In the Shoes of...Stevie Cupo

Well folks, it has been awhile since I have profiled anyone for my "In the Shoes/Heels of..." interview series, but that is about to change. I am starting by interviewing some of the upcoming performers who will be featured in Signature Theatre's Kiss of the Spiderwoman, starting with Stevie Cupo.
Stevie was in the second show that I did at Signature Theatre, Grand Hotel in 2001, and we have been friends ever since.
So here to kick back the interview series is one of DC's preeminent character actors, Stevie Cupo.




SGS: How did you get started in this crazy business that we call show?
SC: It was definitely my survival instinct at play. You see, I had always been in front of audiences, but as a singer. I was a boy soprano who would get hired for weddings or parties. Plus, I had always sung in choirs and choruses. For many years, I thought I would become a music teacher.
On the other side of the coin, I was much disliked by the “popular” kids in school and was even reviled by the “tough” ones. I really got picked on A LOT in high school.
In 9th grade, I got cast in “Bye Bye Birdie” at school, as they needed a boy soprano for the role of Randolph. The next year, the school musical was “Li’l Abner”. I was cast as Pappy Yokum (my voice finally changed over the summer). It was exciting for me, but the Monday after we did the show, I went back to my “life as a victim”. That Monday, as I approached my English class, I saw Donald MacCallum standing outside the door. He had always been my main tormentor. This is the person who liked to punch me everyday, once a day just because…
So, I put my head down and tried to get past him as quickly as I could, but he stopped me. He held out his hand to me and said, “I have to shake your hand. You made me laugh harder this weekend than I have in my entire life!” And my “light bulb” went off. It realized then that this was how I was going to survive my remaining years in high school. It was a life changing moment for me. And I went on from there.

SGS: What was the first Broadway show that you saw?
SC: “Purlie”, with Melba Moore. (I was on a high school trip.)

SGS: What brought you to Washington, DC?
SC: I was disillusioned from working and living in New York for 11 years (1977 to 1988). Even though I had been working in the theatre (mostly tours), I found I didn’t have the stomach for the “business” side of the business. It was waaaay too cut-throat for me. Plus I hated what New York was doing to me as a person; I didn’t like the cynicism I was developing. So I decided it was time to get out. I was going to move to Boston as I had friends and family there.
But … a friend of mine (Leslie) asked me to oversee her apartment for the summer while she was out of town doing theatre. She had sublet it to an acquaintance of ours (Rick) and I was collecting his rent and picking up her mail. So I delayed my move to help her out. Rick, it turned out, also was wanting to leave New York, but was intending to go to DC, as he had been with the Washington Ballet in his youth and knew the area. We got talking, and he asked me if I would consider moving down with him in order to share expenses. I didn’t know anyone there except a former roommate of mine. He was working at the Kennedy Center at InstantCharge. So, I called him to see if there was a job at the KC. He said, “YES! Get here now!” And I did.
SGS: What was your first gig here in town?
SC: The Mrs. Foggybottom Show at the Omni-Shoreham Hotel Marquis Lounge. I was with it for 5 years.

SGS: You have been featured in many local productions at many houses. Some of your more notable performances have been at Signature Theatre. What was your first show there?
SC: “Cabaret”. That also happens to be the first “real” show I did in Washington.



SGS: Cabaret may well be the show that you are iconically linked to in this town. When in preparation for this juicy role, what were your inspirations or insights into the Emcee?
SC: I think it goes way back. During the summers of 1972 and 1973, I was hired as a singing waiter at a theme park (Gaslight Village) in upstate New York. The manager of the park also ran a night club (The Tiki Room). After we closed the park at night, some of us were hired to sing at the club. We would sing anything that was “hot” at the time. The movie “Cabaret” came out the summer of ’72 and I leapt on it. I was Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey all wrapped up in a young, fey package, beltin’ out those songs. That’s how I was introduced to the material. As raw as I was, I felt crazily connected to the emotional character of “Cabaret”.
In college, I did the role of the Emcee and did a pretty good replica of Joel Grey in the movie.
But I think it was the “hard” years in New York that made me ready to re-think the role and add the edge that was missing from my previous incarnations. The insight was more as a result of life experience rather than
research. I have found that I am an instinctual performer. I suppose this reflects that notion.

SGS: You are a man of many faces and many disguises. You are almost like the Lon Chaney of DC Theatre, (except much cuter). In almost every show that you are in you have changed your appearance drastically. This comes of course with the territory when you are a character actor, but you take it to astonishing levels. Your burnt and scarred face as Dr. Otternschlag in Grand Hotel comes to mind. As does your ancient old Erronius in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Then of course there was Hot Blades Harry. I seem to recall Bert and Ernie style eyebrows that made me laugh. At any rate, your make up skills are as first rate as your performance skills. Can you tell me a little about these transformations, how long they can take, and what inspires them?


SC: As I said, I have found that I am an instinctual performer. That is how I often approach a role; and that includes what the character will look like. I get a gut feeling for the emotional base of the person I am supposed to embody and how that “base” might reflect how they could appear. I also think it’s important to talk with the director to try to understand his or her vision of the piece before creating a “look”. My appearance is intrinsic to the overall feeling of what they will want to project.
There is no set time on how long it takes. It depends on the materials I use (latex, wax, etc) or don’t use. You mentioned Dr. Otternschlag. His latex “mask” took me about 2 hours to build. It lasted about 10 performances and then I would make another. Hot Blades Harry, on the other hand, was a fast change. I only had about 10 minutes to create the effect I needed.
But I am fascinated with the process of transforming; of becoming another person. To me, it is ultimate way to immerse oneself in a role.

SGS: You have been very active in the cabaret world of late, with the several different incarnations of Naked Cabaret (Emotionally, that is). How did all of that come to be?
SC:Because of the “Mrs. Foggybottom Show”, I became very good friends with our music director, Howard Breitbart. Some of Howard’s best buddies were very involved with cabaret in DC; people like Judy Simmons and Cindy Hutchins. These 2 women eventually became very dear friends with my partner Dan and me. They, in turn, were instrumental in the creation and development of the DC Cabaret Network (under the auspices of an acquaintance, Wendy Lane Bailey).
Because of them, I became a member of the DC Cabaret Network. More recently, through them, I was offered “Naked Cabaret”, as part of the first DC Fringe Festival; not only to perform but to co-direct with Judy Simmons. The following year, Signature Theatre was looking for “acts” as part of their summer series. They contacted Judy Simmons and off we went. After doing the same show at the Arts Club, one of the actresses in the show (Terri Allen) and I got talking and decided it was worth trying to produce it ourselves. So we put up the money and did the show for a month at the Warehouse Theatre. (And if you’ve been keeping track, I produced AND directed AND was in it … I don’t think I will let that happen again). It was a great experience, ‘cause it was a good show with good people … and ain’t that what it’s all about.
I’d like to add, because of my cabaret experience during my formative years as a performer and because of the intimate, emotional immediacy cabaret invokes, I have a special place in my heart for this amazing art form, which, too often gets trivialized.

SGS: You also hold many direction credits in the area. Can you tell me some of the things that you have directed, and how your work as an actor inspires and informs your director's eye?

