Spotlight On...Schuyler Beeman

Name: Schuyler Beeman

Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut

Education: Middlebury College Theatre Major, Education Studies Minor

Select Credits: Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Theatre By The Sea, Ivoryton Playhouse

Why theater?: Theatre is the dynamic form of story-telling that I crave to be a part of. Whether onstage, behind the scenes, or in the audience, the challenging nature of theatre is where I want to be - to push society forward to enlightened action and thinking.

Tell us about Schuyler and the Flies: When I wasn't booking any shows, I knew it was time to create my own work (for my sanity's sake, ha!). I did a few solo shows, but I also had friends in the same boat as me. So I made this little group as a way to not only perform with my uber talented friends, but also have a way to see these gals more often. Win win in my book!

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I'm a musical theatre junkie through and through. I was a competitive swimmer for 17 years, and I would listen to selected songs from Ragtime and Lippa's The Wild Party to get me pumped up before races... Yeah, obsessed. I love all kinds of theatre. I'm all in if it pushes boundaries. If it doesn't, then it's not doing what I think theatre should be doing nowadays. I'm a country boy at heart, so living in NYC can be hard. When not on contracts, I work on my best friend's sheep farm in Maryland. It's there that I find clarity and inspiration to come back with the energy a thespian needs. I know this is gonna sound super cheesy, but my friends and my boyfriend are the people who inspire me. I have some wonderful people in my life that don't only support me but challenge me to be better. I like to be challenged, what can I say? Lol.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: I've already played this role, but I'd do anything to be in this show again: Carmen Ghia from The Producers

What’s your favorite showtune?: That's probably the hardest question known to mankind. Well, maybe not mankind, but you understand the effect on me. I'll have to go with what came to mind first: New Music from Ragtime

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Barbra. I plan to have a Barbra bathroom in my dream home, decorated with everything Barbra.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Cheyenne Jackson (15 years ago), "Gullible Gay"

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Kinky Boots, Lady Day, and Once

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Starbucks (Venti Iced Coffee, Unsweetened) and Delivery Chinese Food

What’s the most played song on your iPod?: "The Sight of You" by Grace Weber. Without fail, this song gets me in a better mood.

What’s up next?: I'm continuing working with William Berloni Theatrical Animals, Inc. as one of their dog handlers as well as auditioning and farming when I can.


SEARCHING
a concert with Schuyler and The Flies

What are you searching for?

Date: Monday, May 12th
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: The Cellar at The West End Lounge, 955 West End Avenue at 107th Street and Broadway

To get your reservation, simply email schuyler.beeman@gmail.com), and you’ll be on the list! A reservation doesn’t cost anything, but ensures you a $5 cover charge ($10 without a reservation). There's also a $15 dollar food/drink minimum for the space. Check out their website for their menu: http://www.thewestendlounge.com/

Theater in the Now's Top 5 Tony 2014 Snubs

1) Zachary Quinto for Best Actor in a Play
The Glass Menagerie received critics praise for being an exceptional revival. The Tony nominators honored Cherry Jones, Celia Keenan-Bolger, and Brian J. Smith for their performances but forgot about Zachary Quinto. Though the race was tight, Quinto, who got the Brantley stamp of approval, could have squeaked into the fifth spot.

2. The Realistic Joneses for Best Play
What may have been the most polarizing play of the season, nominators sacrificed daring for traditional. Will Eno's star-studded play couldn't even grab the fifth spot in the newly allowed five play race in the considerably weak season. The aftermath of its lack of inclusion has been quite the buzz, but press is press!

3. Brandon J. Dirden for Best Featured Actor in a Play
The Twelfth Night domination forced a lot of strong performances to be forgotten, one of which was Brandon J. Dirden's turn as Martin Luther King Jr. in All the Way. Perhaps had three out of five nominees not been from the same show Dirden's star turn could have been the sleeper in the category.






