Richard Jay Simon Artistic Director

Welcome to the "Mosaic Theatre Insider" - a monthly publication giving you insight from the page to the stage and beyond.  We hope to bring you inside a theater company utilizing the very latest in technology like never before.  From interviews with actors, designers and audience members, to podcasts, yelpers, surveys, polls, blogs and YouTube, we want to bring YOU closer to the stage.  As always, if you have questions or suggestions on what you'd like to see published in "Mosaic Theatre Insider" - please don't hesitate to contact me, Richard Jay Simon.  Make sure you are on our email list in order to take advantage of this great interactive new tool and see the full version with graphics.  Enjoy!!!    CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE OUR FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER!      Click a link below to read the full article!   Remember Mom this Mother's Day and treat her to theater on us!  Coming Soon - Carbonell Best Actor Award Winner set to tackle Neil LaBute's WRECKS Around Town!  A special discount offer from... Carbs that are actually good for you! Help Wanted!!!   Remember Mom this Mother's Day and treat her to theater on us!  By now, you have received all the information on our upcoming production of A BODY OF WATER which promises to be a spectacular theatrical event.  We are offering a special promotion for all the mothers or expectant mothers whereby all moms, yes, that's right, all moms (even if it's to a pet named Willy or an original name like Cat) will be admitted into the theater for FREE with a paid guest.  Simply mention promotion code ILOVEMOM to get your free ticket! THE PLAY: What would you do if you woke up one morning and didn't recognize where you were?  Not only that, you also didn't know WHO you were and how you got there?  Don't miss the Steinberg New Play Award Winner for 2006, A BODY OF WATER, by Lee Blessing.  Executive/Artistic Director Richard Jay Simon directs an incredible trio of actors featuring Ken Clement, Beth Dimon and Kim Morgan Dean. Click here to buy your tickets now! Back to Top Coming Soon - Carbonell Best Actor Award Winner set to tackle Neil LaBute's WRECKS Get ready for the final show of Mosaic's 2007/08 season, the Florida Premiere of WRECKS, by Neil LaBute.  Starring Carbonell Award-winner Gordon McConnell, WRECKS is the story of one man's unique love for his recently deceased wife.  Neil LaBute may be best known for his films IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, and THE SHAPE OF THINGS and the plays FAT PIG, BASH, and THE MERCY SEAT.  Mr. McConnell was last seen on the Mosaic stage as Toby in our 2005/06 season's production of MATCH. WRECKS is running as a limited engagement, June 12-June 29, so be sure to make your reservations now!  Click here to buy your tickets now! Back to Top Around Town!  A special discount offer from... $12.50 Tickets to NAKED STAGE'S production of 4.48 Psychosis  If you remember our productions of The Elephant Man, Red Light Winter or this year's Guest Artist, you will recognize the skill and talent of actor Antonio Amadeo.  He along with his lovely wife Katie and actor John Manzelli have opened a new theater company that demands attention.  Periodically, Mosaic will be offering a segment in our "Insider" that gives special discounts to the finest theaters in South Florida.  This month, we are pleased to encourage you to support The Naked Stage.  The Naked Stage is pleased to offer Mosaic Theatre patrons $12.50 tickets to any remaining performance of 4.48 Psychosis playing through May 18.  Simply bring your Mosaic Theatre ticket stub to receive the extremely generous discount.  Purchase tickets online at http://www.nakedstage.org/ or http://www.theatermania.com/, or by phone at 1(866) 811-4111 and mention the promotional code "MOSAIC" to receive your discount and they'll arrange tickets at a date and time that is most convenient for you. 4.48 Psychosis is a shocking, yet inventive glimpse into the mind of a mentally ill woman. A beautifully crafted, detailed work of the imagination, Sarah Kane's courageous examination of her own illness and despair makes this an important piece in the literature of psychosis and a fascinating watch for theatre-goers. Spiked with gallows humor, Kane's final play is a brutal and poetic exploration of a mind preparing to shut itself down. The Naked Stage performs at the Pelican Theatre located on the campus of Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami Shores. Doors open at 7:40 pm. The Pelican Theatre has 47 general admission seats and they fill up fast, so get your tickets today! Back to Top Carbs that are actually good for you! As most of you know by now, the 32nd Annual Carbonell Awards were held on Monday, April 7th, and Mosaic Theatre was nominated for a record-breaking 12 awards-again, the most in Broward County. The event was hosted by two-time Tony nominee Christine Andreas.  The Peter Graves Orchestra provided the music, and one of the guest stars was South Florida's own Irene Adjan who appeared in our season opener, TALK RADIO. The evening started off with a bang for us as Mosaic Theatre was awarded the Best Ensemble Production Prize for last season's GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.  More awards were to follow as Paul Tei took home the Best Actor award for TALK RADIO and the Best-Supporting Actor prize for GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.  The fourth and final award for Mosaic went to Matt Corey for TALK RADIO's Sound Design.  By the way, you can hear his work again in our upcoming production of A BODY OF WATER. Other highlights of the evening included the presentation of the George Abbott Award to Jack Zink (the only recipient to receive the award twice) and a hysterical Liza Minneli performance by one of the cast members of Off-Broadway's FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, Gina Kreiezmar. Here's looking forward to next year, and another successful season! Back to Top Help Wanted!!! Mosaic Theatre, an award-winning professional theater company, is entering an exciting period of growth and is looking for an experienced, passionate, motivated, culturally minded individual to serve as a Development Associate.  