Hometown: Port Jervis, NY
Education: AA degree at SUNY Orange
Select Credits: The Cherry Orchard (Lopakhin, Apprentice Players); Christie in Love (Constable, andcompany); The Lombardi Case 1975 (O'don, Live IN Theater)
Why theater?: Theater is my outlet. I have tried many other types of creative outlets but I always come back to the theater. The way it resonates with me is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. The physical and mental transformations that can take place are highly appealing. So I don't sound like I'm trying to understand the ocean, Theater... is creative crack!
Tell us about The Wonderful Remix of Oz:It is exactly that, a remix. Our director, Hollie Klem, has created a spectacular spin on the timely tale we all know and love. Dorothy is a sassy sarcastic orphan who consequentially finds herself in the land of "Oz" (New York) via tornado, and she meets up with freaks, Guido monkeys, a starving artist, a hot heads, and gentle and courageous cub star. It's truly a remarkable show to be a part of, my only regret is that I will never see this magic as an audience member. It needs to be seen.
What is it like Being a part of The Wonderful Remix of Oz?: To tell you the truth, it's like being cast on SNL. I know that sounds out there but the truth is, I think those folks have a blast laughing and playing before they go live. The whole process of Oz and working with all these incredible actors on this clever show has given me some of the funniest memories I have. Oz is one of my blessings
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The type of theater that speaks to me is interactive theater. I like playing with the audience and I respect actors who stay in character despite all the external factors that have the potential to pull them out. My inspiration as an artist is Jim Carrey. Why? I don't need a reason but I'll give you one. He made me smile at a time when I had nothing else to smile over.
Any roles you are dying to play?: Hamlet, Biff, and Kevin Bacon's son... in a movie of course, otherwise that would be weird.
What's your favorite showtune?: "Coffee Break", How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. I'm an addict.
If you could work with anyone you've yet to work with, who would it be?: Pina Bausch, you said anyone....
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "Expect Average"
What show have you recommended to your friends?: TV - "Breaking Bad", theater - Motown The Musical
What's your biggest guilty pleasure?: Call of Duty
What's up next?: I have two features coming out this year, "The Kids Get Dead" and "Kingdom Come". I'm currently in two other plays and in rehearsals for another. Live IN Theater's The Lombardi Case 1975, Drama Desk nominated The Ryan Case 1873, and The Murder of Venus Xtravaganza 1988.
For more on Jeff, visit http://jefffoley.webs.com/