Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts; Emerson College; Ruth St. Denis Foundation, LA; Paul Sanasardo at Skidmore College
Favorite Credits: Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Frankie in Frankie and Johnny and the Claire de Lune, Evie in Return to Inverness, ZBS for National Public Radio, Vagina Monologues directed by Joy Kaczmarek
Why theater?: I always knew I would be a performer, since I was a small child. My first dream was to ride an elephant in the circus, then I wanted to be a go-go dancer for the Beatles, then a ballet dancer, until my feet failed me on pointe. I determined to use my voice to express myself as well as my body and began seriously to study acting. 42 years later...
Tell us about Outskirts of Eden: The play is a one-act pocket version of a longer play: I, Eve which will be performed in full on March 19 & 20 at UNDER St. Mark’s. I chose the title from the words I used in the Setting of the script, which I also adapted. Since this is “after the Fall” we are no longer in Eden, but in a modern city somewhere on the outskirts of it.
What inspired you to write Outskirts of Eden?: Edward Le Compte, who wrote the novel, "I, Eve", was a family friend, accomplished writer and Milton scholar. On a visit to the home he shared with his wife, artist Mia Le Comte, Edward suggested that I might develop his book for the stage. I then wrote the role for myself and produced it. Edward and Mia are no longer with us, but their son Douglas will be attending the show with his family.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I tend to go for the heavy, gut wrenching stuff and only rarely attend lighter fare, though I enjoy it when I do! My inspirations have been some of the people I have worked with and have known well. Jonathan Foster, Sarah Braveman and John Costelloe were/are fundamental to my growth as an actress. They demanded and commanded honesty and originality.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Cyndi Lauper
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I recently recommended Drop Dead Perfect which a friend of mine was it. It was hilarious!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?:“The Price of Admission” staring Jessica Lange. Ms. Lange, I already have the script. Call me.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Death of a Salesman with Philip Seymour Hoffman
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Billy Idol
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: A plumber.
What’s up next?: The full-length version of I, Eve will be performed on March 19 & 20 at 3pm at UNDER St. Mark’s. Soon after our first FRIGID performance we will begin rehearsals! Tickets at: www.horseTRADE.info
For more on Eva, visit www.evadolan.com