Spotlight On...Jason Pizzarello

Name: Jason Pizzarello

Hometown: Astoria, Queens

Education: B.A in Theater - Playwriting from Fordham College at Lincoln Center.

Favorite Credits: An upcoming production of a one-act comedy Good Cop Bad Cop in Pakistan. I doubt they are appreciating the irony as much as I am.

Why theater?: There’s no connection in the arts like that between a performer and a live audience. It’s immediate, naked and there’s nowhere to hide. Except for writers. Writers can hide at home. That’s why I always make it a point to write naked on my fire escape. I think it’s a fair compromise.

Tell us about After People Like You: It’s about four friends who’ve had a falling out since college (and the world started to literally end). They’re stuck on a subway ride and forced to reconcile their differences, if possible. It explores the ways in which friendships change over time, as you and your values change, and how, in extreme circumstances, you find out who your real friends are.

What kind of theater speaks to you? Who or what inspires you as an artist?: Funny, odd, honest plays. Plays with a sense of magic and a bit of danger. Plays that need to be theatrical to be told.

If you could work with anyone you have yet to work with, who would it be?: I don’t know... Jesus? Ghandi? Is this a time-traveling question? If not, I’d still like to work with lots of people from the present. I’m a big fan of The Debate Society, so I’d love to work with them on a project.

What show have you been recommending to friends?: This show with puppets called The Lion King. Really interesting piece. But also, This is My Office by Andy Bragen. Playing through Dec 8. Andy’s an incredible writer creating unique theater.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Perhaps I’d be played by the love child of Steve Buscemi and Mark Ruffalo who would star in a movie about a failed attempt to save the world. It’d be called “Armageddon 2: You Can’t Count on Me”

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?: Chinese food and summer blockbusters. Ideally at the same time.

If you weren't working in theater, what would you be doing?: Well I’m also in the Army National Guard. So, if I wasn’t working in the theater I guess I’d be doing that. Because I already am.

What's up next?: Christmas, I think? Actually I’m writing a Christmas play right now. Something uplifting. Maybe a miracle or two. I may be getting in the spirit of things... I’m also writing a play about a sinkhole in Florida that swallows a family and their dog and their pride.