The desired individual will have at least three years experience with Annual Giving Campaigns, Major Gift Solicitations, Grant-writing and coordinating Special Events.  A Bachelors Degree and experience in a development capacity for an arts organization is preferred. Please send a cover letter, two writing samples and two letters of recommendation to Richard Jay Simon at rsimon@mosaictheatre.com OR fax (954) 473-4713.  Salary commensurate with experience. Back to Top Reserve your tickets now to unlock the mystery of the Steinberg Best New Play Award Winner for 2006, A Body of Water What would you do if you woke up one morning and didn't recognize where you were?  Not only that, you also didn't know WHO you were and how you got there?  Don't miss our next production, the Steinberg New Play Award Winner for 2006, A BODY OF WATER, by Lee Blessing.  Executive/Artistic Director Richard Jay Simon directs an incredible trio of actors featuring Ken Clement, Beth Dimon and Kim Morgan Dean. For those of you that have been loyal Mosaic subscribers for years, you might remember our Carbonell Award nominated production in 2002 of COBB, also written by Lee Blessing. LOOK AT WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING! “…an extremely intelligent mystery puzzle of a play…” -- Backstage.com “the mysteries engage and fascinate…” -- TalkinBroadway.com “Playwright Lee Blessing is a craftsman of the first rank.” -- The Washington Post  SPECIAL PERFORMANCES! See the show before the critics do and save $2.00 by attending our preview performance on May 8th.  Join us on Opening Night, May 9th, for our complimentary reception.  Attend our Singles night on May 15th, or our Gay and Lesbian evening on May 22nd, and participate in a wine mixer before the show.  Spend a few minutes after the 3pm performance on May 10th and discuss the themes of A BODY OF WATER with our guest lecturer. Attend May 11th or May 18th to be part of our Talk Back series with the actors, designers, and director immediately after the play. Tickets prices are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors (over 65) and $15 for students. Click here to buy your tickets now! Back to Top Captivating the Spirit of our Community! Sponsored by BankAtlantic, Publix Super Markets Charities and Brookshire Securities, Inc. The Mosaic Theatre held its annual gala and auction on March 8 and the special event was held at the American Heritage Center for the Arts.  The "black and white" themed event was sold out, featured a gourmet dinner, the fun of a live and silent auction, and a special performance of John Patrick Shanley's Dirty Story. Mosaic Theatre bestowed two inaugural Spirit awards upon William Laurie, President and Founder of American Heritage School, and Mary Becht, Director of Broward County Cultural Division. The magnificent Mosaic sculptures were designed by Mosaic subscriber Vanessa Hassele-Bonilla. This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary souls who help drive the mission of the Mosaic Theatre and cultural arts in Broward County forward. Our winners have demonstrated excellence in the areas of leadership, creativity, commitment, and passion for the arts.   Gala chair Donna Horkey was pleased with the evening stating,"The event exceeded our expectation in terms of attendees, positive feedback and revenues.  It was an all around success." Mosaic Theatre Board President Devin Avery was also elated with the evening.  "The Gala gives us an opportunity to recognize what is important to our success, a community that works with us and allows us to each year be an integral part of their lives." Highlights from the evening included a potential conflict of interest purchase by Palm Beach Post Theatre Critic, Hap Erstein, when his wife bid on and won a walk-on-role in a future Mosaic Theatre production.  I'm thinking that for that special performance, we will invite actors to see the show as my guest and we'll use a reverse poison pen affect - and encourage actors to review his performance and then publish them on our site!  The highest bid of the evening came for a 12 day cruise generously provided by Holland America for $7,500.  There was a wonderful variety of auction items generously donated by the South Florida community and beyond.  I also wanted to express my deep gratitude for everyone that helped make this event a success.  There is one item that Mosaic Theatre is making available to the general public.  This unique, priceles item caused quite a frenzy at the live auction.  Executive/Artistic Director, Richard Jay Simon will be your servant for a day for $1,500, which is the price it sold for at the event.  Your wish is his command.  All proceeds benefit Mosaic Theatre, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, and it's not too late to support the event by  making a tax-deductible donation to one of your favorite charities.  Call (954) 577-8243 for more information. Back to Top Mosaic Welcomes two new members!  Be next to Jump on Board! Please join me in welcoming two new board members to Mosaic Theatre, Gregg Breitbart and Leslie Roth.  Do you have any interest in becoming more involved with shaping Mosaic's future? Do the statements below apply to you?   You've been a friend to Mosaic Theatre since the beginning. You've attended the performances. You've shared the Mosaic experience with your family and close friends. You've helped the company with your continuing and much needed financial support. Join Mosaic Theatre's board of directors and solidify your status as one of the most discerning members of our artistic community. Check the list above. How many of these responsibilities do you ALREADY take on? Make it official and jump on board!  Click here to fill out a Board Application.  If you have any questions, email Donna Horkey or Leslie Roth. INTRODUCING GREGG & LESLIE: Gregg Breitbart lives in Davie, Florida with his wife, Karen and two daughters.  He is general counsel of Newbridge Securities Corporation, a full-service securities broker-dealer and investment bank headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA 1984) and the University of Miami School of Law (JD 1987).  Gregg is active in the community, having served as an officer and director of his homeowners' association and coach of his daughter's sports teams.  