SC: Around the same time the Network was gaining a foothold, I was also getting “noticed” in DC. Some of the people I had worked with, such as Jane Pesci-Townsend and Sherri Edelen (both from “Foggybottom”) were doing their own one-woman shows. Howard Breitbart was music directing Jane’s show and they decided they needed a “third eye”, so they asked me to come in. Soon after, Howard, this time with Sherri, followed suit and the next thing I knew, I was directing many different cabarets around town. This included a series that began at the DC-JCC as part of the Cabaret Network’s initial thrust into the limelight. Along with Jane and Sherri’s shows, I’ve also directed Will Gartshore, Beverly Cosham and Charles Williams in their one-person performances.
Other projects have been “In the Mood for Love”, “From Ragtime to Ragtime” and “ Forever More… George Gershwin” at the Washington Jewish Theatre; The American Catholic Cardinals’ Convention in Chicago; and most recently “The Great American Songbook” with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. (Can you say music review?)
As an actor cum director, I try to key into what the performer is trying to communicate. Once I understand this, I use my instincts (that word again) to assist them in achieving their goal. I attempt to find the best way to achieve this using the tools I have learned over the years as a performer; whether it be sense/memory or changing the emotional tone or even physical placement. These are the same concepts I use when I am on stage. But ultimately, I feel I am best when I act as an editor; letting them play it out as they feel and then coaxing them into an emotional arc. This process seems to make everyone involved satisfied with the final product.
SGS: You being DC famous (in the theatre realm) also have a partner who is DC famous (in the political world). How long have you two been together, and what is it that he actually does?

SC: (“Famous” … oh, that word! More like infamous!!!)
I LOVE my Danny!!! Dr. Daniel Lee Engeljohn and I will have been together 18 years this Valentine’s Day. And, as you know, “gay” years are like “dog” years, so multiply that number by 6 and we are going on our Diamond Anniversary!!!
Danny is (ready?) the Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Howzat?) What that means is he determines what is safe in the inspection and processing of our meat, poultry and eggs. This covers food borne diseases such as e coli, B.S.E. (mad cow disease) and listeria; determining ways to keep our food products safe. (WAAAAY too much stress for MY way of living!)

SGS: You have overcome many health obstacles in the past years, but have kept on trucking, with always the most positive attitude. It is really astonishing and an inspiration to me and many others. What has been the secret to your strength and positivity? PS- HERE IS A LINK to another good article about Stevie.

SC: Faith.
I am a Christian. I strongly believe in the Love of God and Jesus Christ, my friend and Savior.
(Say THAT in a room full of actors and see the reaction ya get!!!)
But this is my truth! I pray every day to be strong and to have faith and to follow in the light and to be the very best person I can be EVERY day!!! I truly believe that all will be all right, no matter WHAT happens. I have faith that my God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are with me every moment. The strength of that knowledge is what drives me and gives me incredible joy every day.
That’s not to say I falter. I am human and, BOY, am I weak! But each night, I ask for forgiveness and I give thanks for the lessons of the day and I pray to be guided back to the path of light. And if times get tough, I ask Jesus to take my burden from me, and He really does; pure and simple.
I also want to add that the concept of “Christianity” has been usurped by certain organizations that use it to wield power. I don’t judge them because I believe they will eventually discover the truth. And that truth is just what Christ told us, when asked what the greatest commandment is? “The first”, He said, “is Love thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. And the second is like unto it: Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Christianity is about love, not politics.
So, I am strong and positive in God’s Love.
And Faith.

SGS:On a lighter note... Do you recommend to readers that they purchase Candles By Stephen? ;)
SC: Yes, because they are made with love! (And they are beautiful, just like Stephen!)

SGS: Can you tell me one of the funniest moments that you have had on stage?

SC: I was doing summer stock in 1976 at Surflight Summer Theatre in New Jersey. We were doing “Oklahoma”. Because it was summer stock, many of the smaller roles were played by the chorus. One of the chorus boys, who was not exactly the most masculine appearing fella, was playing the sheriff. The scene was at the end of the play when everyone decides Curly is innocent of Judd Frye’s death. The character of the sheriff protests the decision. Aunt Eller is supposed to say, “Hush up. Or I’ll tell your wife you’re runnin’ around with another woman!”. (Even though the sheriff is not.) Instead, the actress mistakenly said, “Or I’ll tell your wife you’re runnin’ around with a man!” (Who knows why.) The poor chorus kid backed himself off stage, hysterical, half laughing, half in shock, shrilly exclaiming, “Wha-ha-ha-ha-ha?!?!!!!?” And it was like when a stone is dropped into a pool of water. The ripple effect was uncontrollable. The people standing closest to them began laughing; followed by the secondary characters a little farther away; followed by the chorus; followed by the audience. It took about 10 minutes to settle everybody down. That night, the sheriff never appeared for curtain call.

SGS: What is in your DVD player right now?

SC: Nothing. I’m way too anal retentive to leave a DVD in the player. It’s not that Danny and I don’t watch movies, but we have “pay-on-demand” through our cable company. We use that service more these days than the DVD. Last night we watched “Once”; a wonderfully quirky little movie musical that came out of Ireland last year. I absolutely loved it.

SGS: What music have you been listening to recently?

SC:“Pink Martini”, a group out of Portland Oregon. And compilations of ‘50’s girl singers (Keely Smith is a favorite)

SGS: Name your favorite actor and actress (film or stage).

SC: Besides Stephen Gregory Smith? Julianne Moore is a favorite; maybe not THE favorite, but a favorite.

SGS: Top 5 favorite movies:

SC: (OY!)
“Cabaret” “Gone with the Wind” “Babette’s Feast” “Peggy Sue Got Married” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
SGS: What are your favorite Musicals/plays?

SC: “Follies” “Nine” “Sweeney Todd” “The Glass Menagerie” “Bent” And a favorite theatrical experience: “A Moon for the Misbegotten” on Broadway with Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards.

SGS: Are there any roles that you have not played that you would love a crack at?

SC: Yes (sigh). The craziest one that I know I could do which I will probably never get the chance to is Don Quixote in “The Man of La Mancha”.
I would also like a crack at John Adams in “1776”. I did it in a concert version as part of the reopening of the Museum of American Art, but would love a chance for a full production.
I’m too old for it now, but I would have loved to have done Guido in “Nine”.
And the title role in “Sweeney Todd”.

SGS: What is your favorite thing about the DC theatre community?

SC: My perception is that there is a sense of “we are all in this together” to create the very best product that can be produced. In New York, I was very aware of people and producers doing work solely out of vanity or greed or for some self-serving purpose. And even though one sometimes comes across that here (we’re all human, after all), for the most part, DC theatre seems to reflect the ultimate goal of bringing people together to create art. I love that.

SGS: If you could change one thing about the DC Theatre Scene, what would it be?

