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Monday, September 28, 2015

Spotlight On...Tim Motley

Name: Tim Motley

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Education: B.A. in Philosophy

Favorite Credits: Best Comedy: London Fringe Festival, Best of Fest: Edmonton Fringe Festival, Patron’s Pick: Winnipeg Fringe Festival

Why theater?: It makes me feel truly alive.  Also, it’s hard to walk away from something when you know you’re good at it.

Tell us about 2 Ruby Knockers, 1 Jaded Dick: A Dirk Darrow Investigation: It’s the world’s first one man, film-noir, comedy, magical, mind-reading murder mystery.  It’s also the only comedy play I’ve ever heard of in 17 times touring around the planet with magic in it that’s about anything other than magic.  This show’s about a bank heist.  It’s been hugely successful thus far, selling out virtually everywhere it’s been, and racking up good reviews and heaps of prizes.

What inspired you to create 2 Ruby Knockers, 1 Jaded Dick: A Dirk Darrow Investigation?: A short story by the grandmaster of all thing’s noir, Dashiell Hammett.  Hammett, famous for The Maltese Falcon, was an amazing writer who kept the reader riveted with terse, action filled prose.  Hence “The Big Knockover” became 2 Ruby Knockers.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love cross-genre experimental comedies.  Penn & Teller are a fine example.  Sammy J & Randy are another.  And of course, comedy with a message, such as Jon Stewart or George Carlin.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Penn & Teller

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Burnt at the Steak

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Robert Downey Jr.,  "A Road Far Less Travelled"

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Steve Martin at Madison Square Gardens circa 1980.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Crack cocaine brioche.  Just kidding!  Single malt scotch.

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: On TV, on the streets, or teaching your young.

What’s up next?: A few cruise ship shows and other gigs, and then writing and co-producing a 6 person film noir themed cabaret called "Prohibition", set to premiere in February, in Australia.