Gregg was born and raised in New Jersey, and worked in New York for several years, where he gained an appreciation for Broadway, off-Broadway and local theater.  He continues to be an avid theater-goer and, in addition to serving on the Board of Mosaic Theatre, serves as Vice Chairman and a Director of the City Theatre in Miami.  He is pleased and proud to be associated with Mosaic Theatre. Leslie Roth has worked as an executive in the non profit field since 1985 with extensive experience in all phases of organizational development and fundraising.  She has served as Vice-President of Development for the National Office of the American Lung Association, Executive Director of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, a national non profit agency,  Senior  Development Officer for the Southeast Regional Office of City of Hope and is presently the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Broward County.  She began her career as a high school teacher after graduating with a degree in Secondary English from the State University College at Cortland, NY. She received an M.A. in public administration and art from Long Island University. Ms. Roth has served as President of a local National Education Association chapter and was very active in the New York Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives serving in various chair positions for the annual conference. She has presented at numerous conferences and has authored articles for various publications. She has held officer positions in the Broward County Planned Giving Council and  the Broward Women's Alliance. She is a graduate of Leadership Broward and has served on many LB committees. She is presently a member of the Mosaic Theatre Gala Committee.  She has held CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) status since 1992. Back to Top Mosaic Theatre Fans - Show Your Support! Mosaic Theatre is participating in the South Florida Theatre Festival, which runs from March 10th -May 12th, and includes Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.  Please vote for DIRTY STORY as theatermania will be giving $1,000 worth of free advertising to the theater in each county logging the most votes.  So, if you saw the “appallingly entertaining” DIRTY STORY and enjoyed it, show your support for Mosaic by clicking here to vote. Even if this wasn't your favorite production, I still would like you to show your support for Mosaic by clicking here and voting for DIRTY STORY. REMINDER - WHAT THE CRITICS SAID ABOUT DIRTY STORY! "Yes, there is a "dirty" story in Dirty Story as you will discover the Mosaic Theatre's sizzling new production of Shanley's allegorical comedy.  The first act is intellectually provocative, deliberately shocking...That second act is hilarious and all too true...The acting by Sherritt and Reilley is good, but the work from Anthony and Fabregat is nothing short of masterful - weird, wonderful and moment-to-moment perfect." -- Christine Dolen, Miami Herald "It is a helluva show, awfully demanding and awfully good, fascinating, a well-acted enigma." -- Jerry Layton, Around Town Magazine "You have to experience the end to understand the beginning in John Patrick Shanley's allegorical farce Dirty Story currently sweating its yuks for the Mosaic Theatre.  That understanding follows what must be a surprise directed with a wicked relish by Kim St. Leon." -- Jack Zink, Sun-Sentinel "Once again, Mosaic Theatre delivers!  The kind of good theatre that everyone expects - and gets - at Mosaic...a play full of surprises." -- Ron Levitt, Entertainment News & Views CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR DIRTY STORY! Back to Top South Florida Pioneer Rafael De Acha launches New Chapter with "Theater by the Book" Rafael De Acha, Founding Director of New Theatre in Coral Gables has just launched a new chapter called "Theater by the Book." Its mission is to preserve the great literary legacy of classic theater by presenting staged readings of the great works of the European and American stages, at minimal or free admission, with professional actors, primarily for the community of Miami-Dade County, at multiple locations throughout South Florida.  I encourage you to check them out. Our Town by Thornton Wilder Sunday, April 27, 2008 At 7:00 PM at GableStage at the Biltmore 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables  To receive monthly e-mails about "Theater by the Book," click here!  Our Town depicts the lives, loves and losses of the citizens of the imaginary town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. Spanning the years 1900 through 1913, the play celebrates the joys of a simpler, more innocent time back in the days when folks forgot to lock their front doors at night and when the arrival of the first automobile in town was a major event, and Sunday concerts in the park, church picnics. Weddings and births were celebrated year after year Albert Einstein, no less, called this play "...a work that touches the soul like a miracle."The leading roles will be played by David Kwiat, Bill Schwartz, Robert Strain, Kimberly Daniel, Sally Levin, Nicholas Richberg and Cecilia Torres.  The event will be followed by an informal get-together with the actors to discuss the play.  For directions and parking information go to www.GableStage.org/directions.php.  Back to Top Don't miss "Mosaic Theatre's SIZZLING NEW PRODUCTION of Shanley's comedy!" It has been an incredible opening week at Mosaic Theatre as Dirty Story played to sold out houses!  See why this production is creating such a buzz in the community and why many are coming back to see it again!  If you have already seen the show, please don't reveal the secrets of the play and be a spoiler! Here's what the critics are saying: "Yes, there is a "dirty" story in Dirty Story as you will discover the Mosaic Theatre's sizzling new production of Shanley's allegorical comedy.  