4. LaChanze for Best Featured Actress in a Musical 
If/Then was a confusing cacoffiny of a story, but there was a performance that was memorable. And that performance came from LaChanze. Though Idina Menzel's performance was honored, she was usually upstaged most of the time she shared it with LaChanze who brought life and spunk to the show. But for a musical that garnered little love, there was little chance for a LaChanze nomination. 

5. Cass Morgan for Best Featured Actress in a Musical 
This would have been a long shot, but Cass Morgan's performance in The Bridges of Madison County was one of the very few highlights. Cass Morgan brought the perfect amount of heart and comedy to the drama despite her big solo being cut off for the newly icon number of the show.

The Gospel According to...Tara Pacheco

Name: Tara Pacheco

Hometown: Queens, NYC

Education: I went to Columbia University and got BAs in Theater and Psychology

Who do you play in The Mysteries?: I play Noah's Wife, Debbie, and Pontius Pilate's brilliant wife Claudia.

Tell us about The Mysteries: It's Biblical but it's not necessarily religious. The show takes these epic stories that we're all (on some level) familiar with and reframes them in a beautifully human way. They become just strange enough that we have to actively listen and critically engage with them. I think everyone leaves the show with a deeper since of faith - in theater, God, humanity.

Describe The Mysteries in three words: Episodic biblical realness

What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: **Spoilers** I spend about 15 minutes caking on some pretty elaborate geisha make up for Yussef El Guindi's episode "The Conspiracy." Yeah...how's that for wild.

If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: I went to 10 years of Catholic school and I've always thought the man crucified next to Jesus was a pretty amazing character. They have a lovely chat, become friends, and just before he dies he gets told he'll go to heaven.

Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: Kyle Hines. He can build things, and he knows natural remedies, and he's strong.
 
Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: I was having a rough time one day and while on stage in the group Baptism scene Colin Waitt smiled at me and blessed me and I just bust into tears. So I'm thinking that makes him the Messiah...right?

Most likely to become an angel?: Dominique Brillon

Most likely to hear voices in their head?: Peter Sansbury, I've seen his pre-show ritual for our Noah scene.

Who's the most spiritual?: Rebecca Rad.

On the 8th day god said_____: This might be overkill

Are you going to heaven or hell?: I don't think it's that literal. God put's it really nicely in a scene with Adam and Eve in our show: "Only want the things you have. I can have anything and everything. Believe me...it’s Hell."

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: On my days off I am all about Sloth.

What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: Ed's notes.

What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: The angel's music in general and Addie and her base guitar in particular.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: It's actor boot camp. I joke with my friends that I decided not to do grad school this year to get some rest but the universe sent The Mysteries my way instead. Working on this show you really have to stay sharp for 6 hours. It's exhausting but it wouldn't be rewarding otherwise. Many of us have been working on the show for over 4 months and in this process you learn a lot about your limits and how they're much further than you think.

Why should we come see The Mysteries?: All the work, energy, and effort that went into making this show was done for the joy of getting to share it with you. And there will never be anything like it again. Be a part of this magic.

For more on Tara, visit www.tnpacheco.com

Theater in the Now's Top 5 Tony 2014 Surprises

1. A Fifth New Play But Not Musical?
This year was the first for the Tony's, allowing a fifth spot to open up for Best New Play and Best New Musical. Though considered a "weak" year (but don't we say that nearly every year now?), the nominators gave a fifth spot in the Best New Play category and not the Best New Musical, knocking out contenders like Rocky, The Bridges of Madison County, and If/Then.

2. No Nom Land
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart brought everyone's favorite bromance to Broadway in a double bill of Waiting for Godot and No Man's Land. Beyond their newfound Internet trending persona, the duo offered some acclaimed performances yet neither were nominated for Best Actor nor were their shows.




