Hometown: Fairport, NY
Education: SUNY New Paltz
Favorite Credits: Bully by Lee Kaplan, Sweet Storm by Scott Hudson, Rise and Fall of a Teenage Cyberqueen by Lindsay Joy, and Founder of The Farm Theater.
Why theater?: I’m good at it. Every day I discover something new. Each character’s needs matter – which allows me to believe I matter. It builds community – you can’t do it alone. Baseball season only lasts six month of the year.
Tell us about Lucky Chick: It is a fantastic journey. Felicity has written it wonderfully, it opens with a Fairy Tale intro of her childhood, like "Alice in Wonderland" or something, and totally prepares the audience to take the journey with her on this search for security and protection in the most unlikely places. She tags along on robbery, gets plucked out of the crowd of a Grateful Dead concert to form a life long relationship with a member of a band, is the moll of drug kingpin, and maintains an A average in college – all before she turns eighteen. It’s a Rock-n-Roll story.
What inspired you to direct Lucky Chick?: I had directed a lot of solo shows recently and I wanted a break. I planned on turning it down. However, as soon as I started reading it I knew I had to work on it. I couldn’t stop turning the page. The story is compelling, fantastical – and has a great momentum. My only hesitation was the story is much cooler than I am – which also makes it so much fun to be on the ride.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theater with a heart. Comedy, tragedy, political, farcical – doesn’t matter, as long as there is respect, vulnerability, and investment in the need that reside in each character. Anyone trying to achieve more than they thought they were capable of.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Peter Brook
What show have you recommended to your friends?: An American In Paris on Broadway. It’s not something a lot of my friends would usually go to but it’s great. Puts a smile on your face. Plus it’s the best stage managed show on Broadway.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Jamie Dunn because I’d cast her any chance I get and it would be called: “Let’s Pretend This Is Real”.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Death of a Salesman with Lee J. Cobb.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure: Insomnia Cookies
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be_____?: the Bench Coach for the Yankees:
What’s up next: Preparing for the upcoming season of The Farm Theater
For more on Padraic, visit www.padraiclillis.com and www.thefarmtheater.org