Spotlight On...Charlie Gorrilla

Name: Charlie Gorrilla

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Education: University of Minnesota, Duluth

Select Credits: Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Tripp Davenport, WOW Café); Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Block Head (Matt- The Bridge Theater)

Why theater?: It is ALWAYS a thrill to perform in front of a living breathing audience. (And every audience is different)  The immediate reaction to the dialogue is fascinating to me.  What hits one audience may not hit the next audience and I find that so great...keeps it fresh and new.   That's my main one.  I also really enjoy the collaborative nature of theater.  So many people have to work as a unit to bring off a great show that every show feels like a success when things run flawlessly.

Tell us about Track Twelve: Track Twelve at first glance seems like a "New York" story, because it take place at Penn Station, but the themes and situations I think can resonate with any person who steps out of their house or apartment, interacts with people, in any city.  It's about four travelers who are left stranded waiting for their train to DC during a terrible blizzard. The stress of delays and confinement forces unresolved issues to the surface, and creates a few new issues as well.  In the end making the travelers accept sometimes the only way to move forward into the future is to let go of the past.

What is it like being a part of Track Twelve?: I'm not going to sugar coat this- Being a part of this production has been one of the best theater experiences I have ever had.  I am having such a great time rehearsing this show and discovering who these characters are I almost do not want the rehearsing portion to be over.  Josh Penzell, the director, is open, questioning, but not closed to a different interpretation of the given situation or line.  Emily Comisar, the playwright, has given us dialogue that snaps along with little barbs and some very poignant moments.  It is a pleasure to work with these words.  I also can not say enough about Sarah, Keelie, and Leo.  They bring a tremendous amount of talent and energy to this show....I'm honestly enjoying just trying to keep up.  I feel fortunate to be working with this class of actor.

What kind of theater speaks to you? Who or what inspires you as an artist?: I really like simple theater.  Sometimes I think plays are overcrowded with what I call "bells and whistles" and it gets to the point where the play is lost.  I saw two shows that I thought we truly outstanding- Clybourne Park and The Normal Heart.  Simple straight forward sets and performances that simply enfolded in front of you.  Both amazing shows I will remember for many many years to come. I draw inspiration from a multitude of different sources, but it changes depending on the day.  Sometimes it's the paintings of Edward Hopper.  Sometimes it's the music of Van Morrison. But most times it's the waiters, bartenders, baristas, etc...who are all here pursuing dreams other than the "day job" and making it work to make their art.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Secretly, but I guess not so secretly anymore, Javert, from Les Miserables.  Only hitch is I don't sing, so that most likely will not happen.

What’s your favorite showtune?: “Stars”...see above.  However, my showtune knowledge is extremely lacking.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: That list is long.  I've really enjoyed working with everyone I have so far, but if I had to pick someone it would be 
Joe Mantello or Sam Rockwell.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Fred Savage maybe. "Growing up Gorrilla"

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Track Twelve...I hear it's going to be great.  http://www.fringenyc.org/basic_page.php?ltr=T#TrackT 

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Bourbon and Summer Blockbusters, but I don't bring bourbon into the movie theater.

What’s up next?: I have a film trying to work its way into the festival circuit.  It's called "The Liberation of James Joyce"  I had a great time making it and Ryan Alexander, the writer and director, put his heart and soul into getting it made.  The link to the trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER6d4S1jXzU