Hometown: Buffalo NY
Education: Masters in Piano Performance, Masters in Music History SUNY Buffalo
Favorite Credits: Being a Father and musician
Why theater?: I love that you can be who ever you want to be in theatre and that be transported for a short time to somewhere brand spanking new to you.
Tell us about Backbeard: It's a bright and accessible tale of self-acceptance and remaining true to who you are. Backbeard has vibrant source material, a children's series written and illustrated by Matt, and it has lent itself nicely to being musicalized. We were trying to write a show for families, a smart, funny, and engaging piece of theatre for all ages.
What inspired you to write Backbeard?:A former student at the college where I work. He actually helped in writing the book - Brian Sheldon.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love fun & thoughtful theatre. Gosh - lots of people and things - Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Bernstein, Cole Porter, Gershwin, classical music, nature, beauty, light.......
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Shakespeare
What show have you recommended to your friends?:Love Story - small show I saw in London years ago
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: hmm - not sure - Russell Crowe and it would be called - "With a Song in My Heart"
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: OCP of Follies
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Chicken Wings
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: architect or gardener
What’s up next?: Creating a new musical based on Matt's new books - Mad Scientist Academy!
For more on Backbeard, visit Backbeard.com