Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Education: Boston University and Atlantic Acting School
Select Credits:Death of a Salesman, Out Cry, Sweeney Todd, Godspell, Reasons to be Pretty
Why theater?: I feel like I feel most at home on stage. Theater is the only thing that truly connects me to others and forces me to be something else. It allows me to get an immediate reaction from something and makes me listen intently and focus on goal at hand.
Who do you play in Out Cry?: Felice Devoto
Tell us about Out Cry: Out Cry or The Two Character Play is a work by Tennessee Williams. This is an obscure work of his and chronicles a brother and sister acting duo who’s acting company has left them- because they are insane.
What is it like being a part of Out Cry?: This is honestly one of the hardest parts I have ever played. Felice is a curious creature. He’s brash and bold, yet calculated and tightly wound. He is highly self aware and is very type A. He’s crazy! Felice goes through an emotional journey throughout the play and I love taking the audience on this crazy, erratic, and heart stopping ride. To play a character who’s mind is slowly deteriorating is thrilling! I am exhausted by the end of the play!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Oh man, I get inspired by all sorts of theatre. It honestly does not matter the genre or type, it just needs to have a message that resonates with them in some way. However, I love theatre that showcases human nature in its most natural state, observing the good, bad, and ugly sides of people. Naturalistic, dark, dramedies are my jam but I will not say no to doing a great comedy or musical! As an actor, I get inspired by a lot of people (too many to name) but I love it when I get to see an actor breaks type and step out of their comfort zone, surprising people with a brilliant performance. I find inspiration in proving people wrong, which might seem strange but it drives me to take on challenging parts and to be okay with accepting parts that are not fully realized.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Oh man…Iago in Othello (I like my villains), Brooke in Noises Off (if they gender bended the role), Aaron Burr in Hamilton (no caption needed) and the Leading Player in Pippin (for real though..)
What’s your favorite showtune?:"Saturn Returns" (Hymns and Myths by Adam Guettal)
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Playwright Brandon Jacob Jenkins. His plays are outstanding and his material is so rich and complex.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I don’t think would play me but knowing my luck, I’d probably just get cast in a Lifetime original movie about Aziz Ansari and it will be called “Treat Yo Self: The Aziz Ansari Story.”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Sweeney Todd with Angela Lansbury and original Angels in America.
What show have you recommended to your friends?:The Humans. It’s quietly brilliant.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Full disclosure…I love watching really awful movies. The Room is a personal favorite. It’s incredible.
What’s up next?: Out Cry (playing September 28th and October 1 (tickets at www.tamashanyc.org) and then working on a pilot presentation of "Off the Runway". Additionally, I am working on a solo concert so stayed tuned for more updates on that.
For more on Vishaal, visit www.vishaalreddy.com