The first act is intellectually provocative, deliberately shocking...That second act is hilarious and all too true...The acting by Sherritt and Reilley is good, but the work from Anthony and Fabregat is nothing short of masterful - weird, wonderful and moment-to-moment perfect." -- Christine Dolen, Miami Herald "It is a helluva show, awfully demanding and awfully good, fascinating, a well-acted enigma." -- Jerry Layton, Around Town Magazine "You have to experience the end to understand the beginning in John Patrick Shanley's allegorical farce Dirty Story currently sweating its yuks for the Mosaic Theatre.  That understanding follows what must be a surprise directed with a wicked relish by Kim St. Leon." -- Jack Zink, Sun-Sentinel "Once again, Mosaic Theatre delivers!  The kind of good theatre that everyone expects - and gets - at Mosaic...a play full of surprises." -- Ron Levitt, Entertainment News & Views Don’t miss this new comedy by Pulitzer, Oscar, Tony, Drama Desk award winner John Patrick Shanley! When an aspiring novelist seeks the advice of a successful writer she gets more than she bargained for. But when a dispute arises, her ex-boyfriend, a pistol-toting cowboy, sledgehammers the door and enters with his sidekick, a British bartender, at which point the story takes a surprising allegorical turn.  From the famed writer of Moonstruck and Doubt this play is one you can't afford to miss. Dirty Story runs through March 23, Thursdays through Saturdays @ 8:00 with a Saturday matinee at 3:00 and a Sunday matinee at 2:00.  Ticket prices are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors and $15 for students.  The performances on Saturday, March 8th at 8:00 and Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 are sold out.  Parking is plentiful and absolutely free! "DRAMA IN REAL LIFE" You never know when drama will occur in real life.  It did at the opening of Dirty Story.  Midway through the first act, I heard a man in the row behind me call 911.  It seems an older woman had lapsed into a state of semi-consciousness.  Then Richard Simon appeared, asked the actors to suspend their performance and requested that we leave the theater.  The paramedics came and, shortly after, removed the patient, comatose but still alive, to the hospital.  Back in the the theater, the seasoned actors, seamlessly resumed their work exactly where they had left off." -- Jerry Layton, Around Town Magazine Buy your tickets for Dirty Story here! Back to Top It's been the year of the Shanley in South Florida In our inaugural season, back in 2001, Mosaic produced the beautiful, romantic comedy Italian American Reconciliation.  So, it's truly an honor for the theater to be presenting another outstanding work by the author of Doubt, Moonstruck and over 20 other plays. The 2007/08 theater season has indeed been the "Year of the Shanley" in South Florida.  Caldwell Theatre opened their new venue with a production of Doubt and Alliance Theatre presented Danny and the Deep Blue Sea which played to favorable reviews.  Last month we sent out an announcement on TWO great plays by TWO great theaters sharing the John Patrick Shanley connection.  Aside from our production of Dirty Story, I suggest you also check out Defiance (August 16-September 14) which will be at GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.  I haven't read this script so I'm eagerly awaiting this production.  The New York Times says "As thoughtful and probing as Doubt!  An arresting, ambitious tale of race relations and the military mindset, filled with provocative questions."  Click here to purchase tickets to Defiance So I hereby proclaim this as the "Year of the Shanley" and I have included a brief biography and some links to fascinating interviews with Mr. Shanley below for your perusal.  Thank you, John Patrick Shanley, for your outstanding contribution to American Theatre. BIO: John Patrick Shanley is a playwright from the Bronx. He was educated by the Irish Christian Brothers and the Sisters of Charity. He is famous for insisting in his contract that not a single word can be changed in the screenplays that he writes. He is a graduate of New York University.  For his script for the 1987 film, Moonstruck, Shanley won the Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay and the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. In 2004 Shanley was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame.  In 2005, John Patrick Shanley's play Doubt was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Drama Desk Award and Tony Award for Best Play. Click here: John Patrick Shanley - FORA.tv Click here: John Patrick Shanley, Q&A Interview: Broadway.com Buzz Click here: YouTube - John Patrick Shanley at the Powerhouse Theater Back to Top IT’S TIME TO SHOWCASE SOUTH FLORIDA THEATRE; THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL FEATURES  3 FREE FORUMS The South Florida Theatre Festival is scheduled for March 10 to May 12, featuring some 24 productions in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, discounted tickets at select venues, three complimentary “forums,”  play readings, and lavish parties.   The event – the third annual Festival – will also be a fund-raiser for the League this year with one of the sponsors -- Celebrity Cruises – providing  a  special travel package. The festival will kick off with a members-only party on Monday, March 10 at Club Revolution, a private club in downtown Fort Lauderdale.  At the event, the official 2008 Festival poster will be unveiled.  The poster will be shown at all theatrical sites in the tri-county area during the Festival. Among the activities this year will be a number of play readings at member locations. Each of the member theatres will be announcing the free special  open-to-the-public play readings, mostly being held on the Monday evenings, always recognized by the theatre community as its “free night.” Of special interest are three free “Forums” being coordinated by City Theatre Artistic Producing Director Stuart Meltzer. The forums  --- one in each County -- will be panel discussions based on three distinct theatrical interest groups and subjects.  