3. Twelfth Night Domination in Best Supporting Actor
Speaking of double bills, the gender-blind Twelfth Night fared much better than Richard III, garnering seven nominations including three in the Best Supporting Actor category for Paul Chahidi, Stephen Fry, and Mark Rylance. Now the question remains: will they wash each other out for votes leaving the door open for Reed Birney or Brian J. Smith?

4. Samuel Barnett Snags Best Actor Nomination
I mean while we're on Twelfth Night, Samuel Barnett snagged a nomination in the hefty category for his turn as Viola knocking out heavy hitters like Denzel Washington and Daniel Radcliffe. Does Barnett have a chance against Walter White himself?










5. Big Names, No Love
With another season of Hollywood types on the Great White Way, some performances were neglected. While Washington, Radcliffe, James Franco, Dule Hill, Zachary Quinto, the entire cast of The Realistic Joneses and many others didn't get recognized, there was shock within the theater community with heavy hitters like Alex Timbers and Sam Gold being left off the Best Director lists.

Spotlight On...Josephine Wheelwright

Name: Josephine Wheelwright

Hometown: NYC

Education: St Ann's School, Yale, The William Esper Studio

Select Credits: Varvara in The Storm, The Abbes in If the Saints Arrive in Germany, several classical roles with the Faux-Real Theatre Company.

Why theater?: The theater demands so much hard work, but at the same time rewards you for every ounce you put in. That’s a lot of satisfaction. Plus it’s so darn fun and so darn good for society. There can be a lot of dissonance between people’s inner and outer realities. Theater’s job is to peek under that hood, which is a great kindness. In my experience, when you’re acting well, you’re engaging all the same qualities it takes to be a good person. Even if the character is despicable and selfish, if you’re doing your job, you’re being honest and open, tuned into your surroundings. It’s not easy doing that, which is why so many people in the world don’t, and are instead closed off from each other. And I imagine it’s why actors have a reputation for going crazy.

Tell us about If the Saints Arrive in Germany: It's an historical play set during the protestant reformation. I was so impressed and flattered when Eric sent it to me. It's bold subject matter that you don't usually see in independent theater. And why not?

What is it like being a part of If the Saints Arrive in Germany?: It’s a blast. Vocal, a lot of singing and laughing. Which is impressive considering it’s a play about 16th century nuns.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Great performances inspire me. Anywhere, anyhow. This year I’ve been inspired by a lot of cross-dressing performances. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen was Samuel Barnett as Viola in Twelfth Night. He definitively expanded my concept of beauty. I’m in love. I also loved Taylor Mac in The Good Person of Szechuan. What’s so cool about Taylor Mac is that he’s like a gentle vacuum. He effortlessly but authoritatively draws your attention and gaze to him. It’s like a super power.
 Otherwise I would have to say I like theater that has a little something off about it. Some tang, like it’s been left out on the kitchen table all night.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: It's one of my dreams in life to play a zombie.

What’s your favorite showtune?: That one from Cats. It's embarrassing how many times I saw Cats as a kid. Next question.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Woah, that's really hard. I haven't worked with so many people! I might have to say Heidi Schreck cause she seems like one of the nicest people ever and I have fantasies about her being my big sister.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Why not Samuel Barnett? He's amazing. It would be called, “Why Won’t My Soul Stop Krumping”. Or "Not as bad as I like to think it is."

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Lots! The Good Person of Szechuan, anything by Clubbed Thumb, off the top of my head.

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: An ambient rain sounds track that I use to go to sleep at night.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I eat ice cream for breakfast every morning. I don’t feel guilty about it though.

What’s up next?: I’m going to finish the Brothers Karamazov in Russian.

The Gospel According to...Jessica Cannizzaro

Name: Jessica Cannizzaro

Hometown: New York City

Education: BA with high honors in Theater and Political Science, Swarthmore College
(Other education: British American Drama Academy; Bronx High School of Science)

Who do you play in The Mysteries?: A ukulele-strumming member of everyone's favorite singing, dancing, and general holiness-emitting Choir of Angels.

