As we go into our final week of show for Buffalo Heights, Tongue in Cheek Theater's first original full-length work, I feel tremendous pride and purpose.
Seven months ago, we had an idea for a new work and some people we wanted to work with. Months of incubation later, a staged reading, a Puffin Foundation grant, and now a fully-staged run happening, it feels tremendous.
Add to that the nearly entirely sold-out run (we added on a Tuesday night, May 13, performance due to high demand) and some very positive reviews, and all involved feel wonderful about the piece and have hopes for its future.
Excerpts and links to reviews, below.
May 14, 2014: StageBuddy - Review of Buffalo Heights: “Entertaining throughout ... brought the house down laughing ... a standout performance from Joe Mullen ... a small but impressive turn by Nina Leese, a very powerful actress and presence on stage ... Buffalo Heights is Tongue in Cheek’s first full length theatrical undertaking, and a sign of nice things to come.”
May 12, 2014: Tracy’s New York Life - Review of Buffalo Heights: “Jake Lipman serves as the Producing Artistic Director, in addition to being the star and director of Buffalo Heights ... Lipman manages to succeed in all areas ... TIC has a talented ensemble cast ...Shelley Little is a great comedienne ...Joe Mullen is a dynamic presence.”
May 11, 2014: Going to Tahiti Productions - Review of Buffalo Heights: “It was awesome! Witty and fun and thought provoking and surprising ... wonderfully performed ... Go see BUFFALO HEIGHTS!”
Thanks to everyone involved -- from the artists, production team, and our donors and audiences -- for making this dream a reality!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Q&A with Plus 1 Solo Show Fest's Felicity Seidel
The spring 2014 Plus 1 Solo Show Festival features five 20-minute solo works and musical guest Todd Kramer. The festival line up:
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
We asked the lovely and talented Felicity Seidel a few questions, and here is what she had to say:
What inspired you to write this solo show, Lucky Chick?
My crazy life! By the time Matt Hoverman had an opening in his solo show writing class (http://www.matthoverman.com/Teaching_Home.html), I could barely contain my stories. I had been chomping at the bit to write for quite a while.
But as I discovered, it's not nothing to find classic story structure in real life events, especially your own. For me, the writing process starts out with introspection, it's shapeless and descriptive -- hopeless for a solo show.
Matt gave me the invaluable gift of seeing that it's when you start to inject structure and persona it pops to life. He taught me that by pushing specific elements to the foreground, defining characters, finding arcs, highlighting conflict and struggle and taking some creative leaps for fun, that you have something that stands up on its feet.
Give us your elevator pitch.
Lucky Chick is one girl's funny and tumultuous adventure that starts in the midst of an Irish street gang in NYC, winds its way to a Grateful Dead concert in Alaska, where life makes a sharp turn after being plucked from the audience by the band, and winds up amidst power, drugs and money in the world of a big-time cocaine dealer... all by the age of 18. What!?
Dream big and tell us what you want to do with your piece in the future.
To dream big is to work hard. I like the idea that if you've lived it, you own it. Now write it, check your fear at the door, and see what comes. I've already jumped back into class with Matt Hoverman, where I'm pulling apart and expanding the twenty minutes I'll be performing in the Plus 1 Festival this weekend.
My plan is to end up with a full-length piece, somewhere between 50 and 60 minutes, a 'buckle up and hold onto your hats' roller coaster ride of a story with multi-media aspects (music, projected images and so on), that can play both at festivals and in a run on its own.
- Unmolested? by Lynn Bixenspan
- Lucky Chick by Felicity Seidel
- Solo Show by David Meyers
- My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst by Yangyang Guo
- Sleep Well by Glynn Borders
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
We asked the lovely and talented Felicity Seidel a few questions, and here is what she had to say:
What inspired you to write this solo show, Lucky Chick?
 |
| Felicity Seidel, Lucky Chick |
But as I discovered, it's not nothing to find classic story structure in real life events, especially your own. For me, the writing process starts out with introspection, it's shapeless and descriptive -- hopeless for a solo show.
Matt gave me the invaluable gift of seeing that it's when you start to inject structure and persona it pops to life. He taught me that by pushing specific elements to the foreground, defining characters, finding arcs, highlighting conflict and struggle and taking some creative leaps for fun, that you have something that stands up on its feet.
Give us your elevator pitch.