These are: March  25 Gay and Lesbian Theatre Forum in Broward County (TBA) April 22 – Ethnic Theatre Forum in Miami-Dade County (New Theatre) May 5 – Yiddish Theatre Forum in Palm Beach County (New Vista Theatre) This year’s Theatre League Festival sponsors include Celebrity Cruises, The Palm Beach Post, WLRN Radio/TV, WXEL Radio/TV, Theatremania and Stork’s Café on Las Olas, site of the May 12 closing party, which is free to TLSF members and available to non-members for  a $25 contribution to the non-profit organization. At the closing party on May 12 – a gathering of “who’s who” in the South Florida theatre community --  several awards for excellence will be presented including the League’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the REMY Award for service to the League,  an overall prize awarded by Theatremania for the outstanding Festival production, and the Silver Palm Awards – a new set of citations based on excellence given by TLSF to members  for outstanding achievement during the Festival and for specific Festival  activities, as  sponsored by the 55 venues. For the general public, there will be online discounts available in order to give them a “taste of  theatre” at new venues. There will be a registration on www.SouthFloridaTheatre.com for the duration of the Theatre Festival.  When  audience members click on the registration form they will be asked if they subscribe to a theatre, if so --  what theatre and, regardless, they will be able to print out a coupon for a percentage deduction for each ticket during the festival.  Discounts will vary depending upon whether or not you are already a subscriber. Back to Top Carbonell Committee Recognizes Mosaic Theatre with a Dozen Nominations! "For the first time in at least a decade, a Broward theater has earned over 10 nominations to place among the region's frontrunners:  Plantation's Mosaic Theatre with a dozen."  -- Jack Zink, Sun-Sentinel "Mosaic scored big as nominations for the 32nd annual Carbonell Awards were announced." --Christine Dolen, Miami Herald Mosaic Theatre just received 12 Carbonell Award Nominations, the most for any one season in the theater's history.  The ceremony will be held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 7.  Mosaic Theatre's nominations are as follows: Best Play: Glengarry Glen Ross Best Play: Talk Radio Best Director: Richard Jay Simon, Glengarry Glen Ross Best Director: Richard Jay Simon, Talk Radio Best Ensemble: Glengarry Glen Ross Best Actor in a Play: John Felix, Guest Artist Best Actor in a Play: Paul Tei, Talk Radio Best Supporting Actor: Paul Tei, Glengarry Glen Ross Best Actress in a Play: Pilar Uribe, 9 Parts of Desire Best Scenic Design: Sean McClelland, Talk Radio Best Scenic Design: Sean McClelland, Guest Artist Best Sound Design: Matt Corey, Talk Radio The theater wishes to congratulate all Carbonell nominees for contributing to such an outstanding theater region.  For a full list click here. Back to Top Ten Questions with Miami Herald Theater Critic Christine Dolen! I'm often asked questions about the role of the critic so I decided to ask one of the best in the region, Christine Dolen of the Miami Herald.  Also check out Christine Dolen's Blog, Drama Queen which is updated regularly and offers her insight into the theater world.  Alas, the questions and answers.  Q: Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? What sparked your passion to become involved in the arts?  Have you ever been involved in any other capacity aside from critic? How did you become a theater critic for the Miami Herald and tell us a little about your journey in becoming one? A: I grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and remember reading reviews even as a kid (I know -- very strange).  My father, Bill Hindman, was an actor, and when I was a preteen, he did a couple of years of summer stock theater just north of the city, and I'm guessing that's when I got really interested in theater.     During junior high and a bit in high school, I acted in a few teen/community productions, but I quickly realized: 1. I didn't have my dad's talent; 2.  I was too self-conscious to be an actor.     I majored in journalism at Ohio State University and did some freelance film and theater reviewing when I was on the staff of the Columbus Dispatch. I was hired as an arts copy editor and rock music critic at the Detroit Free Press, and while I was there the theater critic left on a fellowship, so I filled in for awhile.  I was hired at the Herald as arts editor, then returned to rock criticism, then got the theater critic job when the previous critic left in 1979. Q: If you weren't a theater critic, what might you be doing to earn a paycheck?  Feel free to discuss odd jobs that you've had since you were a kid.  A: It's probably sad to say, but I'm not sure what else I would be doing.  The only non-journalism job I ever had was at a fast-food place in high school, and I don't think I'd want to go back to that.  I'd probably be some sort of editor, I'm guessing. But I hope I don't have to find out.   Q: Please share your best and worst experience in your career.  A local actor once told me that he was going to send a certain critic a copy of the Vincent Price movie "Theater of Blood" which is a B horror flick where an actor seeks revenge on the critics who gave him awful notices.  Any wild stories to share and of course, feel free to omit the names of the individuals or organizations involved. A: My friend, former UM film professor George Capewell, his actress-wife Cynthia Caquelin (who also taught at UM and New World) and I always agreed that the worst thing we had ever seen locally was an independent production of the play "Modigliani," which was directed by the (very bad, very egotistical and dialogue-challenged) leading actor's girlfriend.  A few things came close, but nothing else here bottomed out quite that horribly. It's hard to say what were the best experiences, but I would count the Broadway production of "Nicholas Nickleby," a production of "Cyrano de Bergerac" starring Derek Jacobi and the first time I heard "Anna in the Tropics" read among things I'll always treasure. Q: What was the most memorable interview you have conducted or story you have covered and why?  A: Again, it's tough to pin down one thing.  I'll never forget interviewing Tennessee Williams at a cafe in Key West, and later writing an obituary of him that was published in the Herald AND in an English-language paper in China.    The first place I ever interviewed Edward Albee was in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel, as he sat and petted the Algonquin cat.  