Hometown: Boulder, Colorado
Education: BA in Theatre from Trinity University, MFA in Directing from The University of Washington, Seattle
Favorite Credits: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Mirror Players), A Little Night Music (Gallery Players)
Why theater?: I love the world of theatre people and the spontaneous, intimate connection between actor and audience.
Tell us about A Chorus Line: A landmark musical, it changed the face of Broadway. And our production is celebrating its 40th Anniversary!
What inspired you to direct A Chorus Line?: I have always loved the show and what it says about theatre people and the sacrifices we make to do the work we love. I spent years researching the show and writing a book about it ("A CHORUS LINE FAQ", published by Applause Books), so I wanted to use what I had learned to do my own production and give a new cast a chance to experience the show.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like theatre that is hopeful, inspiring us with the potential for growth and change. The heightened realities of Shakespeare, opera, and musical theatre are especially exciting, but I like to do (and write) realistic plays as well.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Jack O’Brien.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: A Chorus Line!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Pass
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Any Shakespeare production at the Globe Theatre in the early 1600s!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Burritos.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Sad.
What’s up next?: Directing Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting; starting rehearsals in three weeks.
For more on Tom, visit www.tomrowan.net