Tell us about The Mysteries: The Mysteries is an adventure. It is a myriad of 48 different universes that co-exist in a single night in a single room in a single city on Earth. It is a time capsule buried under the weight of centuries and stuffed with stories that you thought you knew, once upon a time, maybe. It is a beautiful dream born from the mind of one and breathed into existence from the mouths of many.

Describe The Mysteries in three words: Year’s best party!

What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: The angels in our production have shed the classic robes/wings/halos look for an edgier wardrobe of punk rock chestnuts. A lot of safety pins and studs are involved. They have me sporting an awesome double-bun hairstyle, which makes me feel like I’m Mel B (and nothing gets you more pumped for a show than feeling like a Spice Girl).

If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: I’ve always felt a certain affinity for that crazy cool giant-slayer David. He’s helped me work through a very deep-seated Napoleon complex.

Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: I think Justin Ahdoot is most likely to accidentally invent a time machine and use it to sneak into the last supper purely to get in on all the delicious noshing. Does that count?

Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: Colin Waitt, who has not yet failed to make me weep like a baby onstage every night. I would follow him anywhere.

Most likely to become an angel?: David Dabbon, God bless his soul. The man is a saint. Every time he smiles, an angel gets its wings.

Most likely to hear voices in their head?: Xan Russell has a party going on in her head all the time, and I’m just looking for a way to snag an invitation.

Who's the most spiritual?: Ned “Rise To The Top” Riseley is the spiritual glue that binds the angels together. Look for his new spiritual fusion restaurant to open in Tribeca in the near future!

On the 8th day god said_____: This feels excessive; let’s go back to seven.

Are you going to heaven or hell?: I’ll go wherever I can get a decent cup of coffee, access to a sweeping library, and an unlimited daily crossword subscription (God, if you’re trolling the internet, reading this interview, and taking requests, know that my official preference is for the former).

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: Oh, gluttony for sure. Every day at The Mysteries we serve the audience a delicious dinner, and then we bring down the leftovers to share as a cast. Which means we stuff as much amazing food into our faces as possible before going back onstage. I apologize in advance if I smell like falafel during Act II.

What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: Screlt like a llama, Ned. Like a LLAMA.

What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: I melt every time we all pick up our instruments and play, sing, and dance together towards the end of the night. Ultimately, this show is a celebration of life. It is a glorious love poem to the chaos, messiness, and endless beauty of humanity. And when we’re all sharing music and laughter with each other onstage, I feel every single ounce of that love emanating throughout the theater.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: The folks in this show, with their endless talent, good cheer, and creativity, have made my spirit feel capable of any adventure. They have taught me to fear less, mistake more, and in the end, gaze directly into the infinity that surrounds every possibility. They move me like a warm mug of earl grey tea, or jeans that fit you perfectly, or a good book that you love to re-read even though you can recite it. Getting to call such a beautiful community my home for the past few months? I feel lucky beyond belief.

Why should we come see The Mysteries?: Come for Billy Porter’s soul-shaking gospel music, for the punk band of angels, for the kissing, for falafel and hummus, for the excitement of hearing what witticisms Ed Iskandar will create next, for 350 different costumes, for the coolest group of apostles this side of 14th street, for the party of the year, for Jesus (nicest guy you’ll ever meet). Stay for the stories. The incredible stories!

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder Leads the Tony Class of 2014

In a very interesting year of Broadway, the 2014 Tony Awards have been revealed. Leading the pack this year is the new musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. And the nominees are! 