SC:Well … 2 things. (And I am just speakin’ my honest view here y’all).
Many theatres tend to use the same actors. And I certainly have been the recipient of that generous concept. But sometimes (and I mean sometimes) it makes it a bit difficult for the actor to experience another venue where they might be able to expand their repertoire; stylistically, I mean.
And, with the need to appeal to larger and larger audiences, local theatres are increasingly casting out-of-town talent. Many times, the in-town talent pool is rich enough to be able to fulfill those casting requirements; especially in supporting roles. I realize “new blood” or a “name” can energize the buzz in a production, but I would hope that looking locally can continue to be a priority when casting.

SGS: You have a lovely day job. And because of you, I have one too. What is your favorite thing about working at TICKETplace?

SC: Oh, Lordy! The flexibility, of course! What other job in DC affords an actor the time they need to rehearse and perform, without any repercussions? Our boss, Michael Kelley (46), is a wonderful, generous man. When we have to leave for rehearsals during the day, he works it into the schedule. And when we have time free, we can come in to pitch a hand and get some income. He is just great!
I also love being constantly exposed to what is going on around town theatrically. It helps keep ones’ finger on the “pulse” of Washington theatre.

SGS: What have been some of your favorite shows to perform in?

SC:Have we mentioned “Cabaret”? (hmmmm…) Being in “Sweeney Todd” at the Kennedy Center as part of the Sondheim Celebration was a great honor. (It was especially exciting when Stephen Sondheim hung out in my dressing room one day between shows!!!) I loved doing “Pacific Overtures” at Signature because it was with an entire cast of friends. “Taking Sides” at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore was a joyous experience because of the generous management company and because I was able to push my boundaries as an actor. And “My Night with Reg” (Actors’ Theatre of Washington at the Church Street Playhouse), because I loved the character I played.

SGS: What is a little known fact about you that most people don't know?

SC:Other than Regis Philbin and I are cousins? (Everyone knows that by now.)
In 1972, I and my family became homeless for a few months.

SGS: Rumor has it that you are the inspiration for a character in a very famous Broadway show. What is the truth to that, and what is your special connection to that show?

SC:(Where do you get these questions?) When the musical “Avenue Q” first came out on CD, friends began coming up to me to tell me that one of the puppet characters sounded just like me. Then, people who saw the show started telling me that this same character, named Princeton, reacted and LOOKED like me. Well, the actor manipulating that puppet is a sweet man named John Tartaglia.
Back (again) in my “Foggybottom” days, the second music director, after Howard Breitbart, was a very talented man named Bob Tartaglia. Bob and his wife, Connie, and their family became good friends with Danny and me. In the years that Bob was doing the show, often, his young son, John would come to the show and hang out in the dressing room. Despite his youth, Johnny and I got to be good buds. I guess it was because we both were outcasts in school (his, due to a fascination with puppetry). During John’s teenage years, we used to talk a lot about life and goals. Anyway, he was a good kid who liked my sense of humor.
It was THAT John Tartaglia who was doing “Avenue Q”. When I saw the show, I told him what people had been telling me. And I asked him if he had based the character on me? He said not consciously, but … he felt maybe, after watching me all those years at “Foggybottom”, he might have been subconsciously influenced by my performing style.
I always felt I moved like a puppet.

SGS: Have you ever been on Crank Yankers?

SC: I had never HEARD of “Crank Yankers”. Yet one night, I got the weirdest phone call. I don’t even remember what the gist of the call was all about, but it seemed to me that the person on the other end of the phone was inSANE!
About a week later, I was flipping channels on the television when I came across said program. And the more I watched, the more I got a feeling of “recognition”. And then, out of the blue, the dialogue from the call that had been made to me came on. Now, they didn’t use me (thank goodness!), probably because I hung up on them early in the call, but some poor schmo got on the air.

SGS: What words of advice/wisdom would you give to those just starting out in this business?

SC: Know thyself. Be very aware of what your true strengths are and use them to the fullest. What is it you do better than anyone else? Don’t try to be a dancer if you can’t move … at least when you are starting out. (When you get famous, they’ll let you do anything!)
Also, be yourself!!!!!!!! People can pick up on forced behavior in a second. Show them exactly who you are. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Honesty is very marketable.
Don’t be afraid of rejection. It comes with the territory. I realize it makes it worse if you are doing what you do well AND are being yourself AND you still don’t get the job. You have to remember there are SO many mitigating circumstances you don’t know about that can affect casting.
That said, if you continue to be confident in what you do best, and if you are able to project your true self, you will ultimately do well.

SGS: Where can audiences look to see you performing next?

SC: ”Kiss of the Spiderwoman” at Signature Theatre. I am playing the (sadistic) Warden.

Thanks for your honesty and wonderful answers, Stevie! You can get tickets to Kiss of the Spiderwoman HERE right now!
Goodnight, all!
SGS

In the Shoes of...Matt Bogart

Matt Bogart had been an inspiration to me since the first time I saw him perform, in Miss Saigon. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to watch him perform in many other shows, and have had the wonderful experience of working with him several times, first in 110 in the Shade at Signature Theatre, then in Damn Yankees at Arena Stage.
If you don't know Matt at all, I want you to know that he is probably the sweetest man you will ever meet. He ain't hard on the eyes, neither.
:)
Everyone should be in love with Matt Bogart. Men, women, dogs, cats, machinery.
Sorry...off the point.
He is working on a new musical called ACE right now with new wife, Jessica Boevers.
I caught up with him on the phone for several hours the other night, and here are the details...





SGS- How did you and I first meet?
MB- Let's hold a few secrets close to our hearts, shall we?

SGS-*blush* Ummm...of course..{clears throat}...our first show together was 110 in the Shade at Signature Theatre. I think that Starbuck {Bogart} and Jimmy {moi} had a very "special" relationship. Don't you think that we brought that to the table?


MB- Yup! Brokeback Mountain had nothing on us. I'm waiting for Brokeback the musical to really launch our careers to the next level...and then Fred Shiffman can come to watch us 6 times. Honestly, I respect you and your work ethic so much, Stephen, because you're up for anything and you make the work so much fun and collaborative. I think our Jimmy and Starbuck were tired of people in the world trying to make them less of the men they strove to be. They shared the same loneliness and it naturally brought them to side with each other as friends, just as we are...friends...and I just can't quit you.

SGS-{unbuttons top buttons}..ummm..so....Side Show at Signature. I saw that show 3 times! Tell me a little bit about working on that show...


MB- All I can say: Joe Calarco is a genius. I felt very lucky to have performed the role of Terry, a role considered to be outside of my age range at the time, along side Will Gartshore who played the role of Buddy, and with an extremely talented ensemble of mostly DC actors. Joe is one of the most gifted and visionary directors that I have ever worked beside. I was continually intrigued and fascinated by his choices for the show. He was most brilliant at striking that beautiful balance between allowing his actors to invent and feel ownership of their characters yet guiding them to clearly express his perspective of the story.

