Hometown: Amityville, NY
Education: FSU
Favorite Credits: I say playing Tom Robinson, we had a performance for a local high school and they really didn't have " theatre etiquite " and we're laughing at all the wrong moments and right as I am about to go on stage my stage manager says..." Guess it's up to you"
Long story short, I come out and there was silence and I couldn't understand it. I would later come to realize- that they were paying attention but what struck me about that performance was when I had a " brain fart" and I was sweating... And our Atticus guided me through it. It was honest and very truthful and I could move people with what I did.
Why theater?: I chose theatre because it gave me a challenge that I never really experienced in the sports I excelled at. Nonetheless, the collaborative process helped fulfill something that was installed in me early on " there is no I in team. Very similar to my experience doing " Mockingbird"
Tell us about 3 The Hard Way and The Eye of the Wake: 3 The Hard Way: After years of therapy dealing with her son's untimely death on 9/11, Ruth- a grieving mother's -newfound peace is compromised when her son's widow is introduced to his mistress almost 10years since the last time they saw him. Truths are unraveled that cannot be ignored as the mistress holds the one thing that gives the hope she needs that years of therapy unfortunately couldn't provide. After years of therapy dealing with her son's untimely death on 9/11, a grieving mother's newfound peace is compromised when her son's widow is introduced to his mistress. Truths are unraveled that cannot be ignored..
The Eye of The Wake: Following her fathers death, Elaine reflects on their time together. As a result, she confronts his and her deepest dark secrets through words that have stuck by since her Sweet 16... " Life isn't about living. life is about what you do before you die." Guilt and grief now fill this once happy home, opening Elaine's eyes to An unforeseen realm of temptation "
What inspired you to write 3 The Hard Way and The Eye of the Wake?: I was inspired by the thought of having three women in the same room at the same time whom should never meet; a mans' mother, widow and mistress post 9/11
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Contemporary... Something that so can see and resonate with because I know those people. My mother
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I don't want to name drop-- but I like those artist who are capable of multitasking and/ or multi-talented
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Anything by Guirgis, C. Lucas, Morriseau or A.Rapp
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: As I mentioned earlier, my mother was a huge inspiration and we have seen James Earl Jones twice on Broadway... If I could- I would've liked to see his Othello
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: If you weren’t working in theater, you would be? Still be an artist as it is the only thing that challenges me. I love the collaborative process. To quote Dustin Hoffman
What’s up next?: hopefully a workshop of a full length I've been working on with a company. Directing two plays at once is enough but the process has been a huge learning experience
For more, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/100934306990249/?ti=icl and www.midtownfestival.org