Lucky Chick is one girl's funny and tumultuous adventure that starts in the midst of an Irish street gang in NYC, winds its way to a Grateful Dead concert in Alaska, where life makes a sharp turn after being plucked from the audience by the band, and winds up amidst power, drugs and money in the world of a big-time cocaine dealer... all by the age of 18. What!?
Dream big and tell us what you want to do with your piece in the future.
To dream big is to work hard. I like the idea that if you've lived it, you own it. Now write it, check your fear at the door, and see what comes. I've already jumped back into class with Matt Hoverman, where I'm pulling apart and expanding the twenty minutes I'll be performing in the Plus 1 Festival this weekend.
My plan is to end up with a full-length piece, somewhere between 50 and 60 minutes, a 'buckle up and hold onto your hats' roller coaster ride of a story with multi-media aspects (music, projected images and so on), that can play both at festivals and in a run on its own.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Q&A with Plus 1 Solo Show Fest's Glynn Borders
The spring 2014 Plus 1 Solo Show Festival features five 20-minute solo works and musical guest Todd Kramer. The festival line up:
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
Glynn Borders is a talented actor, writer, director and pyrotechnic artist. He has been a part of three Plus 1 Solo Show Festivals as a performer and one as as a director, so he knows the drill. We asked him a few questions about his work.
What inspired you to write this piece?
I have wanted to perform solo shows for a very long time.
Even before that was the going name of the craft. Right
after college and during the same time period as, Sleep Well, I had a very vivid dream of myself performing my
one-man show. It was so real. I could see myself on stage
as an older actor. Doing things that I knew I was incapable
of doing at the time. And it felt so right, like that was
where I was supposed to be. I wish I could remember the
story I was telling in that dream. It has been, par for my
course, to be a late bloomer in most things in my life,
but I have always enjoyed telling original stories. As
a shy kid, however, high-spirited, I wrote and drew my
own comic books. Soon I was acting out all the parts. I
especially enjoyed the responses I got from my peers in the
hood. They’re laughter and amazement lead me to try theater
as a major in college. Constantly watching the Twilight
Zone also inspired my desire to write and to observe the
oddities of life. In my twenties and part of my thirties I
even tried some stand-up. But solo seemed to be the best
way of being onstage alone for me. Silence is frowned upon
in a comedy club, but in theater, it’s dramatic. Theater-
goers are so refined. Plus I don’t have to come up with
anti-drunk-heckler material and still be funny. It actually
scares the crap out of me to be onstage by myself. Even
more so than riding roller coasters. I mean, if you ever
want to see a grown man cry, lock my ass in one of those
things and throw the switch. However, the challenge of
working in solitude calls to me more than any other art
form. Well, except for directing. I love to bring new works
to the Plus One Solo Show Festival. Jake has allowed me to
test my quirky stories with some success, I think. I am
truly grateful for each opportunity. It is nice to be a
work in progress.
Tell us about an unexpected problem that arose when performing and how you handled it.
Because of my job, and increasing laziness, I don’t get to perform but once a year. So I don’t get as much practice at my craft as I would like and need. This is my third solo piece with Plus One. In each of the first two, I got lost in my story and could not remember the next line. And yes, I wrote them! In, The Enforcer, it happened. But after a pause and several deep breaths, I found my way back. The audience was totally unaware.
But in, The Pipelayer's Union, I could not find my way back. I was always told that when you study in a good program, your technique or method comes back to you. So I clicked into improvisation mode when I realized my memory and concentration were failing me. I started using the rhythmic motions of the character talking, at the time, to find my next line. The sound and movement improvisation didn’t work. Although it may have only been seconds, it felt like several long minutes had crept by. The audience seemed to be with me so I decided to fess up. I broke character and went into stand-up mode, another form of improv, telling the audience that, “I am presently suffering from the dreaded actor’s nightmare. Here I am on a stage, I don’t know who the hell I am, why I’m here, or why the fuck these people are staring at me”.
They were laughing. “In your training, some will tell you to imagine the audience in their underwear. Sorry but some of ya’ll are wearing really dirty undergarments. Now imagine the crap I got on.” They were laughing more, following me all the way. Then another solo actress came onstage with the book that contained all of our scripts.
“Ah, look, an angel,” I quipped. I took the script and noticed that she did not know where I was. I offered, “You would think that if someone comes onstage to save your ass, they would at least have the decency to have the right fucking page. Why? Because I’m fucking lost!” More laughter. I finally found my page, started reading, and eventually put it down and finished much stronger. The audience was with me all the way. When I was done, during my bow, I held up the script for a rousing ovation. Afterwards, people told me they thought that was part of the show. I think I learned that if you engage an audience from the start they are happy follow you on your journey. Both you as the story, and you as the person. Yes, your technique really does come back to you, even when you’ve been away from your technique for quite some time.