SGS-When I first saw you perform, (Tour of Miss Saigon), you were instantly a role model of mine...I SO respect your work, and doing 110 with you was one of the highlights of my career. When the Helen Hayes nominations came out that year, and Matt was NOT recognized for his touching Starbuck, I was very sad. He was nominated for his luscious Lancelot in Camelot at Arena Stage...I felt that Lancelot should have been considered a leading actor role, not supporting...Dunno...and it was you as Lancelot, nominated beside me, Tom Simpson, Harry Winter, and Jim Moye from 110...(also Michael Forrest from 1776)...I love all the other men, besides Jim Moye the tool bag (just kidding, Jim...I love you too....tool) and it was almost awkward to see everyone at the party afterwards, but Matt Bogart was so gracious and congratulatory to me...it touched me. I guess this is not a question, but me saying to the readers what an amazing guy you are in real life. I still am a little bit pouty that you were not nominated for your dreamy Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, but hey. I know, nominations, nominations, blah, blah. Awards ceremonies sometimes strike me as oddly structured and unfair. Squares versus triangle vs circles...


MB- Thanks for your sweetness, and I do want to address this question/comment: Jim Moye is a complete toolbag...and we love him. Beyond that, you rightly deserved to have been awarded recognition for your work as Jimmy in 110 in the Shade. To my mind, award ceremonies should simply acknowledge those who attempt to do work outside their own boxes, push boundaries, and specifically, the Helen Hayes Awards, should highlight local talent responsible for that bravery. Unfortunately, awards ceremonies are now advertisements for the actors, the numerous theatres, and the industry itself.


It's important that we continue to do the work for the purest of reasons and not to get carried away with receiving praise to float our egos. The work should stay focused, not to be aimed towards attaining award recognition or the work runs the risk of becoming static and ceasing to be honest, artistic or story driven. Without question, I'm thrilled to be recognized for my work but, moreover, I'm just happy to be part of DC's wonderfully rich theatre community.

SGS-Well said...{lets hair down and lowers eye glasses-ala Brooke Sheilds, circa 1987}...Tell me about your wife...


MB- She's foxy, talented, hilarious, and cute as a button. All this at first glance, but to me she's one of my oldest and best friends-my true companion. A woman who will disarm you with her beauty, her wit, and her attentive heart. Oh, yeah, she's also an incredibly versatile actress and singer who I've witnessed successfully direct two very difficult plays.

SGS-{Rebuttons top buttons}...How did you meet?

MB- We met in college at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, but we didn't date until after we had graduated and lived in NYC for many years.

SGS-{leans forward}-You were featured on the infamous Times-Square Jockey Broadway Ad...how was that shoot?


MB-Mr. William Ivey Long was the costume designer for the shoot and he had originally drawn me to be wearing Jockey boxer shorts. However, when I showed up for the shoot, he had other garments in mind, since he had time to rummage through the upcoming season's underwear choices. In the midst of the excitement of the shoot, I lost my inhibitions and agreed to wear a very skimpy Jockey jock strap type underwear. My grandmother, Chloveta, came to NYC to see me perform in Miss Saigon, and we took her to Times Square where you couldn't ignore the billboard. She looked up and said, "That's really neat. However, if you took anymore off, it would become a completely different thing all together."

SGS-Indeed.....Um...You have 2 CD's out. How and why did you decide to record these? PS, they are really fantastic CD's, everyone...

MB-I've always wanted to be a recording artist. In college I was always taken with the musical theatre voices of David Carol, Brent Barrett, and Anthony Warlow. I fell in in love with the big baritone, 11 o'clock songs that told story, possessed great meaning and resonated with me. I made mixed tapes (I'm showing my age) of these songs and tried to aspire and assimilate my talent by singing along with these amazing singers.



Eventually, I made contact with a well-established musical theatre record producer, John Yap of Jay Records, and he's been my ticket to becoming a musical theatre recording artist. To date I have 2 solo records, working on a third, 2 original musical cast recordings and I am highlighted on 5 compilation recordings. Hopefully there are a few college students out there singing along with their mixed tapes...CD's, that is.

SGS-When will DC audiences see you again?

MB-I have nothing lined up at this time, but I'm filled with antici....pation.

SGS-What makes you happy?

MB-Hearing the people I love laugh and watching children being themselves.

SGS-Mad?

MB-Disrespectful people and noise, which is all the same to me.

SGS-Dream roles?

MB-Billy in Carousel, Sweeney, George in Sunday, Bobby in Company, Hamlet, Henry V, all of Tennessee William's men including Val in Orpheus, Brick, Stanley, ect.


SGS-I'd make one hell of a Blanche...Last time you were inspired?

MB-Recently, I began writing a novel I've been thinking about for 3 years after seeing the movie Syriana. My novel is not that intensely political but it was perfect to be writing from my apartment in SW, DC with a clear view of the Capitol building's dome. Now that's inspiration...for change, I think.

SGS-Last time you cried?

MB-Simultaneously laughing and crying about becoming married.

SGS-Top 5 films?

MB-The Godfathers, Trainspotting, Southpark, Amadeus, Room with a View.

SGS-Favorite music?

MB-Independent musicians like my brother Kevin Bogart, friends Todd Almond and Katy Pfaffl. They rock and they're trying to share what they've got to say.

SGS-Favorite Musical?

MB-Carousel, by far my favorite.

SGS-What's up next for you?

MB-I'm performing the title role in a new musical called, "ACE", opposite my wife, Jessica Boevers, which is written by Richard Oberacker. Richard had written "The Gospel According to Fishman" which had it's premier at Signature Theatre in Arlington. Including Richard, there are several other U of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music(CCM) compatriots collaborating on the project. Other than that, I'll be figuring out the rest of my life, like everyone else.

SGS-Advice to those young theatre folk, scratching their way up?

MB-Well, I hope no one is scratching but, rather, bounding from one great life/work experience to the next. I loved what Fred Shiffman said in his interview with you, "Find something to fall back on and then find time to fall back on it" (I think that's the quote) because it will enrich your theatre experience and you won't take it for granted. Work your tails off so that when opportunity meets your preparation, you're ready for luck to step in.
All the best.

SGS- Well folks, there you have it. I have to go take a cold shower.
Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did...
Luv,
SGS

In the Shoes of...Stephen Gregory Smith

Since the other men who agreed to the "In the Shoes with..." interview have since forgotten or changed their minds about sending the questions back, or maybe they turned down my interview to chat with Barbara Walters instead...I know that many of you have wondered when the next interview would be, so... my bestest friend in the world, Eleasha Gamble, has decided to turn my questioning eye in on itself and ask me some questions for a change. Why not. What do actors do best, but talk about themselves. So, Here it is...a bunch of things that you all probably already know...


Eleasha- When did you know that you wanted to do theatre as a career?

SGS-Around my senior year of high school, when I knew my math scores were too low for me to go into Meteorology, which I was looking at Millersville University for. If I wasn't going to be a Meteorologist, I wanted to be a Tornado Chaser...and this was before the movie 'Twister" came out, folks. I had been doing theatre since I was 10, and had just played Joseph in Joseph and the blah,blah coat. I went to see Sam Harris do that role on tour, and he really served as my idol. I bought his CD's and wanted to sound just like him. I also watched James Dean and Marlon Brando movies, and wanted to act just like they did...if I couldn't chase tornadoes, or try to learn to predict them, for that matter, I would be an actor. Seemed the next logical step, right? I reasoned with my mother that actors probably made more than weather men, anyway. heheheheh. *sigh*

EG- How did you meet Matt?
SGS-1st day of school at Shenandoah Conservatory, I was at auditions for Pippin. I went to the restroom as he was coming out of it. He introduced himself to me, and I thought..."Oh my GOD! He is the hottest thing I have ever seen! He had a boyfriend, of course...so we ended up becoming friends for years before we actually ended up together...it was a long process...I believe the fact that we built such a strong friendship is the reason we have been together for so long...he is my best friend. Besides you, of course.



