March Madness
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Mike Vogel
October 11, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Playwright.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
When I saw Glengarry Glen Ross. I had one of those "I can do that" moments. Mamet's masterpiece is proof that a play can change your life forever--it did mine!
Who is more important in the theater: the actor, the playwright, or the director?
All are vital, but I believe the answer is the playwright. Without his or her inspiration, there is no director, no actors--and no audience.
How did you meet your fellow artists/collaborators on this show?
I met my director Donald Brenner at one of Broadway producer Ken Davenport's writer-director "speed dates." We hit it off, I asked him to direct my play, Ken selected March Madness to be read at his studio, it went over very well--and here we are at Abingdon, leading off their 20th anniversary season!
Which famous New Jerseyite would like your show the best: Snooki, Bruce Springsteen, Thomas Edison?
Bruce Springsteen would love it for the social commentary, and Thomas Edison would love it because of David Arsenault's lighting design. Snooky wouldn't get it, but would enjoy the profanity.
Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?
The best theater can definitely bring about a change in society, because it makes people think while it touches their hearts__a potent combination that historically has brought about revolutions. When you leave March Madness energized and ready for battle, we'll hand out pitchforks.
