Hometown: Woodside, Queens
Education: BA Hunter College, English; Acting: E. Katherine Kerr; Voice: Richard Gordon
Select Credits: Robert in Company; Emile in South Pacific; King Henry in Henry IV, Part 1; Kroll in Rosmersholm; Roger DeBris in The Producers.
Why theater?: As an actor, I enjoy making the journey every performance. As an audience member, I enjoy the visceral experience of a live performance.
Who do you play in Grand Theft Musical?: William Gandolph Furst, a newspaper writer who manipulates the action of the play through his column.
Tell us about Grand Theft Musical: It's a very funny spoof of musical theater with a subtle commentary on our current political crisis.
What is it like being a part of Grand Theft Musical?: I've only had one rehearsal so far, a read-through, but I've worked with writer-director Lissa Moira before as well as many of the cast members. Lissa seems to be creating her own rep company, and it’s a pleasure to be among such talented and friendly actors. I look forward to playing with them again and getting to know the new cast members. And Lissa always creates a great show.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Anything that moves me to tears or laughter. I consider Angela Lansbury to be our greatest living actor. Her performance in Gypsy remains my most profound theatrical experience followed by her King and I. As Walter Kerr wrote of her performance in Gypsy: she "works so honestly." On the other end of the spectrum, I will always cherish the original NY production of Noises Off.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Frollo in Hunchback of Notre Dame.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Currently, "Blame It on the Summer Night" from Rags, but so many great songs to choose from.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Angela Lansbury.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself, and what would it be called?: Giovanni Ribisi. It would be called Galatea Seeks Pygmalion which is the title of a collection of stories I've written.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Possibly Tammy Grimes and Brian Bedford in Private Lives.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Well by Lisa Kron.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Guilt dilutes pleasure. I enjoy my pleasures straight up - with a twist!
What’s up next?: That's for the theater Gods to decide.