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Upcoming Projects / latest news |
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The New York Times’ Style section’s, Home and Garden Habitats column by journalist; Constance Rosenblum titled “A Theatrical 348 Square Feet” about my apartment will be re-published next year in a book published by the NY Times! |
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Kay, Oh! Desperate Writers helmer Kay Cole shares her philosophy on directing. By: Jonathan Cerullo · Jun 2, 2011 · New York
Kay Cole made her Broadway debut in the original production of Bye Bye Birdie and was last seen on the Great White Way as Maggie in the original New York company of A Chorus Line. In recent years, Cole has successfully transitioned from being a performer to become a recognized director and choreographer, and is now making her Off-Broadway directorial debut with the zany comedy, Desperate Writers, now in previews at the Union Square Theatre.
"It is a fabulous, fun and wonderful show that is fast, creative, and a perfect evening of joy," she says. "It celebrates being able to laugh at the human condition and what it feels like to be at the end of your rope."
Desperate Writers started in Los Angeles -- where Cole lives with her husband, filmmaker Michael Lamont -- but she stresses things have changed for the Off-Broadway run. "The New York sensibility is different than L.A. The actors here have a different catch to it all; they have a different kind of thoughtfulness," she notes. "Plus, the design of the show is vastly different. The script, however, has remained basically unchanged."
As a director, Cole believes you must be available, have the courage to risk, and most importantly, care for your fellow artists with humanity and compassion. "If people do not get the chance to express the joy of where they live, you've destroyed an opportunity for the magic of theater to happen," she says. "Because I have a big heart, I try very hard to keep the heart of the piece alive as we tell the story. I am so much about feelings that I see the stories' larger picture by digging and unearthing that heart."
That commitment extends to the audition process, says Cole. "I strive to talk to the actors as a human being and to make a connection with that individual who has the most humanity and the most willingness to risk," she says.
She also believes the rehearsal room should be a collaborative place - but it is definitely a place for work. "I don't make rules, that not who I am," she says. "The other day I was giving notes and someone was using an electronic device. I asked the simple question are you writing notes or are you texting someone? They quietly put the device away and I got my answer. In the immediacy of how I choose to handle that, the individual realized how disrespectful it was to be doing that. It was empowering because I know I got my point across in what I hope was a kind way."
Her commitment to theater does not stop on the stage. She has teaching positions at Emerson College's Los Angeles Annex, UCLA's Musical Theatre Camp, and ARTreach in Los Angeles, and she believes that the arts create better human beings "We are all responsible for creating a new canvas in our community. And this cannot be driven by the money, it has to be driven by the art," she says.
When asked about what sort of legacy she would like to leave behind, Cole doesn't hesitate. "I don't want to sound like a pompous ass, but I have absolutely no fears about creating," she says. "I speak with my heart, I am happy in the world. I love myself in that world. I feel comfortable. My biggest goal is to inspire and nurture people so they are in turn inspired because if you inspire someone it is that connection that will continue long after."
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Willie and Me, In the Spotlight Again Written By Steve Woodburn and Jonathan Cerullo ©2010 Spotlight Communications, Inc.
From humble farm boy beginnings to international fame, his genius and ingenuity came in the simplicity of his comedy. The honest, heartfelt sentiments he conveyed in the character he created, known as Weary Willie, were expressed without ever uttering a single word. It was the character’s silence that spoke to a generation of Americans and the story of “Willie and Me, In the Spotlight Again” gives new voice to a humble and common man, a father, husband and the most famous tramp clown ever to grace an arena. He changed people’s lives through the honesty of his character and the affirmation of the human spirit and his name was Emmett Kelly, Sr.
As Emmett recalls his life in this one-man, 90 minute bio-drama, the audience sees in “Willie and Me, In the Spotlight Again” the man behind the makeup and how his life experiences were the genesis of his character, Weary Willie. At the start of the play we learn Emmett has died, but has been given the opportunity to reflect back on his life with the audience.
As the audience enters the theatre lobby they are greeted by the uplifting sounds of a calliope and the smell of popcorn. As told through compelling narrative and sound effects, the play’s expressionistic set is that of a vintage circus ring and the backstage area known as Clown Alley. The playing area is enclosed by canvas sidewalls from which various images are projected. Through vibrant and hauntingly beautiful circus music, personal and period multimedia imagery, inventive use of shadow puppetry, voice-overs and simple props such as his costume trunk, the life, thoughts, fears, emotions, triumphs and heartache of this amazingly humble artist are expressed for the audience to treasure.
For more information and business opportunities please contact: Spotlight Communications, Inc. or
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Repeat Performance Music Theatre America Series (MTA Series) The REPEAT PERFORMANCES, MTA SERIES is dedicated to producing the highest quality, semi-staged; script in hand, concert productions of rarely revived American Musicals deserving to be experienced anew by providing an opportunity to have their original libretto and score heard once again. By engaging local new talent in combination with leading theatre professionals, the REPEAT PERFORMANCES, MTA SERIES makes a uniquely American art form accessible not only through entertaining performances, but educational, cultural and outreach programming to present and future generations of Southern Florida audiences. For more information please contact Jonathan Cerullo at 212.757.6409 during regular business hours.
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Production Reel is available upon request
Jonathan Cerullo – Internet Broadway Database Jonathan Cerullo – Internet Off Broadway Database Jonathan Cerullo – Film & TV Database
Page Updated: Monday, December 12, 2011 |