- Unmolested? by Lynn Bixenspan
- Lucky Chick by Felicity Seidel
- Solo Show by David Meyers
- My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst by Yangyang Guo
- Sleep Well by Glynn Borders
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
Glynn Borders is a talented actor, writer, director and pyrotechnic artist. He has been a part of three Plus 1 Solo Show Festivals as a performer and one as as a director, so he knows the drill. We asked him a few questions about his work.
What inspired you to write this piece?
 |
| Glynn Borders, illuminating |
Tell us about an unexpected problem that arose when performing and how you handled it.
Because of my job, and increasing laziness, I don’t get to perform but once a year. So I don’t get as much practice at my craft as I would like and need. This is my third solo piece with Plus One. In each of the first two, I got lost in my story and could not remember the next line. And yes, I wrote them! In, The Enforcer, it happened. But after a pause and several deep breaths, I found my way back. The audience was totally unaware.
But in, The Pipelayer's Union, I could not find my way back. I was always told that when you study in a good program, your technique or method comes back to you. So I clicked into improvisation mode when I realized my memory and concentration were failing me. I started using the rhythmic motions of the character talking, at the time, to find my next line. The sound and movement improvisation didn’t work. Although it may have only been seconds, it felt like several long minutes had crept by. The audience seemed to be with me so I decided to fess up. I broke character and went into stand-up mode, another form of improv, telling the audience that, “I am presently suffering from the dreaded actor’s nightmare. Here I am on a stage, I don’t know who the hell I am, why I’m here, or why the fuck these people are staring at me”.
They were laughing. “In your training, some will tell you to imagine the audience in their underwear. Sorry but some of ya’ll are wearing really dirty undergarments. Now imagine the crap I got on.” They were laughing more, following me all the way. Then another solo actress came onstage with the book that contained all of our scripts.
“Ah, look, an angel,” I quipped. I took the script and noticed that she did not know where I was. I offered, “You would think that if someone comes onstage to save your ass, they would at least have the decency to have the right fucking page. Why? Because I’m fucking lost!” More laughter. I finally found my page, started reading, and eventually put it down and finished much stronger. The audience was with me all the way. When I was done, during my bow, I held up the script for a rousing ovation. Afterwards, people told me they thought that was part of the show. I think I learned that if you engage an audience from the start they are happy follow you on your journey. Both you as the story, and you as the person. Yes, your technique really does come back to you, even when you’ve been away from your technique for quite some time.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Q&A with Plus 1 Solo Show Fest's David Meyers
The spring 2014 Plus 1 Solo Show Festival features five 20-minute solo works and musical guest Todd Kramer. The festival line up:
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
David Meyers is an actor and writer whose piece explores the solo show-creating process. We asked him a few questions about his process.
What's your piece about?
It's a one-man show about an actor writing a one-man show for himself. Very meta.
What inspired you to write a solo show?
I have been interested in doing a one-man show for a while -- and had this idea to write about myself, and turn my real-life struggle to find a great solo show into, well, a solo show.
Describe the look and feel of your solo show if it were turned into a music video!
It would be a lot of fun, and make people laugh -- but not in a goofy way. Don't think I've seen many music videos like that...
Tell us a funny story about a defining performance moment in your life.
When I was in pre-school, I was supposed to appear in The Nutcracker, and developed a high fever the day of the show. I BEGGED my mom to let me perform, but she wouldn't let me go to school. My desire to perform and get on stage is still as strong today as it was then. I learned early on how much I loved theater.
What do you hope to do next with your piece?
I really enjoy the play and I'm so grateful to TIC for producing it. I hope to bring it to other festivals in the future. It was truly meant to be performed with other solo shows.
- Unmolested? by Lynn Bixenspan
- Lucky Chick by Felicity Seidel
- Solo Show by David Meyers
- My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst by Yangyang Guo
- Sleep Well by Glynn Borders
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
 |
| David Meyers, Solo Show Artist |
What's your piece about?
It's a one-man show about an actor writing a one-man show for himself. Very meta.
What inspired you to write a solo show?
I have been interested in doing a one-man show for a while -- and had this idea to write about myself, and turn my real-life struggle to find a great solo show into, well, a solo show.
Describe the look and feel of your solo show if it were turned into a music video!
