Still Standing
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Maurice J. Moran
September 23, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Production Stage Manager.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
I had a literal "I can do that!" (as in A Chorus Line) moment when I was in high school and saw a play. I had tried athletics but my short legs kept me from being a track star. I auditioned for the next high school play and got a part! I was hooked. I have since been involved with educational, community, and professional theatres for 40 years and counting.
If this is your first appearance in United Solo -- why did you want to be part of this festival?
I have worked with "Still Standing" in a variety of capacities in previous productions. When I heard that Ms. Hollander had her show accepted as part of the festival, I practically begged her to let me be involved once again.
Do you think the audience will talk about your show for 5 minutes, an hour, or way into the wee hours of the night?
I believe they will talk about this show way past the wee hours. Anita's honesty in its writing and presentation, her humor, her firm belief in "the joy of being alive" make this show one worth thinking about, talking about, and spreading the word about for a very long time.
Which “S” word best describes your show: SMOOTH, SEXY, SMART, SURPRISING?
Probably surprising. I'm not sure what one expects from a show about losing a limb to cancer. Fun? Moving? Inspirational? Surprise! It is all that and more.
Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?
When the Greeks perfected tragedy, the desired result was catharsis - a cleansing of emotions that are then replaced with something new. I believe that good theatre brings about these catharses in some audience members - those willing to risk - and begins societal change one person, one soul, at a time.
