Frank Women
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Cheryl King
September 14, 2012
What is your job on this show?
producer, actor.
What type of theater do you like most to work on?
I like to act or direct new material - plays and solo shows that are passionate, thoughtful, edgy and full of rich character. I really enjoy collaborating on a new play or solo show, finding ways to make the text work.
Who is more important in the theater: the actor, the playwright, or the director?
I believe all three are of crucial importance - but I'll talk about directors, since I am doing so much directing lately. In my opinion, the director is like the mother - you have to nurture, guide, and support, but you also have to provide tough love. You have to have vision, to critique, to be absolutely perceptive, both tight and wide focus, and you have to be extremely articulate. Since these are marvelous qualities to find in any human being, I am very happy that directing requires me to develop them in myself. It's a constant challenge, but an incredibly rewarding one.
In your own words, what do you think this show is about? What will audiences take away with them after seeing it?
In Frank Women, I get to play Frank's mother, playing cards with Frank, and talking about having children, and being proud of him. I hope audiences will see the true camaraderie between the two.
Which famous New Jerseyite would like your show the best: Snooki, Bruce Springsteen, Thomas Edison?
Bruce - because he's all about heart.
How important is diversity to you in the theater you see/make?
It's extremely important. We have a responsibility to illuminate the world, and there are many viewpoints out there. The more viewpoints you examine (and embody as an actor) the greater your humanity, and the greater contribution you can make to the world.