Best Play
Act One
All the Way
Casa Valentina
Mothers and Suns
Outside Mullingar

Best Musical
After Midnight
Aladdin
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Revival of a Play
The Cripple of Inishmaan
The Glass Menagerie
A Raisin in the Sun
Twelfth Night

Best Revival of a Musical 
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Les Miserables
Violet

Best Book of a Musical
Chad Beguelin, Aladdin
Douglas McGrath, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Woody Allen, Bullets Over Broadway
Robert L. Freedman, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Music: Alan Menken, Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin, Aladdin
Music & Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County 
Music: Steven Lutvak, Lyrics: Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Music: Tom Kitt, Lyrics: Brian Yorkey, If/Then

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Samuel Barnett, Twelfth Night
Bryan Cranston, All The Way
Chris O'Dowd, Of Mice and Men
Mark Rylance, Richard III
Tony Shalhoub, Act One

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Tyne Daly, Mothers and Sons
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, A Raisin in the Sun
Cherry Jones, The Glass Menagerie
Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Neil Patrick Harris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Ramin Karimloo, Les Misérables
Andy Karl, Rocky
Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Bryce Pinkham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Mary Bridget Davies, A Night with Janis Joplin
Sutton Foster, Violet
Idina Menzel, If/Then
Jessie Mueller, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Reed Birney, Casa Valentina
Paul Chahidi, Twelfth Night
Stephen Fry, Twelfth Night
Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night
Brian J. Smith, The Glass Menagerie

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Sarah Greene, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Celia Keenan-Bolger, The Glass Menagerie
Sophie Okonedo, A Raisin in the Sun
Anika Noni Rose, A Raisin in the Sun
Mare Winningham, Casa Valentina

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Danny Burstein, Cabaret
Nick Cordero, Bullets Over Broadway
Joshua Henry, Violet
James Monroe Iglehart, Aladdin
Jarrod Spector, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Linda Emond, Cabaret
Lena Hall, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Anika Larsen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Adriane Lenox, After Midnight
Lauren Worsham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Beowulf Boritt, Act One
Bob Crowley, The Glass Menagerie
Es Devlin, Machinal
Christopher Oram, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christopher Barreca, Rocky
Julian Crouch, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Alexander Dodge, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Santo Loquasto, Bullets Over Broadway

Best Costume Design of a Play
Jane Greenwood, Act One
Michael Krass, Machinal
Rita Ryack, Casa Valentina
Jenny Tiramani, Twelfth Night

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Linda Cho, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
William Ivey Long, Bullets Over Broadway
Arianne Phillips, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Isabel Toledo, After Midnight

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Paule Constable, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Jane Cox, Machinal
Natasha Katz, The Glass Menagerie
Japhy Weideman, Of Mice and Men

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Christopher Akerlind, Rocky
Howell Binkley, After Midnight
Donald Holder, The Bridges of Madison County

Best Sound Design of a Play
Alex Baranowski, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Steve Canyon Kennedy, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Dan Moses Schreier, Act One
Matt Tierney, Machinal

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Peter Hylenski, After Midnight
Tim O'Heir, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Mick Potter, Les Misérables
Brian Ronan, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Best Direction of a Play
Tim Carroll, Twelfth Night
Michael Grandage, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
John Tiffany, The Glass Menagerie

Best Direction of a Musical
Warren Carlyle, After Midnight
Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Leigh Silverman, Violet
Darko Tresnjak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Choreography
Warren Carlyle, After Midnight
Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine, Rocky
Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin
Susan Stroman, Bullets Over Broadway

Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway
Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County
Steve Sidwell, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Jonathan Tunick, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Spotlight On...Andy Phillips

Name: Andy Phillips

Hometown: Lafayette, LA

Education: MFA, The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University; B.A. Mass Communications, LSU

Select Credits: Marisol (Golf Club, Lenny), Memory of Water (Mike), Jesus Hopped the A-Train (Valdez), Election Day (Edmund), Two Women On a Precipice (Man), The Escape Artist (Harry)

Why theater?: The energy! The exchange with a live audience is a feeling like nothing else. I got a laugh in my first production when I was 10 and I’ve been chasing the itch ever since.

