Hometown: Deerfield, IL
Education: Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Select Credits: Dog Park (Andrew, Drilling Company); Annie (Rooster, NETworks); Cats (Rum Tum Tugger, Troika) Urinetown (Bobby, Denver Public/Score Marketing)
Why theater?: I started playing clarinet and various other instruments as a child.. Proceeding my adolescence I realized I had far too much chutzpah to be a virtuoso clarinetist.. and when I got cast as "Clarence and his Classical Clarinet" as a Freshman in my HS production of Gypsy... I found my calling. Its the coolest.. and in many ways, the least abstract of performance arts.
Tell us about Prophet in Pink: Nick Robideau wrote a really neat piece about what love really means, and finding your self-worth in this crazy world. Only four actors, a minimal set, and influences of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and Angels in America. (What a synthesis!!!) It's an AWESOME new play with fantastic, very diverse actors, amazing sound design and voiceovers, and a production unlike anything you've ever seen.
What is it like being a part of Prophet in Pink?: Well, upon receiving the script, I was overwhelmed with the material. I have done various straight plays, but never with this much meat to a character. Once rehearsals began and I started working with this very talented, very supportive creative team, things started getting real interesting. Lots of fun, gritty drama, AND a supernatural element? Yes, Michael, being a part of Prophet in Pink is totally awesome.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love everything. My girlfriend did a performance piece about the cold war, that was really inspiring. I love Jersey Boys. That show has a better character arc, and better fluidity than any other "jukebox" musical. Clybourne Park speaks about race relations better than anything I've seen. Basically, anything where actors put it in front of you with much at risk inspires me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I would love to play Tommy Devito in Jersey Boys, but being a actor/guitarist now implies you automatically crave to be in Once. I also would love to do Golden Boy. Any Mamet play would make me giddy, too.
What’s your favorite show tune?: Wow- well it may be cliche.. but "Shiksa Goddess" from The Last Five Years frequently speaks to me. I too, am a Jewish guy who have yet to find any spark from a Jewish girl (and am involved with a gorgeous shiksa)
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Well.. people usually pick Broadway or Movie stars.. but I have very talented friends I've never actually done a show with and have always wanted to. So... I'll simply combine the two.. I'll go with Jack Black, Dave Schoonover (talented friend), Cristoph Waltz, Justin Jutras (talented friend), James Gandolfini, Hunter Foster.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Ryan Gosling, in the indy rockumentary biopic entitled "Finding Your Place".
What show have you recommended to your friends?: PROPHET IN PINK.
www.prophetinpink.com
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I love beer. Good beer. Good Belgian malty beer.
What’s up next?: I play music in my 'hood of Astoria, Queens, and constantly hold events at a local bar. On Saturday August 18th (the same day there's a 12pm showing of PROPHET IN PINK) I will have a free show at 8pm at Doyle's Corner at 42nd and Broadway.. Take the R to Steinway in Astoria for an amazing good rock and roll time.