The Baltimore Waltz
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Monica O'Malley de Castillo
October 11, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Producer/Actor.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
I did a musical in the 5th grade called "The Phantom of the Music Room" and got to play my first big part, Officer Barney. Sure I was supposed to be a man, and sure I sang off key to Chopin, but I loved every minute of it. I began my love affair at that audition (Thanks, Mr. Tranz!) and it's all be downhill since.
Complete this sentence: My show is the only one opening in NYC this fall that...?
will make you laugh, squirm, cry and think. And has multiple stuffed rabbits.
In your own words, what do you think this show is about? What will audiences take away with them after seeing it?
I was once told by a writing professor that all stories are about one of two things: love and death. "The Baltimore Waltz" is about both of those things- loving someone with all your heart and losing them, the joy that comes from someone who makes you truly happy and the grief we must face when they're gone. Our hope is that audiences will walk away with a sense of gratitude to all those who make their lives better, wanting to hug loved ones all around.
People who like which of the following recent Broadway shows would also probably like your show: THE BOOK OF MORMON, ONCE, DEATH OF A SALESMAN, CLYBOURNE PARK?
I think there's something for every (adult) theater-goer in our show, but if I had to pick one it would be "The Book of Mormon" audience. A lot of things come out (beautifully) from left field in our show and enjoying the absurdity will only make it better. Also, laughing at the sacrilege can't hurt.
How important is diversity to you in the theater you see/make?
As a woman, as a Latina, as a self-proclaimed "geek," even as someone a little chubby, diversity is HUGELY important to me in the theater. What we see onstage should reflect the world around us and everyone in it. Anything else is dishonest.