EG- What was you first show?
SGS-Oliver. I was Oliver. I caught the theatre bug hard and never looked back.

EG- Where do you see yourself in five years?
SGS- Eleasha...I don't know where I see myself in 5 minutes...ummm..I don't know...so much is happening with Matt's music that we could be here, could be in NYC, could be in both places...I dunno. One day at a time. All I ever have envisioned of my future life is the hope of a lively career, health, and a cute little Cape Cod style house that happens to have a wrap around veranda with ceiling fans. Is that too much to wish for? ;)

EG- What has been the happiest moment in your life?
SGS- I can think of many. I love seeing Matt happy...it makes me happy...ummm, what else? The first day I got Buddha...but then every moment with him has been happy. Almost. The first time I saw Nevermore performed. Winning the Helen Hayes Award is pretty high up there. Dunno. I would like to think that the happiest moment of my life is still ahead of me. Keeps me moving forward, you know?

EG- Why are dogs so important to you?
SGS-I grew up with 3 dogs at any given time, plus at least 2 cats at any given time. I have always cared for animals much more than people. They are more honest and more trustworthy. Their love is innocent and unconditional. And they are far wiser than any human I have ever met.

EG- Why are you such a picky eater? Did something happen we don't know about?
SGS-After puberty, I started to develop ridiculous allergies to foods that I had always been able to eat, previously. After several hospital trips due to bananas, carrots, ect, I stopped trying. I also have shellfish allergies. I stick to what I know. Someday I hope I will grow up and try something new, but...have you ever had your throat swell shut? It is the most terrifying thing ever. Your own body is so angry at what you ate that it is trying to suffocate you. You can take your carrots...I'll eat a PBJ instead.





EG- What's your dream role?
SGS- I have already done some. Billy in One Red Flower was a dream come true for me. I've already done Jinx in Forever Plaid. Already done Ren in Footloose twice. Would love to do Jo Jo in The Life. Love to be Jamie in Beautiful Thing. Love to be Jimmy in Reefer Madness. Love to be Charlie in Merrily We Roll Along. And I would be a hell of a Hedwig.





EG- What is something most people don't know about you?
SGS-I am usually broke. I recently have considered taking time off or giving up theatre in order to get a job that affords me to pay my bills. So sad, but true. The money I made in theatre used to be enough for me to live on, (along with my day job), but after 8 years of these gas prices and economy, I can't do it much longer. The saddest fact of all is that I am making more than I have ever made for theatre, and it still isn't enough to pay my loans and rent/utilities, ect. I have no credit card debt, because I have no credit cards...I don't trust myself with them. I wish there were artist grants to apply for that I could attempt...but I really wouldn't know what to write anyway. Hmmm. Sorry...tangent.

EG- What's your most embarrassing moment on stage?
SGS- Too many to count. In Assassins, which just closed, one night I sang, "Czolgosh-working man, born in the middle of Wishigan.." Wishigan. It just came out. Don't know why. That's pretty high up there.

EG- What scares you the most?
SGS- Being without Matt. I could never live without him.

EG- Why horror movies?
SGS- Why not? You act like I am the sole human in the world who likes horror movies...I don't know why....as a child I always sympathized with the villains in comic books. I have always liked horror....since the first time I saw "Night of the Living Dead".

EG- If you could be in a horror movie what movie would it be?
SGS- Dunno. Something awful. Hopefully a zombie flick.



EG- How would you want to be killed in a horror movie?
SGS- I wouldn't. I would want to be the quirky kid...the Matthew Lillard type, who survives because he knows so much about horror movies. Or I'd be eaten by zombies, I suppose.

EG-Explain why you have such a fascination with the weather.
SGS- I think I touched on this earlier...Ever since witnessing a tornado at a young age, I was drawn to what I was frightened of. Wanted to understand it, I guess.

EG- When did you come out?
SGS- Hmmm...It was a long process...I said I was gay in high school, but my Mom , at least I think, thought it was a phase. Really my Freshman year of college is when I really had the conversation of, "No, it's not a phase."






EG-Was it difficult to tell your family and friends? Family?
SGS-Yes...but...at a certain point, it becomes a life or death feeling...like if you don't tell everyone and start being who you are that you will suffocate.

EG- If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? Why?
SGS- ummm...? Dunno...I'm not much of a traveler. Ummm...? I love beaches, so probably something involving a beach. I'd love to go to Great Britain. And to France. Some Caribbean Island, maybe. As long as there were things that I could eat, and as long as I didn't get eaten by a shark. Hmm. I loved Gatlinburg Tennessee. I'd love to see New Orleans. And Chicago. And California...although I don't think I could smoke in that state. Vegas was fun. Sorry, I guess my answer is any of the above. I need a vacation in the worst way imaginable.

EG- If you won the lottery tomorrow what would you do with the money?
SGS- Haha. How often do I have this fantasy? Pay off all of my debt...Buy a house, and a new car...a truck, probably. I've always wanted a pick-up truck. Sink the rest into investments.

EG- If God told you that he would answer one question, what would you ask?
SGS- What does he do with his spare time.

Well Stephen there you are, my 20 questions. I went pretty deep with some of them, I know. Hope you like them.
Love,Eleasha

Thanks, Eleasha. Talk to you later.
Luv,
SGS

In the Shoes of...Brad Oscar

In the third installment of my "In the Shoes of..." series, which previously featured Sean MacLaughlin, and J. Fred Shiffman, I recently caught up with our upcoming Helen Hayes Awards host, and nominee for Best Actor in a Resident Musical, Brad Oscar.
I had the pleasure of meeting Brad for the first time at the Helen Hayes auction, this past Fall. We sat next to each other, and as they served legumes and bits of this and that...we confessed to each other that we shared the eating habits of a 10 year old boy...(Chicken, Pizza, Pasta, Burgers). I got SO drunk on the wine, because I only ate a few pieces of strange bread.
I knew we would be friends from that night on.
We had a blast throughout Damn Yankees at Arena Stage. He and I frequently joked about all sorts of things backstage. Brad is the kind of man who when he is laughing, you can't help but laugh too.
Here is our chat...

SGS-How did you get your start in show business?

BO- My first professional gig was in 1977 when I auditioned and was chosen to be a "correspondent" for a weekly local show on Channel 4, NBC, called "The New Place". I did movie reviews and entertainment related stories for the younger demographic, being all of 12 myself. I got my AFTRA card, and my first paycheck.

SGS- Do you remember going to see much DC theatre growing up? If so, what?