I was always a little terrified of interviewing him -- he is SO bright and quick, and he doesn't suffer foolish questions -- but as I did subsequent interviews with him, I came to appreciate his humor and the warmth underneath the formidable intellect.   I have also loved writing about theater talents from Miami who are having an impact on the larger world: Nilo Cruz, Raul Esparza, Tarell McCraney.   And, way back when, I interviewed both Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (though not together). In my rock critic days I: Went to the circus with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; flew on Led Zeppelin’s private plane; sat beside Billy Joel & behind Kris Kristofferson as we watched Stephen Stills perform in Havana. But that’s another interview. Q: Please discuss your process as a reviewer.  Do you have specific guidelines or criteria which you use to judge a production?  Are new plays viewed differently than established ones?   How are fledging new theatre companies judged versus established companies? A: The bottom line is this:  Good theater is good theater.  Critics evaluate the play (particularly in the case of a new script) and the production; the performances; the direction; the design.  We try to analyze what works and what doesn’t.  We try to place a play in the larger context of that author’s work, or a production within the context of the work a particular company does.  Writing about a new play is slightly different (and an interesting challenge).  New works are seldom perfect the first time they’re produced, so if there are flaws, you point them out and analyze them.  New companies usually don’t have the resources of established ones, so certainly you take that into account, but again – good theater is good theater. Q: When you see a theatre with empty seats, do you feel any obligation or responsibility to give a positive review to help generate ticket sales? A: No, I don’t.  While I realize reviews can and do have an effect on sales (sometimes slight, sometimes major), there are enough critics in South Florida that theatergoers can access a spectrum of opinions about a production.  Pulling punches, being “nice,” damages a critic’s credibility.  Although what we do involves opinion writing, we are also journalists, and it’s our obligation to be accurate and honest. Q: Does an audience's reaction (or lack thereof) to a show or the size of a house ever influence your review?  Many producers fear critics attending a performance that is not well attended, especially for a comedy, might have a negative impact on a review.  Is that a myth? A: The audience’s reaction or the size of an audience has nothing to do with how I review a show.  I have sometimes loved shows that an audience clearly didn’t like, and vice versa.  An audience comes to a production to be entertained (or moved or enlightened!).  A critic is there to analyze and reflect on a production.  If there seems to be a major disparity between the way the audience is reacting to a piece and the way the critic sees it, the critic (as a journalist) really has an obligation to comment on that/analyze it as part of the review. Q: Often times a glorious review with an ambiguous headline can mislead a reader, deciding whether or not the article is read.  Ultimately that can have a significant effect on ticket sales.  Is it fact or fiction that critics do not select the headline for a story? A: Critics have nothing to do with headlines (or photo captions).  Those are written by the folks on the copy desk.  They should reflect the overall tone of the review – positive, negative or mixed (in which case, the headline should be neutral).  Generally, the system works, though certainly there have been times when I felt a headline (which is, after all, just a few words) suggested a review was more negative than it actually was.  And yes, that bothers me.  That’s why I would resist a star system (like the one used with movie reviews) for theater reviews: It’s too easy for a reader to just look at that and skip the more nuanced analysis in a review. Q: For me, there is nothing worse than sitting through an awful production. Yet, as a producer, I must see a lot and attempt diplomacy.  Have you ever walked out of a production that you were covering?  Do you find yourself after seeing a bad show desperately trying to say at least one positive thing about it?  Do you find yourself after seeing a good show playing devil's advocate to find something negative? A: The only time I ever left a play I was reviewing actually involved a Broadway production of the Scottish play, many years ago. But in writing a capsule review of it (the format I use when writing about multiple Broadway productions), I said in print that I had bailed at intermission, and said why. If I go to a play that I’m not covering and it’s really bad, I feel no obligation to stick it out to the bitter end.  But if I’m reviewing, I must and do stay ‘til the end. I do NOT try to say something positive about a poor production, nor do I search for something negative to say about a good one. That has nothing to do with the critic’s task or process.     Q: Describe how you see the development of theatre in South Florida over the years, from when you started to now.  And as you look in the "Christine Dolen Crystal Ball" how do you see the future of this arts community? A: When I began as the Herald’s theater critic in 1979 (I know – before some of the people reading this were born!), there wasn’t much homegrown theater here. Ruth Foreman was a longtime force in theater, and there was (unlike now) the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the Caldwell, touring Broadway theater.  Small and sometimes wonderful companies came and went: I particularly miss Area Stage and the Acme Acting Company. Now, the region is home to so much good theater and so many small- to medium-sized companies.  We have a burgeoning play-writing scene, a strong talent pool, artistic directors who compete to get provocative scripts from New York and regional theater, plus so much new work.  It’s a great time to be in theater or writing about it.  My hope is that the Coconut Grove Playhouse can be reborn (before too long!) as a strong regional theater reflective of the cultural richness of South Florida, a place where everything from new work to the classics can be produced.  