It would be a lot of fun, and make people laugh -- but not in a goofy way. Don't think I've seen many music videos like that...
Tell us a funny story about a defining performance moment in your life.
When I was in pre-school, I was supposed to appear in The Nutcracker, and developed a high fever the day of the show. I BEGGED my mom to let me perform, but she wouldn't let me go to school. My desire to perform and get on stage is still as strong today as it was then. I learned early on how much I loved theater.
What do you hope to do next with your piece?
I really enjoy the play and I'm so grateful to TIC for producing it. I hope to bring it to other festivals in the future. It was truly meant to be performed with other solo shows.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Q&A with Plus 1 Solo Show Fest's Yangyang Guo
The spring 2014 Plus 1 Solo Show Festival features five 20-minute solo works and musical guest Todd Kramer. The festival line up:
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
Actress Yangyang Guo fled a life in finance to perform, and she lived to tell the tale in her piece, My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst. We asked her a few quick questions and she gave us the scoop.
What inspired you to write My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst?
I started writing about my experiences on Wall Street during my first month on the job, as a way to stay sane, because there's only so much venting my friends and family could take. I've always loved writing (when I was little, I wanted to be a best-selling novelist when I grew up), so I signed up for a solo show class with Melanie Hoops at the Magnet Theater last March. After unsuccessfully trying to create various characters and stories, she helped me realize that I already had a story that wanted and needed to be told. I took a solo show class with Seth Barrish at Barrow Group this year and he helped me tremendously with the story structure, efficient storytelling, and maximizing the the impact of the main event.
Our Plus 1 Solo Show Fest is a potluck feast of stories. What's your go-to potluck dish you bring to parties?
I like to make and bring guacamole to parties. It is also a food that embodies me. It's got a softness and a crunch, spice, and zest. Guacamole is great with chips and tacos, but also perfect by itself.
Dream big and tell us your goals for this piece!
I play to develop my piece into a full 90-minute production and perform it at the Fringe Festival in summer 2015. Then I would like to tour colleges, especially ones that send too many of their graduates to Wall Street every year. Eventually, I'd like to turn it into a TV series, in which I'd star.
- Unmolested? by Lynn Bixenspan
- Lucky Chick by Felicity Seidel
- Solo Show by David Meyers
- My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst by Yangyang Guo
- Sleep Well by Glynn Borders
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
 |
| Yangyang Guo tells her tale. |
What inspired you to write My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst?
I started writing about my experiences on Wall Street during my first month on the job, as a way to stay sane, because there's only so much venting my friends and family could take. I've always loved writing (when I was little, I wanted to be a best-selling novelist when I grew up), so I signed up for a solo show class with Melanie Hoops at the Magnet Theater last March. After unsuccessfully trying to create various characters and stories, she helped me realize that I already had a story that wanted and needed to be told. I took a solo show class with Seth Barrish at Barrow Group this year and he helped me tremendously with the story structure, efficient storytelling, and maximizing the the impact of the main event.
Our Plus 1 Solo Show Fest is a potluck feast of stories. What's your go-to potluck dish you bring to parties?
I like to make and bring guacamole to parties. It is also a food that embodies me. It's got a softness and a crunch, spice, and zest. Guacamole is great with chips and tacos, but also perfect by itself.
Dream big and tell us your goals for this piece!
I play to develop my piece into a full 90-minute production and perform it at the Fringe Festival in summer 2015. Then I would like to tour colleges, especially ones that send too many of their graduates to Wall Street every year. Eventually, I'd like to turn it into a TV series, in which I'd star.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Q&A with Plus 1 Solo Show Fest's Lynn Bixenspan
The spring 2014 Plus 1 Solo Show Festival features five 20-minute solo works and musical guest Todd Kramer. The festival line up:
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
We are delighted to include in our line up the talented, funny storyteller Lynn Bixenspan. We asked her a few questions, and she answered!
Who or what inspired you to write your solo show?
I took a storytelling class with Kevin Allison and he was kind enough to put my story about finding pron and false molestations accusation on his RISK! podcast. It encouraged me to do more and coming out as an Older Weird (now Ex-)Virgin felt cathartic.
Our mainstage show, Buffalo Heights, takes place in a fictional high school. What was your high school yearbook persona?
I dyed my hair and was thus accused of being a witch who went up onto my roof to make it rain.
I always had great friends, though. See black & white pic from that time of my life.
Dream big and tell us what you would like to do with your solo show next.
