Hometown: Bellport, NY
Education: SUNY Fredonia
Favorite Credits: My Monday night House Team (Champagne Empire) at The People’s Improv Theater
Why theater?: Performing has always been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. Even when it hasn’t been the main focus of my career, I’ve always sought a creative outlet. I’m so grateful it is at the forefront of my life right now.
Tell us about Elaine Stritch: Still Here: Elaine Stritch: Still Here tells the story of Elaine as she prepares for her last cabaret tour. She takes us on an emotional journey dealing with her alcoholism, diabetes, and the struggles of performing in her golden years. And, of course, there’s plenty of song, dance and laughing.
What inspired you to create Elaine Stritch: Still Here?: As a comedian, you’re always looking for real people to inspire a new character for you to play. Of course, I’ve always been a fan of Elaine’s, and when she passed away last year, I kept having this nagging feeling of “You could just play her.” One thing I’ve learned is to listen to myself when a silly idea comes into my head and won’t go away.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Comedy with a lot of heart and intention. That can be said about both theater and artists.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: This will sound cliché, but my little sister is 11 years old and has just recently taken a liking to performing in musicals. So I’m very much looking forward to the day we work together.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Your Love, Our Musical and G.U.S. (both of which started at The PIT and are performing at SpectrumNYC).
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Ewan McGregor and it’d be called “The Laziest DragQueen.”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I didn’t miss this one in the sense that I didn’t see it, but I miss it in the sense that I’m sad it didn’t become a huge hit: Taboo.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Tacos. Although I’ve recently stopped feeling guilty about the amount of them I consume.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Wealthy.
What’s up next?: I’m co-producing a new show with Tamsi New called This Live Show with Nate Foster that mixes the Late Night format with the SNL Sketch Show format. It’ll run the fourth Friday of every month at 9:30pm at The PIT Loft and it premiers September 25th, 2015. www.ThisLiveShow.com
For more on Elaine Stritch: Still Here, visit igg.me/at/elainestritchstillhere and facebook.com/elainestritchstillhere