I think that’s the only thing missing from an otherwise vibrant theater community. Back to Top Come to the theater and let us tell you a Dirty Story! Don’t miss this new comedy by Pulitzer, Oscar, Tony, Drama Desk award winner John Patrick Shanley! When an aspiring novelist seeks the advice of a successful writer she gets more than she bargained for. But when a dispute arises, her ex-boyfriend, a pistol-toting cowboy, sledgehammers the door and enters with his sidekick, a British bartender, at which point the story takes a surprising allegorical turn.  From the famed writer of Moonstruck and Doubt this play is one you can't afford to miss. Dirty Story runs February 28 - March 23, Thursdays through Saturdays @ 8:00 with a Saturday matinee at 3:00 and a Sunday matinee at 2:00.  Ticket prices are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors and $15 for students.  Parking is pLentiful and absolutely free! Guest director Kim St. Leon leads an outstanding quartet of actors including: Steve Anthony, Natasha Sherritt, Erik Fabregat and Kevin Reilley.  The extraordinary design team includes Resident Set Designer Sean McClelland, Lighting Designer Patrick Tennent, Sound Designer Matt Corey, Costume Designer K. Blair Brown, Production Stage Manager Naomi Zapata and graphics/photography by George Schiavone. Please note the following special performances! Preview Performance: Thursday, February 28 Complimentary Opening Night Reception: Friday, February 29 Guest Lecturer following performance: Saturday, March 1 Postshow Discussion with Actors: Sunday, March 2 & 9 Singles Night: Thursday, March 6 Gay & Lesbian Night: Thursday: March 13 Buy your tickets now for Dirty Story! Back to Top Richard Jay Simon to be a servant for a day!  Contribute an item to our auction lot! On March 8, Mosaic Theatre will be holding its annual fundraiser and we need your help. "The Black and White Ball" is a spectacular evening including a gourmet dinner, open bar, silent/live auction and featuring a performance of John Patrick Shanley's Dirty Story.  With a little less than five weeks until the big event, we are looking to increase our auction lot. For the fifth consecutive year, Executive/Artistic Director Richard Jay Simon will put himself on the auction block and we would like to encourage you to think "outside the box" to create a specialty item that you can donate to Mosaic Theatre. Of course we will graciously accept donations of virtually anything. Here's a list of some ideas which would be amazing for you to contribute to the theater. Are you a season ticket holder to a team or venue? Donate a pair of Sports, Event, Opera, Ballet, Concert and/or Attraction tickets to the theater. Go out for dinner often? Tell the restaurant manager that your favorite theater is having its fundraiser on March 8 and would appreciate a dinner for two gift certificate?  Lunch certificates are just as good, too. Are you a shop-o-holic? If you're spending a lot of money at any store they are likely to give you a gift card for one of your favorite charities.  The trick to getting them is simple, ask! Are you a business owner? Prepare a gift basket.  Or donate some items and we will create the basket for you. Have a piece of art hanging on a wall that you're looking to replace?  Donate your art to us and treat yourself to a new look on your wall. Own a vacation home? Donate accommodations for a week/weekend which always receives a premium bid. Do you have a great wine collection?  Donate a bottle, or several to the theater. Do you have a specific skill set to offer?  Legal services, accounting services, printing services, voice lessons, musical instrument lessons, cooking classes, maid services -- Use your imagination and create a package you feel someone would bid on! Work for a newspaper or radio station?  Help us build a "Promote your Business" package by donating space or air time for the auction. Do you know a celebrity?  Last year we auctioned off a lunch with Joe Rose and a dinner with Peter Graves, both were hot items.  Who do you know that would be willing to dine with some eager fans? Thank you so much for your assistance. Remember to use your imagination and create any auction item you would bid on yourself. We are happy to make arrangements to pick up your donation which is tax-deductible. You will be listed in the gala program along with displaying promotional items for your company. Print out the auction form and fax it to the number provided.  Thanks for your support!!! Back to Top A Festive Time in Las Olas, Ft. Lauderdale Mosaic Theatre spent a weekend, January 19-21, at the Las Olas National Art Festival.  Hosted by The Museum of Art-Fort Lauderdale and located in Huizenga Plaza, the festival gave Mosaic a chance to be surrounded by wonderful artists and beautiful art, meet great new people, network and spread the word about the work we do.  One artist stood out above the rest in a beautiful medium called "back painted glass" which utilizes an innovative style of sealing the work.  It is truly gorgeous art (sample to the right) and we suggest you visit Presteau's beautiful website as they will be at the Boca Arts festival this weekend. Mosaic will also be represented at the upcoming Senior Expo in Plantation to be held on Friday, February 8.  If you know of an upcoming opportunity/event that would give your favorite theatre company wonderful exposure, please call (954) 57-STAGE and help us let more people in on the best kept secret in South Florida. Back to Top Mosaic Announces Inaugural Spirit Award Recipients for 2008! Mosaic Theatre is proud to announce the winners of its first annual SPIRIT AWARD to be presented at the "Black and White Ball" on March 8th.  