Hometown: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Education: BA Arts & Science
Why theater?: Good question, as I’m not really a theatre creature and came to it late. I found I love the immediacy of it. Hearing an audience laugh and seeing them enjoy themselves is one of the more beautiful things in life for me.
Tell us about Selection Day: It’s a flip on reality, as far as the role of religion in our political system is concerned.
What inspired you to write Selection Day?: Darwin and evolution has always been an interest of mine, and I’m sort of mystified when I see polling that shows that 53% (or whatever) of Americans still believe in creationism. Now, I didn’t set out to mock people’s beliefs per se, but thought Selection Day would be a fun way to push- in my own small way- what I think is an important topic back into our popular culture.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Good satirical and irreverent comedies tend to be my favorite. When I was young, I loved Woody Allen’s books (Without Feathers, Getting Even, Side Effects), Monty Python, and probably most of all Bob Dylan’s lyrics.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Jefferson Mays, but I know that ain’t happening!
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Gentleman’s Guide, Possum Creek.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: The most boring actor in the world in “Snoresville”.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Just about everything, as like I said I’ve come late to theatre. To pick one, I’d start with Death of a Salesman.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Steeler Football.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Since I’m not, I’d say theatre!
What’s up next?: Hopefully a successful run of Selection Day for starters. Then hopefully I have another play in me.