BO- TONS. My parents loved the theater, so the exposure was there early on. One of the first productions I saw was "Raisin" at Arena. And then, through friends, my parents got to know the head usher at the Opera House, and from then on, we got walked in to anything playing there. I saw so much, many shows more than once. I loved seeing tryouts, how they would work and change a show to try to make it better. It usually didn't work. I refer to "Platinum", "Carmelina", "Oh, Brother!", "Rex". But there was also "42nd Street", "Sophisticated Ladies", and many more that did succeed. I'll never forget seeing "Amadeus" tryout at the National, an amazing production. And when "Sweeney Todd" began it's tour at the KC, I saw it once a week for the entire run. Oh, and yes, I'm gay.

SGS- What actors inspired you growing up?

BO- So many. Both on stage and screen. I can't even begin to single out, and I don't have one or two favorites like most people seem to. And then there were the adults I worked with as a child, some of whom inspired me greatly.

SGS- What took you to NYC, and how did you get started there?

BO- I had visited the city often from the age of 13 on, with my family and later on my own, and I always knew I wanted to live there, after college. And I got started waiting tables.

SGS- Tell me a little about working on The Producers. You started as Franz
Liebkind, and ended up as Max Bialystock...how long were you involved with
the show?

BO- I was involved from the start, though cast only two weeks before rehearsals began. Originally I was a swing, because I covered 7 people, but when I took over as Franz, I only continued to cover Max, and was a second cover for Roger DeBris (I never went on for Roger).


SGS- Which was your preferred role?

BO- Well, Franz is a blast, but Max is the shit. I mean, you can't ask for anything more in a character man role. And they won't let me play Mame.


SGS- Tell me about your ground-breaking performance as Motel the Tailor in
Fiddler on the Roof at the JCC...

BO- Yes, legend has it that in the summer of 1977, I sang onstage for the first time, did my first full musical at the JCC in Rockville. They still talk about it. How I "unbalanced" the show, as it should be about Tevye, not Motel.

SGS- SO we just closed Damn Yankees about a month ago...how has life,
post-Yankees been treating you?



BO- Just lovely, thanks. For the first time in a long time (like 10 years), I am unemployed, auditioning, and really appreciating the down time. Seeing friends and getting back and forth to DC for Panda visits and such. I feel like the next chapter of my professional life (which is so personal anyway) has begun, after 5 years with The Producers, and the 5 before that pretty much with Jekyll & Hyde.

SGS- What was, for you, the best part of the process of Damn Yankees? (
besides our "Joe...there's been an accident" moments in vom 4)?

BO- I LOVED being back in the rehearsal room. The whole exploration thing, especially with Molly who aces it. All the possibilities, the questions, the unknown, working with new actors, some with large nipples, it was really a great process. And then, it was so wonderful to play a delicious role that didn't bust my ass 8 times a week!


SGS- What would one find you doing on any typical given afternoon?

BO- It would depend if I was working or not. If so, ideally, going to the gym (I can hear the peals of laughter...), deciding what to eat for dinner, as I like to eat by 5, and showering. If I'm not working, there is no typical afternoon.

SGS- What fills your time when theatre is not doing so?


BO- I'm a sports whore. So I love watching (even better, going to) football, baseball and sometimes basketball. And yes, I'm still gay.


SGS- After seeing so many shows at Arena growing up, how was it to return to
DC to do a show there?


BO- Fantastic, and very special. I have wanted for so long to work in DC, and missed out years ago when I left the Aspects of Love tour, and then the OTHER national company of The Producers played the KC. But it was even sweeter to do it at Arena, as it was a place I respected and admired so.



SGS- What's in the pipeline for you?

BO- I am hopefully going to the Cape Playhouse on Cape Cod in June to do a PLAY! Very excited about that, to get back "on to text" and have that process.

SGS- What makes you mad?

BO- Hate, indifference, Bush, most reality shows.

SGS- What makes you happy?


BO- Love, opportunity, candy corn.


SGS- You and I share similar eating habits...a fact that we both happily
discovered at the Helen Hayes Auction...would you like to share with the
class? (PS-I was SO damn hungry after that dinner at the Auction...I think I
ate 2 hard rolls, and that was about it. The wine didn't help)..

BO- Stephen, the chicken was fine, even I ate it. Yes, I still have many of the eating habits of a 5 year old, but my primary issue is fish. I do not eat from the sea, and if pressed, will claim that I will die if I eat it. That's when it helps to be in the theater.


SGS-When does The Producers movie come out on DVD...soon, right? Oh, PS
folks, Brad is a taxi driver in the film...unfair? Yes, but a sad reality of
Hollywood...


BO- I think it's out in May. I will have to see it again, as it was impossible to be objective the first time. I still can't believe what a bomb it was.


SGS- Top 5 movies...

BO- In no particular order, Willy Wonka, Heaven Can Wait (1978), Arthur, Reds, and, of course, Mommie Dearest.


SGS- Favorite music?


BO- I'm a musicals whore. And jazz, smooth jazz.


SGS- Favorite actors...

BO- Albert Finney, Ian McKellan, Oliver Platt, Matt Bogart...

SGS- Actresses?


BO- Meryl Streep, Blythe Danner, Patricia Clarkson, and others I will think of after I've sent this and say "Shit, I forgot Chita Rivera!" or whoever.


SGS- Last time you considered a life in the clergy versus being an actor...

BO- Um, never.

SGS- Last thing that stopped you in your tracks...


BO- Being asked about a life in the clergy.


SGS- Advice to anyone starting out in this scary business....


BO- Stay in the moment, force perspective, and remember that life is about more than your chosen profession.

Thanks, Brad. I can't wait to see you at the Helen's.
Luv,
SGS

In the Shoes of...J. Fred Shiffman

For those who are privileged to know, J.Fred Shiffman is DC royalty. He is a tourist attraction in this town, having been a staple of amazing theatre here since the early 80's.
Here is his official Bio: "J. Fred Shiffman last appeared at Arena Stage as Carpenter 1 in Molly SmithÂ’s production of Sarah RuhlÂ’s Passion Play, a cycle. Most recently he appeared as Johnny The Priest in Anna Christie, Jabe Torrance in Orpheus Descending, Merlyn in Camelot, Walter Abrahmson in An American Daughter and Captain Brackett in South Pacific. His Arena credits go back two decades, and he has appeared frequently at D.C.Â’s Studio Theatre. He played Bottom in A Midsummer NightÂ’s Dream at San DiegoÂ’s Old Globe, and recorded Barefoot in the Park with Laura Linney and Eric Stoltz for L.A. Theatre Works. He is the recipient of eight Helen Hayes Award nominations, and has twice been presented with the award. He is currently an Affiliated Artist at Arena Stage, and a member of ActorsÂ’ Equity for over two decades."

I have had the Priveledge of getting to know him through Damn Yankees at Arena Stage, and we have formed a gorgeous friendship ever since.
Continuing my men's interview series, "In the Shoes of"...I give you the definitive J. Fred Shiffman interview...

SGS- So how did you get started in this business that we call show?

JFS- I was dragged, kicking and screaming, by dear friends from college. Seems I was a funny guy with a knack for improvisation.

SGS- Where did you get your first big break ?


