‘iews’ this!

Andy recently got a chance to sit down with the incredibly busy and talented Eric Roach, playwright, actor, and member of the Factory Theater. He was thrilled to discuss the upcoming Plea Circus (June 18th and 19th), Strawdog ensemble members, and the history of our famed company.

Andy
Hi Eric! Nice to see you today!
What’s been happening?
Eric
Hi Anderson! Well, I’ve been working on my Pilates, which is doing a number on my glutes, and I’m also starting up a Precious Moments website, where PM fans can talk about their favorite pieces and what not. Grueling.
Andy
I bet. How do you have time for all that stuff, and still be such a hero in the theatrical community?
Eric
When you achieve your dreams, then you just have to dream bigger, that’s my motto!
Andy
Well, I’m really excited to be able to talk to you about Strawdog Theatre, a company that is very close to my heart, and my artistic home for experimenting and refining my amazing abilities. As well as producing some really ground breaking art as an ensemble.
Eric
Wait, The Artistic Home? They are so good.
Andy
They are good, but we are talking about Strawdog Theatre today. You see, after our incredible season finished with the immediate classic “The Good Soul of Szechuan”, we decided to try to meet some our budget goals by having “The Strawdog Plea Circus” later this month.
Eric
I’ve heard of that! Listen, you guys do awesome stuff! I’d hate for that space to get turned into a Persian rug warehouse or something! Although, the city could use more of those, so I’m a little torn.
Andy
I understand. Could you please give me a quick history lesson about Strawdog?
As YOU understand it.
Eric
I’d be SO happy to, Andy! Back in 1935, the WPA started the Federal Theatre Project, which as you know was the most ambitious governmental project to support out of work actors since prisons were incorporated.
Phineas J. Higginbotham, a stalwart young entrepreneur with an eye for the stage, started up the WPA Strawdog Theatrical Collective and Music Hall with Federal funds on Broadway right here in Chicago, IL!
Andy
You know what?… that’s actually pretty accurate.
Eric
It’s SO accurate!
Andy, Mr. Higginbotham and company had an inaugural production of Clifford Odets underrated masterwork “Flinching in Salinas” in 1936. The production took the city by storm, but no one was able to buy tickets.
Andy
Now, why weren’t they able to buy tickets?
Eric
The Great Depression, Anderson.
It was horrible.
Andy
Oh.
Now is it true that you have been involved with Strawdog in the past?
Eric
Yes! I was involved with “Red Noses” just last year, which I believe won the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Ensemble a few days ago! So proud!
Andy
That was a really great moment. I was also involved in that show, and it was a real treat to be so recognized.
What else have you done at Strawdog?
Eric
Smoked, drank, made out with Nic Dimond…
Andy
Mmm hmm.
Well, join the club, pal.
Eric
OH, and I’m involved with Musical Chairs, the fast paced game show that’s sweeping the nation!
Andy
That’s right! That is a product of our Late Night Season if I’m not mistaken.
Eric
You bet!
Andy
Are you familiar with any of the other Late Night Programs?
Eric
Well, there’s Variety Underground, The Hit Factory, The Direct-Off, Theatre Wars! So many great things!
Andy
It’s also a great place to meet different women than the ones you are accustomed to.
Eric
There are so many women there! I wouldn’t mind if there were some more Asian women though.
Andy
I bet you wouldn’t. Unfortunately, you need grant money for that kind of thing.
Now I know you will be attending this incredible “Plea Circus” on the 18th and 19th. Is there any act you are really excited about seeing?
Eric
I hear John Ferrick is re-enacting the entire 1st season of “The Greatest American Hero!”
Andy
I hadn’t heard that, but with so much great entertainment still being announced, it’s entirely possible!
Are you a fan of Tom Hickey?
Eric
Fan, no. Devotee of his singular acting style and rich, tenor voice, YES!
Andy
I’m not crazy about him, but I can see why you would be.
Also, on tap we have new ensemble member Mike Przygoda, and his band playing some Strawdog original musical numbers.
Eric
You had me at “Also.”
Andy
Have you heard of Michaela Petro or John Henry Roberts?
Eric
I’ve hrrrrd of them!
Andy
They will be there too!
Eric
Listen, I have a couple of notes for John Henry…they are private, and I was wondering if you could deliver them? I’m so tongue-tied around him!
Andy
Like…love notes?
Eric
You’re giving me the vapors!
Andy
John Henry Roberts makes you swoon like a Victorian Era woman.
Eric
Silence
Andy
Well, is there any other things you’d like to say to the Strawdog fans before our big event? Maybe something like, “I’ll be there.” or “I can’t wait to see Anderson Lawfer host Theater Wars!”?
Eric
I’ll be there! I can’t wait to see Anderson Lawfer host Theater Wars!
Oh, and please support proper gun laws in your city and county. All politics are local.
Andy
Thanks Eric!
Eric
You’re welcome, Anderson!

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