Spotlight On...Patrick Fleury

Name: Patrick Fleury

Hometown: McLean, Virginia

Education: Graduate of Fordham University, BA in Theatre Performance

Select Credits: Richard 3 (Lord Hastings, Less Than Rent); Little Town Blues (Vernon, Less Than Rent)

Why theater?: Michael, real life is hard and often boring. It is so rare that we think of the right thing to say. It is so rare that something truly amazing happens to us. It is so rare that you actually take a moment and notice all of the beautiful things that are around you. Theatre takes all that rarity and packs it into this tiny little moment in your life, and it can be astonishing.

Tell us about Desire! [A Varsouviana]: Desire's the story of Tom. Tom's having a particularly rough time in his family and personal life and he deals with it the only way he can, by writing a play. As the play progresses he finds it becoming less like a piece of writing and more and more like a dub-step, coked-out, fever dream that is dragging him in head-first. And inn the end he is faced with a decision between love and self-preservation.
What is it like being a part of Desire! [A Varsouviana]? It's a gift to be working with so many extraordinarily talented and innovative people. I've had to polish up my dancing-shoes for the first time in years, but even that has been a great adventure. I am so excited to be moving through this Tennessee Williams fantasia, and I am loving playing a character that guys like me don't usually get to play. I'm not your average Stanley Kowalski, and this is not your average Streetcar.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Risky theater turns me on more than any other kind, I think. I love seeing classics unceremoniously turned on their heads, and I love seeing new theater that challenges us to throw away any preconceived notions and forces us to examine from a new perspective.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: I've recently relapsed into a bit of a Shakespeare place, so Claudio in Measure for Measure and Iago in Othello are dreams right now. Also, if someone wants to write a one-man version of Footloose, let me know.

What’s your favorite showtune?: "The Corrupt Bargain" from Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Adam Driver is just about the most exciting actor I have seen recently. He was absolutely phenomenal in Look Back in Anger and I think we all love him on HBO's "Girls". I'd kill to do a play alongside him.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Andrew Garfield, and the movie would be called "The Amazing Spider-Man". But seriously? Adam Brody, and it would be called 'Memoirs of a Narcissist".

What show have you recommended to your friends?: I was pretty demanding that everyone I know get over to BAM a couple months ago to see The Caretaker. I think that play was nothing short of genius.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: You ever seen "Smash"?

What’s up next?: Well, Less Than Rent Theatre's got a big year ahead. Before the end of next summer we'll have two more full productions out at Under St. Mark's, all of the information for which can be found on our website: www.lessthanrent.org For myself? We are already working on what's coming in the next year or so, and while I don't want to spoil anything, I'm very excited. We're going to be continuing to deconstruct old works and writing brand new ones. Make sure to follow us to keep yourself posted!