JFS- I've had a few "big breaks". Putting together some quirky comedy sketches and songs got us to New Playwright's Theatre (now Church Street Theater) and that started it all in 1977. Then Zelda Fichandler and Doug Wager saw me in a musical there, brought me to Arena Stage, bought me my Equity Card and I've worked there, almost exclusively, since 1981. Then, while performing my nightclub act ("An Evening Without Liza Minelli") with Tim Grundmann and Dana Vance, we were "discovered" by three agents from William Morris, signed the next morning, and had a good run doing sketch comedy in NYC.

SGS- Tell us about your experiences at the Church Street theatre doing new
and experimental musicals...

JFS-Not unlike the film, The Big Chill, I emigrated to D.C. with my theater friends from West Virginia University. We were somehow brought to the attention of Harry Bagdasian and Ken Bloom, who were running New Playwright's Theatre. We met with them and, comically enough, they hired us! I say comically because they thought we had a show to produce and we thought they had a show for us to star in. Needless to say, we all had to get to work and throw something together. That was a review called "Sirocco"....it was very successful and spawned "Bride of Sirocco", another review. After that, Ken Bloom talked our writer, Tim Grundmann, into attempting his first book-musical. That was "Nightmare", then "Out to Lunch", "Eddie's Catchy Tunes"....the list goes on. Brad Oscar was a high school student from the Burbs who discovered our particular brand of humor there...maybe he can chip in here.....

SGS- What has been your favorite show or theatrical experience that you have
been involved in?

JFS- That's tough after 30 years in the biz! Much of my work with Sarah Marshall @ The Studio Theatre comes to mind....certainly Molly's musicals @Arena, and probably the three days I spent with Laura Linney and Eric Stoltz performing and recording "Barefoot in the Park".
...

SGS- Typically, when not onstage or at your day job, what could one find you
doing in your spare time?

JFS- Cooking, uhm...cooking...uh...did I already mention cooking? Other than that, gardening, playing piano......

SGS- You seem to be in very tip-top physical shape...how do you maintain
this?

JFS- I guess pills/liquor/cigarettes...I dunno....maybe diet and exercise. I run and play tennis and was given a good metabolism. I still have 31" waist pants...just like when I entered the seventh grade!

SGS- When was the last time you were inspired by something?
JFS- Honestly, when I saw Matt's "Nevermore". Prior to that, six viewings of Brokeback Mountain.

SGS- What breaks your heart?

JFS- Injustice...of any kind. It's the Libra in me, I reckon!


SGS- What is something that not many know about you?

JFS- I'm an extremely introverted extrovert.

SGS- When is the last time you cried?

JFS-Let's see...it's March 11th. I guess after my last viewing of Brokeback.

SGS- Top five favorite movies...

JFS- Gee....Brokeback/Seven Beauties/Female Trouble/Schindler's List/Casablanca

SGS- What music have you been listening to lately?


JFS- Gwen Stefani/Coldplay/Brokeback Soundtrack/Blackeyed Peas/Dusty Springfield (forever)......

SGS- Favorite actors?

JFS-Geez.....Ralph Fiennes/Ian Merrill Peakes(sp?)(from those Folger shows)/ Ed Gero/Giancarlo Giannini

SGS- Actresses?

JFS- Judy Dench/Kathy Bates/Divine/Cherry Jones/Laura Linney

SGS- What makes you happy?

JFS- food/friends/wine

SGS- Turn-offs?

JFS- liars/traffic/Right Wing Christians/

SGS- A simple truth that you have learned?

JFS- " do unto others....."

SGS-Advice to those just starting in this business?
JFS- Have something to fall back on...and find time to fall back on it. It's restorative.

Thanks, Uncle Karmine...I will see you soon.
G'Night, all...
Luv,
SGS

In the Shoes of...Sean MacLaughlin

Ok, folks...I have deleted my Daddy entries on this blog...I just couldn't deal with scrolling down and being saddened by it. He is much better, and awaiting test results at home. That is that. Thanks for the prayers. And now for something completely different. A new interview series...
The first in my men's interview series focuses on my good buddy, Sean MacLaughlin. Signature audiences remember him from Grand Hotel, The Gospel According to Fishman, Follies, The Rink in Concert, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and the original reading of One Red Flower. He has appeared locally at the Kennedy Center, and many other places. He left our fair city for the bright lights of NYC to do Bombay Dreams, The Woman in White, and the soon to open Lestat. I caught up with the man who I consider a very dear friend of mine recently, and here are the spoils...


SGS-Sean...tell the folks at home how we first met, and the story behind it...

SM- So I am this kid right outta college, I haven't even moved from home yet- I am still at the teet - I am on my way from DC to New York for a Signature Theatre audition. Marsha, the beautiful lady from the theatre, told me that 2 other guys from Signature were going to be on my flight. I swear to GOD, the first guy was Simon from American Idol. We talked for a bit- well, he talked and I listened. It was cool, but It was friendly banter.


Next there was this guy who wore safety pins in his shit and pants and had spikey hair- and his svelte boyfriend... Steve. I knew I would like Stephen because he looked as nervous as I was. My nerves came from fear of auditioning and his came from flying. We made a perfect pair. All three of us talked for about 10 minutes and then we boarded the plane. Although we weren't all next to each other in the flight, Steve and I were connected by something greater: Musical Theatre.
While waiting for take off, I put my $2 headphones on and clicked through the channels on the armrest. Once I found the best channel in the plane (that wasn't Yanni, yo-yo Ma, or Joni Mitchell) I turned around and screamed because the music was so loud and I'm a tool, "Steve!! Turn it to channel 13!" I thought he might appreciate it.... even if it was playing the whole CD of Robert Goulet's "Camelot". From that day we were the best of friends. We finished that audition, got to the airport bar- drank, got on the plane, drank, got off the plane and went to Cap City... and Drank more. Those were Good times. I still don't remember how I got home from DC to Petersburg, VA that night...Thanks R. Scott.





SGS-When preparing for your role as Eric, front desk in Grand Hotel, how did you try to get the feeling of a straight man getting hit on by a sinister gay man? {Rhona-played by the very straight Tom Simpson}...I mean...I can't imagine that has ever happened to you before??

SM- I went to alot of Leather bars...






SGS-We were doing Grand Hotel during 9/11. Where were you on 9/11?


SM- R. Scott and I went to New York for an Audition 9/10. We woke up the next morning to the news - and it was a really strange feeling- even though this terror was going on about 90 blocks away, no one in the area of 96th and Lex knew what was going on. Not to mention I couldn't even call family and friends to tell them we were alright, because the phone towers were down.

It is funny when tragedy hits- you think the strangest things... I thought- Oh God -- we're going to miss the show tonight.
Messed up.
The GW Bridge opened that night and we were able to leave at 9pm. Driving out of the city we saw the fires of the towers, driving into Arlington, we saw the smoldering Pentagon. It was one hell of a night.


SGS-Do you remember the talk back we had with the audience on September 12th?


SM- IT was was wonderfully Strange. After the previous day, I was surprised that people would still show up for a show. They came to escape. Randomly, I can't remember, but I think it was set up to be a show talk back. It turned into this roundtable discussion... a forum to vent about anything that just happened. It was extremely cathartic. That cast and show was phenomenal not JUST because it was a brilliant piece of work, but because of that day.