Tell us about Jesus Hopped the A-Train and Election Day?: Jesus Hopped the A-Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis mainly focuses on the relationship between two inmates in New York's Rikers Island prison. It is a beautifully layered story exploring among many things: faith, justice, and right vs. wrong.  It's funny, it's sad, it's truthful... what more can you ask for? Election Day by Josh Tobiessen is a romp! It's a hilarious play where small town mayoral politics, renegade activism, familial drama, romantic turmoil, drugs, and alcohol all mix together for one unforgettable cocktail of crazy fun.

What is it like being a part of Jesus Hopped the A-Train and Election Day?: In Jesus Hopped the A-Train, I play Valdez, a prison guard at Riker’s Island whose treatment of the inmates is cruel, to say the least. The role is psychological demanding, but the love and energy of the cast makes the experience absolutely gratifying. Performances 4/30-5/3. In Election Day, I play Edmund, a hippie rogue eco activist who will stop at nothing to make the world a greener place. I have yet to make it through one rehearsal without breaking character and laughing my head off. This show is a blast! Performances 5/7-5/10. I am immensely proud to be a part of these shows and cannot wait to share them with an audience! They are being produced as part of the Actors Studio Drama School Rep Season and admission is free!

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Any story told with a great deal of passion and truth, no matter the theatrical form, speaks to me. It sounds vague to say, but the world around me inspires me as an artist. Especially living in a city like New York. I literally don't even have to leave my apartment to soak up something interesting. The sounds through thin walls or city noises outside the window on any given day alone are enough to inspire a character I'm working on or a poem I'm writing. I listen and I'm inspired.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Biff in Death of a Salesman

What’s your favorite show tune?: Hairspray – “Can't Stop the Beat”

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Mike Nichols

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Shia LaBeouf because you just never know with him... and I'd love to see what he'd do with the role. It would be called "Andy Phillips' Andy Phillips as Told Through the Eyes of Shia LaBeouf."

What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Old Man and The Old Moon by PigPen Theatre Co. I'm a such a huge fan of these guys! I saw this show a couple years ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since. And now they will be doing it at Williamstown this summer. If you can get there, do it!

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Yeezy - "Get Em High"

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Late night banana pancakes

What’s up next?: After four shows in six weeks of repertory, the immediate plan is a nap on a beach. And then this summer I'll be shooting a short film I wrote.


For more on Andy, visit www.actorandyphillips.com and www.facebook.com/actorandyphillips

The Mysteries According to...A.J. Ditty

Name: A.J. Ditty

Hometown: Escondido, California: Home of the San Diego Zoo Safari Adventure and crippling depression.

Education: BFA NYU

Who do you play in The Mysteries?: The Doctor and Thomas

Tell us about The Mysteries: Had you pitched the concept of The Mysteries to me a year ago, I would have called you crazy. Had you pitched to me in the 1600s, I would have called you a witch and thrown leeches at you. Had you had pitched it to me in the 1300s, I would have pointed out that there's already such a festival happening in York and you should totally check it out because what the blacksmiths are doing with the Nativity is simply MIND-BLOWING. Also, do you have any penicillin? The next 700 years are gonna go a LOT easier if you have some penicillin.

Describe The Mysteries in three words: Beautifully orchestrated chaos.

What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: I'm particularly fond of my striped scarf for Thomas. My whole idea is that Thomas believes in times of great chaos he can use it as active camouflage. Unfortunately for Thomas, it is terrible camouflage.

If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: Probably Jonah. I feel like I'd be the kind of guy to run away from his problems and get eaten by a whale.

Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: Jon Huggins, hands down. Man knows how to DO stuff.

Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: Well, let me put it this way: there is no evidence that Matthew Jeffers isn't God. I mean, the guy helped the Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl. HOW MANY FOOTBALL TEAMS HAVE YOU WIZARDED INTO WINNING THE SUPER BOWL?!

Most likely to become an angel?: Whoever's been leaving feathers all over the dressing room. Either that, or someone is slowly turning into a giant, sentient pigeon. IS IT YOU, MATTHEW BOVEE?! DON'T YOU TRICK ME WITH YOUR PIGEON MAGIC!

