Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Education: Syracuse University
Select Credits: Fiddler on the Roof (Barrington Stage), Peter Pan (Arizona Broadway Theatre), First Family of Second Avenue (NYC), The Bully Games (Syracuse Stage)
Why theater?: I had a professor in school say it is the job of the actor to tell all the stories of the world until all the stories are told. I want to share in other people’s stories and be a part of bringing those stories to life. There’s a certain tingle I get when I’m completely focused, involved and alive on-stage telling these stories. It’s a buzz that I’ve gotten a few times, and it drives me to get it over and over again.
Who do you play in What Do Critics Know?: I am one of four who make up our ensemble. We play everything from dancing waiters, sexy pirates “arrrgh?", tap-dancing muses to complaining and whining actors.
Tell us about What Do Critics Know?: What Do Critics Know? encompasses everything that made me fall in love with Musical Theatre at age three. It is golden age musical comedy at its finest. The war between The Artist and The Critic has been constant throughout the ages. And in our story, struggling Broadway writer Nathan Wood has had numerous theatrical flops which he blames on scathing reviews. Through the intervention and assistance of an old friend, Nathan unwittingly blackmails his three most vociferous critics into writing their own musical. It’s pretty exciting.
What is it like being a part of What Do Critics Know?: It’s one of my favorite teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s such a supportive, passionate and positive group of people who challenge and support me during every rehearsal to play and bring my A-Game. I’m also one of the “youngins" in the cast- and I love soaking in all the knowledge of those with a few more credits under their belt, and watching the ways they work.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I am a sucker for dark-comedies. I love when I’m laughing and not sure if I should be screaming or crying instead. I like stories that spark conversation -- as long as I'm thinking about it after I leave the theatre I know it's had some impact on me
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Ned in The Normal Heart and Leo Frank in Parade.
What’s your favorite showtune?:“Something's Coming” from West Side Story
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Steven Hoggett. I am fascinated by his aesthetic and want to know everything that is going on in that man’s mind and how it works. I am a huge fan of movement, and how it can help elevate a story.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?:"Cool Being Un-Cool" and it’d have to be Charlie Chaplin.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: The original Ragtime. Marin's “Back to Before". Audra and Brian's “Wheels of a Dream." I'd give anything.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Besides raving about how great What Do Critics Know? is going to be, it’d have to be Fun Home and FOUND. My two favorite shows this season.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Ramen, Dollar Slice, and sneaking up to roof-tops.
What’s up next?: Got something for me? I'm open for suggestions :)
For more on Danny, visit http://www.dannykornfeld.com. For more on What Do Critics Know, visit www.whatdocriticsknow.com or nymf.org