SGS- What was the best part of working on Follies at Signature?
Photo of Will Gartshore, Tracy Olivera, Sean, and A.K. Brink)


SM- Geez, what wasn't. We were packed into that theatre like rats- we loved each other so much- the show was amazing - the loved flowed like wine... wow that sounds so gay.

The love and relationships that were created from that show will last forever... I feel like I have another mom (Flo)... and it is one of the best productions I have ever been a part of...
But, I would have to say the best part was smoking on stage. The show was fantastic and I was lucky to be able to play that part. Young Ben was a FUN role- BUT- I always wanted to smoke on stage and that was a first... until people got sick from the smoke...



SGS- Any special memories from The Rink in concert? I thought you were particularly good in that part...not that you weren't in any others, but, you know.



SM- Favorite memories -Lynn Filusch- she Rocked the house with all her stuff - Eleasha Gamble- Sang- she didn't sing- she sang. But - my special memory is performing that show in that space. It was freeing and God that music is incredible... Being able to sing Not Enough Magic and Blue Crystal out there is a memory I have striven to re-enact. Least Favorite memory- Mosquitoes


SGS-Tell me your memories from the DC Sniper attacks...

SM- I drove a white van with ladder racks. I didn't drive that week because my accelerator pedal broken and I was waiting for a new on to come in the mail. Even if my car wasn't broken- I wouldn't drive that POS around- I don't want the cops yanking me out and putting a gun to my head just to check the van (Yeah-they did that). Since I was Car-less, Steve would take me out to go over to his place- or he would come over to mine and make t-shirt prints and download music...we're geeks. Whenever we left the apartment or house- we would run for cover. You would think that we were in the middle of freekin' dessert storm. We were in the parking lot of Giant and we ran from his car into the store (not in a straight line- you have to zig-zag so the bullet doesn't hit you). People in the stores were laughing at us, but even if we look like ninnys- we weren't getting shot.


The day after the sniper was caught- I fixed my van, drove to Stephen's old place and scared a bunch of people in the neighborhood with my white van with ladder racks... I think I saw somebody running in a zig-zag pattern into the woods.



SGS-We could discuss A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum...but...should we?



SM- ...Wasn't Floyd Brilliant...



SGS-And where were you on the morning of December 5th, 2003?


SM- Wow, It really was that long ago. Asleep on the pleather couch in your old house. The night before we were prepping for Buddah's B-day and after all the prep I crashed furiously in the living room. I had a dream about Mattie burning newspapers and the woke up to the sound of Steven Yelling my name. I could go into details, but 3 things I will always remember the most from that morning- 1) The tone def girl on the TODAY show waking you up. 2) you screaming at howler Monkey levels "HURRY (pause) MY HOUSE IS ON FIRE!" While I am on the phone with 911. 3)Me trying to fill a cracked up holey trashcan with water. We still have to talk to the today show and get that girls # for saving our lives and call 911 for a recording.

You know as terrible as that day was, so many wonderful things came out of it.




SGS-We have been through SO MANY tragedies together, yet so many fantastic times. Yet you've still never made a pass at me. Explain this in detail...{just kidding, Matt}-Umm...Go on, Sean...

SM- Whenever I stay over (which is alot) I go downstairs and watch you sleep... it's better that way...



SGS- Can you tell me of your greatest role of all, starring alongside Tracy Olivera, myself, R. Scott Thompson, Matt Conner, and Ryan Dean in the motion pictures, Snuff Film, and Crazy from the Heat...


SM- It was a hard nights work. Murder- my poor drunken improv skills - Mystery - and skin...Ito. I would say my finest work- but- out shone by Tracy's Devo moment.


SGS- So then you were a punk and moved to NYC, and have done like..what 3 Broadway shows already? And what were they...Carrie the Musical, PrettyBelle the musical, and By Jeeves? Was that it?

SM- Nice. Yes- 2 Webber's 1 John -sounds like a porn. BUT Lestat is going to be Awesome. We had a run through today and I got chills- not just because of the piece, but because I thought- wow- I am in a show that has LOTS of Potential and is FANTASTIC!.



SGS- I'm totally kidding, and you know that...I am so proud of you for having the courage to go up there and take things by the balls. You big Tool. What music have you been listening to...(besides Lestat)..

SM- Mostly James Blunt, Gavin Degraw, John Legend, Kanye West, and Skid Row... Yeah I said it.



SGS-What geeky and nerdy place did we go to a few years back where your brother was seriously considering banging a woman old enough to be his Mother?

(Photo of Sean's brother,Matthew, me and Sean with the 3 ladies of the film The Evil Dead)
SM- We went to the Horror Find Weekend Horror Convention. I am damn proud of that and I am pissed I missed the passed 2 years. Matthew (my bro) goes every year and still wants Barbara{Judith O'Dea from "Night of the Living Dead"} - just for bragging rights. The Year we all went- Tracy Lords was there. "When I tell people I went to the horror convention and Tracy Lords was there" - they think I am saying - "I went to the Whore convention and Tracy Lords was there." It makes sense though. What the hell was she doing there anyway?

SGS-OK..here is the faggoty James Lipton-esque section of the interview...Favorite musicals?


SM- A New Brain, Sweeney Todd, The Last 5 Years, Nevermore, Side Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, One Red Flower, The Full Monty
SGS-Dream roles?

SM- Cannibal King in Side Show, Gordo in New Brain, Jamie in Last 5 Years, Jesus or Judas, Roger in Rent, Tommy, The Father in Full Monty
SGS-Favorite role you have done...

SM-Cain/Japheth in Children of Eden SGS- What makes you happy?

SM- Being with my friends and family and watching them all get along- knowing that I brought people together

SGS-What makes you angry?

SM- Bad Drivers- I am a nice guy- until I am behind the wheel.
(Photo of Sean, Buddha and Leslie, Sean's Girlfriend)


SGS- What makes you horny?

SM- Ci Ci's Pizza

SGS-Favorite movies(top 5)-

SM- Swingers, Old School, Stewie the untold Story, The Great Escape, GodFather 2

SGS-Advice to those just starting in the business?

SM- First- don't get in this if it is for the recognition. Do it for the art and know that you are not the best ever- you always have room to learn. Second - Don't rush into some big move to New York until you are ready. Move with contacts, move with a job- but don't move alone and with out a union. And finally--If you aren't in DC already, move to DC. The best thing that ever happened to me was living in DC for 3 years. Not only did I make the best friends anyone could ever have, I got the best training anyone could ever get. I learned from the best... (ie: Signature, Sherri Edelen, etc) The theatres in DC are amazing and you won't find anywhere else that has better taste or selection... I am where I am because of the arts community in DC and Virginia. I miss everyone and everything there and I hope to one day soon get back home and perform.

SGS-Alright, knuckle head. Go memorize..Love and miss you much. To see a clip of the Lestat rehearsal process, click here. You'll see ol' tooley MacLaughlin singing and drinking coffee. Funny stuff.
Lestat- Opening Previews: March 25th; Opening: March 25th at the Palace Theatre. Click here for tickets.