I'm actually writing a book proposal for it now! Maybe a screenplay. I don't know, is that the height of narcissism? I want to grow up to be the next Joss Whedon, so maybe I'll add some vampires and Chinese curse words into my life story.
- Unmolested? by Lynn Bixenspan
- Lucky Chick by Felicity Seidel
- Solo Show by David Meyers
- My Unsexy Life as a Wall Street Analyst by Yangyang Guo
- Sleep Well by Glynn Borders
The festival runs for 2 shows, May 11 and 12 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. There is an intermission. Purchase $20 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
 |
| Lynn Bixenspan, 'Unmolested?' |
Who or what inspired you to write your solo show?
I took a storytelling class with Kevin Allison and he was kind enough to put my story about finding pron and false molestations accusation on his RISK! podcast. It encouraged me to do more and coming out as an Older Weird (now Ex-)Virgin felt cathartic.
Our mainstage show, Buffalo Heights, takes place in a fictional high school. What was your high school yearbook persona?
 |
| High school awesomeness. |
I always had great friends, though. See black & white pic from that time of my life.
Dream big and tell us what you would like to do with your solo show next.
I'm actually writing a book proposal for it now! Maybe a screenplay. I don't know, is that the height of narcissism? I want to grow up to be the next Joss Whedon, so maybe I'll add some vampires and Chinese curse words into my life story.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Q&A with Buffalo Heights' Nina Leese
Buffalo Heights is TIC's first world premiere production, a comedy about a new teacher who moves to Buffalo to teach French, only to find herself embroiled in scandal when she crosses the wrong student. The production was devised, or company-created, over the course of six months, and the resulting script, crafted by playwright Adam Harrell, is as goofy as it is heartfelt.
The show runs for 8 performances, May 7-10 and 14-17 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. Purchase $18 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
You might recognize actress Nina Leese from TIC's production of Our Town, in which she played Mrs. Gibbs. This time around, she plays a powerful Congresswoman in Buffalo Heights.
What has been your favorite part of creating Buffalo Heights?
The support of my fellow actors. No one judges and everyone wants the best experience and end product possible. This is a really nice group of people.
Buffalonians love their hometown teams and food. Where are you from and what stirs up your pride?
I'm from Long Island, NY and I went to Lawrence High School. I cannot remember for the life of me what our team mascot was -- a panther? A cougar? It was some kind of cat. I really just went to the football games because I had a crush on the team captain. I went to every game and I still have no idea how to play football. I was Art Captain of my Sports Night team. The name of the event is deceiving since there weren't many sports. I did the art for it and was on the dance team. Go blue team!
We took inspiration from The Children's Hour and Rhinoceros. What's your favorite person, place or thing from those two plays?
In the movie version of The Children's Hour, I loved Veronica Cartwright's performance as Rosalie. Poor Rosalie! My heart just went out to her.
In many ways, Buffalo Heights is a fish-out-of-water story--can you remember a time when you were clearly out of your element?
When I graduated from college, I worked for 2 days as a bartender at The Foxy Hutch on Long Island, not knowing what I was getting into or what I was doing. Really? I couldn't tell by the name? I had to wear a bathing suit, fishnet stockings and high heels. If you know me now, you're thinking WHAT?!?!? I quit after 2 days and the owner called me, begging me to stay. He told me I would be the smart, sophisticated one (the other girls were pretty scary). I said, buh-bye!
We reference Apollinaire's Bestiaire, a book of poems about animals and what traits they represent. What animal is your character, Diane, and why?
My character would be the Foo Dog, which are really more like lions rather than dogs. They are always in pairs, guarding palaces and public buildings of importance. One represents the female and protects people. The other is male and he defends the universe. In much the same way, Diane, my character, feels the need to protect both her child and the community she represents as Congresswoman.
The show runs for 8 performances, May 7-10 and 14-17 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. Purchase $18 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
 |
| Nina "Foxy" Leese |
You might recognize actress Nina Leese from TIC's production of Our Town, in which she played Mrs. Gibbs. This time around, she plays a powerful Congresswoman in Buffalo Heights.
What has been your favorite part of creating Buffalo Heights?
The support of my fellow actors. No one judges and everyone wants the best experience and end product possible. This is a really nice group of people.
Buffalonians love their hometown teams and food. Where are you from and what stirs up your pride?
