Irish Whisper”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Janet McTeer in A Doll’s House
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Go see Hand to God so we can have more plays like it in the commercial arena.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: House Hunters International
What’s up next?: These Paper Bullets in LA at The Geffen then in NYC at the Atlantic, a fun take on Much Ado About Nothing with the best cast and creative team.