Hometown: Flemington, NJ (we’re kind of a big deal)
Education: Rider University
Select Credits:I Am Not Batman (#theatrenow), Mirror, Mirror (Tunnel Theatre Co), Rider: The Pillowman, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, The Last Five Years.
Why theater?: Storytelling! Strip down to the “why” behind any form of entertainment we love: theatre, music, film…social media. We are constantly looking for ways to help articulate what our experience is. Theatre (especially in smaller venues) is alive. It breathes the same air as its audience. It’s sweaty and imperfect, just like us.
Who do you play in ValueVille?: I get to play the protagonist “Eddie” who arrives for his first nightshift at ValueVille. Oh, and he just got his MFA from NYU. It’s just tough out there right now… the economy, blah-blah sob story. Whatever – it’s temporary.
Tell us about ValueVille: It’s a superstore like Costco or Sam’s Club in all its fluorescent glory. The nightshift, as one would expect at any retail store, is slightly… different. A lot goes down. Overnight shifts typically involve a lot of patience and team building and…patience. One thing, though – nothing is quite as it seems. ValueVille will send you on a “razor-sharp comedic journey about the price we pay at the final checkout.” #teamEddie
What is it like being a part of ValueVille?: Nothing short of inspiring. Our first-time director (though you’d never know it) Donna Lynne Champlin is breathing life into an already fascinating show. I’m getting the opportunity to work on brand new material alongside a team of accomplished, passionate designers and artists – and the author is in the room! The energy is infectious, and ValueVille is constantly evolving and gaining momentum toward what will surely be a rewarding NYMF opening on July 7th. Grab your tix! NYMF.org/valueville
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like leaving a theatre with a lot on my mind—even if I don’t understand it by the time I hit the street. If I feel something and ask a question—not having been given an answer—I consider a show successful. I rarely “dislike” a show. I’m critical, but I do love to experience what “worked” and “didn’t work”. That lends itself to what and who inspires me: the hardest part of creating theatre seems to be defining the “why” – once you do, the “how” tends to fall into place. Artists who are passionate about finding their voice inspire me. A dear friend of mine always says, “Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.”
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Not in particular – I tend to place a lot of trust in what casting sees… if I’m given the opportunity to take on a role, it’s meant to be! I’ll live for any role in the audition, but once I leave that room it’s onto the next. That being said, “Bobby” in Company.
What’s your favorite showtune?: When I was little I loved “Losing My Mind” from Follies– Bernadette Peters killed it when I saw the revival a couple years ago. “Halloween” from Rent is gorgeous. Currently, “Live Like You Dream” from ValueVille.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: John Doyle, Bill T. Jones, Emily Mann, Tracy Letts, Marco Ramirez, Moisés Kaufman… part of an ever expanding list.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Shia LaBeouf, “Life is Bea-UUU-tiful!”
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I always tell my friends to get out and see off-off broadway shows. I’m a big fan of blackbox productions. Showcase code stuff – stripped and rooted in truthful discovery. I’m also a huge fan of MTC, MCC, 2ST and Naked Angels.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Generic ocean sounds with 18k plays. Then, “Bird of Sorrow” by Glen Hansard.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Jalapeño stuffed green olives. Trust me.
What’s up next?: This August I’ll be working on a quirky indie short film (that successfully completed its Kickstarter campaign on July 1st) called “Big Demon Promise” – so I’m looking forward to that adventure! I’ve got a lot of plans I’m chippin’ away at. Plays, films, directing, writing… it all fascinates me. Let’s collaborate!
For more on David, follow him @DavidSpadora and visit DavidSpadora.com