Most likely to hear voices in their head?: Gollum. Dude's got issues.

Who's the most spiritual?: I think we all enjoy our fair share of spirits.

On the 8th day god said_____: I FORGOT THE GIANT SENTIENT PIGEONS.

Are you going to heaven or hell?: I am going to Bouncy Castle Heaven, where literally every surface has the elasticity and bouncibility of a bouncy castle. It will be just like when I was eight except I won't throw up and people will like me.

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: THERE ARE SEVEN?!

What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: Most of the jokes we tell are inside jokes. Except when we're outside. Then they're outside jokes.

What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: I'm particularly fond of the Act II finale. I weep like an uncontrollable child. I'm also terribly enamored with the Doubting Thomas episode. I'm not sure why. It's probably the scarf. I REALLY like that scarf.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: Having the chance to work with the best actors, writers, and directors in New York City; getting to put up fifty brand new plays that show such variety and poetry that it's amazing that they all flow together and complement each other so beautifully; being pushed to be the absolute best actor I can be night after night because I am surrounded by such extreme talent that if I'm not at my best I will be devoured by their awesomeness; and getting to wear my striped scarf. SERIOUSLY YOU GUYS THIS SCARF IS AMAZING.

Why should we come see The Mysteries?: BECAUSE OH MY GOD ARE YOU KIDDING ME WE DO THE ENTIRE BIBLE IN SIX HOURS AND WE FEED YOU DELICIOUS THINGS AND CHAT WITH YOU LIKE HUMANS AND WILL CHANGE THE ENTIRE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR LIFE.
Also, we have baklava.
And you can't spell baklava without lava.

Spotlight On...Melissa Harlow

Name: Melissa Harlow

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Education: B.A. Theatre, B.A. Communications Southwest Baptist Univerity

Select Credits:  Currently performing as Elmire in Calvary Theatre Guild's production of Tartuffe and reprising my role as the Nurse in Castle Shakespeare Repertory's productions of Romeo & Juliet.

Why theater?: Its always been theatre.

Tell us about If the Saints Arrive in Germany: This show resonates with me because it explores faith in the context of fear.  So, although it is about a convent in Germany many many years ago, the theme is still relevant for us today.

What is it like being a part of If the Saints Arrive in Germany?: I think there is something special about working with a cast of all women.  I also love that we are performing in an environmental theatre/found space.  Metro Baptist Church allows us to be transformed into the complete environment of the play.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love to watch all forms of theatre.  Although, my favorite type to perform is contemporary comedies. I've been on a big Norbert Leo Butz kick lately.  I admire his approach to characters and stage presence.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Ms. Hannigan from Annie and anyone in any of David Lindsay Abaire's shows.

What’s your favorite showtune?:  NOT "Bushel and a Peck" from Guys and Dolls, yet its been in my head for.ev.er.  Ask my husband, I am always unconsciously singing it, and it is not cool.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: You, Michael ;)

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Elizabeth Banks, “Hey Girl Hey”

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Hand to God

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Honestly, I just went and looked and its "If I Could Teach the World" by Bone Thugs n Harmony.  Seriously.  We're talking over 10 years of iTunes play though.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Double doozies.  Those monster cookie sandwiches with icing in the middle.  Thank God there is no Great American Cookie Company near my apt.

What’s up next?: I'm going to Missouri in August to perform in the world premiere of Joy Powell's Cover.  She is the (among many many other brilliant things) the chaplain at an agency called The Covering House that rescues sex trafficking victims.  This show is their story.

For more on Melissa, visit  http://melissasueh.wix.com/melissaharlow

Photo Diary: Backstage at Little Mac, Little Mac, You're the Very Man with Ben Diserens

We gave Little Mac, Little Mac, You're the Very Man's Ben Diserens a camera to capture the madness backstage of the latest Less Than Rent production. Take a peek at the madness Ben captured!