I'm from Long Island, NY and I went to Lawrence High School. I cannot remember for the life of me what our team mascot was -- a panther? A cougar? It was some kind of cat. I really just went to the football games because I had a crush on the team captain. I went to every game and I still have no idea how to play football. I was Art Captain of my Sports Night team. The name of the event is deceiving since there weren't many sports. I did the art for it and was on the dance team. Go blue team!
We took inspiration from The Children's Hour and Rhinoceros. What's your favorite person, place or thing from those two plays?
In the movie version of The Children's Hour, I loved Veronica Cartwright's performance as Rosalie. Poor Rosalie! My heart just went out to her.
In many ways, Buffalo Heights is a fish-out-of-water story--can you remember a time when you were clearly out of your element?
When I graduated from college, I worked for 2 days as a bartender at The Foxy Hutch on Long Island, not knowing what I was getting into or what I was doing. Really? I couldn't tell by the name? I had to wear a bathing suit, fishnet stockings and high heels. If you know me now, you're thinking WHAT?!?!? I quit after 2 days and the owner called me, begging me to stay. He told me I would be the smart, sophisticated one (the other girls were pretty scary). I said, buh-bye!
We reference Apollinaire's Bestiaire, a book of poems about animals and what traits they represent. What animal is your character, Diane, and why?
My character would be the Foo Dog, which are really more like lions rather than dogs. They are always in pairs, guarding palaces and public buildings of importance. One represents the female and protects people. The other is male and he defends the universe. In much the same way, Diane, my character, feels the need to protect both her child and the community she represents as Congresswoman.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Q&A with Buffalo Heights' Shelley Little
Buffalo Heights is TIC's first world premiere production, a comedy about a new teacher who moves to Buffalo to teach French, only to find herself embroiled in scandal when she crosses the wrong student. The production was devised, or company-created, over the course of six months, and the resulting script, crafted by playwright Adam Harrell, is as goofy as it is heartfelt.
The show runs for 8 performances, May 7-10 and 14-17 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. Purchase $18 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
Actress Shelley Little returns to the TIC stage as the school principal in Buffalo Heights, her fifth TIC production. Read on about this talented thesp.
What has been your favorite part of creating Buffalo Heights?
I am interested in getting more involved with the development of new work, and getting to do it in a room filled with positive, creative people, many of whom I've worked with before, was really great. I love my character, the uptight principal Jean Washington, and I got to spend several months learning what makes her tick!
Buffalonians love their hometown teams and hot wings. Where are you from, who do you root for, and what is your hometown favorite food?
I'm from Columbus, Ohio, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes! Pretty much the entire town runs on football. Every week, my family sits down in their Scarlet & Grey and watches the game. I'm not a big sports fan, but going to a game or eating chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-balls (called Buckeyes) definitely says home to me!
We took inspiration from The Children's Hour and Rhinoceros. What's your favorite person, place or thing from those two plays?
I love Rhinoceros. The final scene was MY final scene at Circle in the Square Theater School. Dan Mian (best actor ever) and I did it once through and then Alan Langdon told me that he didn't feel like Daisy really wanted to join the rhinoceroses, so when we did it again, my group of second year students waved and smiled, warmly inviting me to join them. It was such a great way to end my time with them in that tiny basement classroom. I'll always cherish that moment and the play!
The show runs for 8 performances, May 7-10 and 14-17 at 8 PM at The Bridge Theatre. Purchase $18 tickets online or by phone at 212-868-4444.
 |
| Shelley "Sticky Buns" Little |
What has been your favorite part of creating Buffalo Heights?
I am interested in getting more involved with the development of new work, and getting to do it in a room filled with positive, creative people, many of whom I've worked with before, was really great. I love my character, the uptight principal Jean Washington, and I got to spend several months learning what makes her tick!
Buffalonians love their hometown teams and hot wings. Where are you from, who do you root for, and what is your hometown favorite food?
I'm from Columbus, Ohio, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes! Pretty much the entire town runs on football. Every week, my family sits down in their Scarlet & Grey and watches the game. I'm not a big sports fan, but going to a game or eating chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-balls (called Buckeyes) definitely says home to me!
We took inspiration from The Children's Hour and Rhinoceros. What's your favorite person, place or thing from those two plays?
I love Rhinoceros. The final scene was MY final scene at Circle in the Square Theater School. Dan Mian (best actor ever) and I did it once through and then Alan Langdon told me that he didn't feel like Daisy really wanted to join the rhinoceroses, so when we did it again, my group of second year students waved and smiled, warmly inviting me to join them. It was such a great way to end my time with them in that tiny basement classroom. I'll always cherish that moment and the play!
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