This prestigious award recognizes extraordinary souls who help drive the mission of the Mosaic Theatre and cultural arts in Broward County forward. Our winners have demonstrated excellence in the areas of leadership, creativity, commitment and passion for the arts. This year we are thrilled to bestow the inaugural SPIRIT AWARDS upon William Laurie, Founder of American Heritage School, and Mary Becht, Director of Broward County Cultural Division. William Laurie, President and Founder of American Heritage School has been an angel of the theater since its inception. Through the years, Heritage has continued to grow in various ways and for many reasons is one of the most prestigious high schools in the Country. Perhaps one of the most important factors has been Mr. Laurie's personal commitment and dedication to the arts. His generosity is unheralded and without his support, Mosaic Theatre would not exist. Mr. Laurie has been awarded "Administrator of the Year" by Florida State Thespians. He is the only founder/president whose vision of the arts in Florida is supported by implementing a 27 member Fine Arts Faculty from across the United States. Mr. Laurie has constructed an 87,000 square foot, 27 million dollar state of the art Fine Arts Complex which houses 3 theaters, 2 art galleries, choral, band, guitar, orchestra studios, 6 art studios, 2 dance studios and all the latest equipment to create the best in Fine Arts Education. Mary Becht has been the Director of the Broward Cultural Division since 1984.  This year marks her 25th anniversary of leading the multi-faceted charge for arts throughout the County.  This extraordinary woman has dedicated her life to the arts.  Jody Leshinksy, Marketing Director for The Division stated, "Mary has inspired and guided the Cultural Division for more than 25 years, with fearless grace and challenging eloquence. To anyone who knows her, this is obviously innate. I have been with her since almost the very beginning, and can say that this award is apt. Her spirit is the soul of the Division, and we are all proud to be a part of it."  Recent Chair of the Broward Cultural Council Anthony Abbate had this to say, "Mary Becht’s quiet and unassuming character belies her tenacity as an administrator and advocate for the arts.  For 25 years, she has quietly built the Broward County Cultural division into a nationally respected and admired agency and a model that other communities seek to emulate.  But Mary is not content to rest on her laurels and as she continues to pursue a sustainable agenda for the arts in Broward County.  If the arts community in Broward were a ship, the Cultural Division would be its sails and Mary would be the mast." You can show your support for our first annual SPIRIT AWARD recipients by attending the event on March 8th or congratulating them by purchasing an advertisement in the Gala Program. Back to Top Audience Development: Mosaic Offers FREE Triple-Play!!! A friend of mine recently told me that I really need to think critically "outside the box" while I continue building Mosaic Theatre and leading this organization forward. One significant challenge South Florida theaters encounter is the lack of young people in the audience. I recall a recent board meeting where one board member stated, "Richard, where are all the young people? How can we get them here?" While any producer is extremely grateful for support from any demographic, one can't help but notice the lack of 25-40 year olds in an audience. In a multi-faceted strategic campaign I am going to invest nearly $10,000 in order to achieve this goal. With three plays left in our season, Dirty Story by John Patrick Shanley, A Body of Water by Lee Blessing and Wrecks by Neil LaBute - Mosaic will offer FREE Triple-Play Subscriptions to the first one hundred individuals between the ages of 25-40 that request their flight of tickets by February 1st. That's right! You did read this correctly. Mosaic Theatre will give FREE, yes, FREE, tickets to those individuals with proper identification between the ages of 25-40. Money can no longer be a "barrier to entry" for the savvy young professionals interested in broadening their cultural horizons. Help us spread the word as we open our theater doors to young minds for FREE!  I truly believe it's a win-win situation. For years, I've been trying to figure out how to attract a younger demographic aside from programming. Hopefully with this initial investment, these folks not only will become Mosaic Theatre subscribers in the future, but have a newly found appreciation for live theater and will frequent other venues as well. Back to Top There's a Dirty Story on the horizon -- Don't miss Mosaic's next Production by Award Winning Playwright, John Patrick Shanley Don’t miss this new comedy by Pulitzer, Oscar, Tony, Drama Desk award winner John Patrick Shanley! When an aspiring novelist seeks the advice of a successful writer she gets more than she bargained for. But when a dispute arises, her ex-boyfriend, a pistol-toting cowboy, sledgehammers the door and enters with his sidekick, a British bartender, at which point the story takes a surprising allegorical turn.  From the famed writer of Moonstruck and Doubt this play is one you can't afford to miss. Mosaic is proud to bring back Guest Director Kim St. Leon (9 Parts of Desire & Memory of Water) to lead this exciting project.  Kim says, "This play is outrageous and thought-provoking all at the same time and I can't wait to get started."  The outstanding quartet of actors includes: Steve Anthony, Natasha Sherritt, Erik Fabregat and Kevin Reilley.  Please note the following special performances! Preview Performance: Thursday, February 28 Complimentary Opening Night Reception: Friday, February 29 Guest Lecturer following performance: Saturday, March 1 Postshow Discussion with Actors: Sunday, March 2 & 9 Singles Night: Thursday, March 6 Gay & Lesbian Night: Thursday: March 13 Buy your tickets now for Dirty Story! Back to Top Holiday Drive - Getting close to our goal.... I sent a Holiday Drive letter out recently and I'm pleased to report that we have received $5,322.00 through generous donations from our audience base.  We have achieved a little more than 50% of the goal ($10,000) and I am asking that if you haven't already made your Holiday gift to Mosaic - please do so now.  I want to personally thank those individuals who have already given money for us to reach this goal.  Those individuals include: Joy Abbott, Vanessa & Daniel Abramson, Max & Eleanor Anis, Marcia Bettan & Mel Aron, Kathy Cerminara, Frank Cline, Jr., Albert Cohen, Cheryl Dunn-Bychek, Sam & Yetta Feldman, Steven & Sherri Fox, Carole Frank, Reiss Gaspard, Elaine & Harold Gobstein, Sandra & Hy Goodman, Diane Goren, Jay Harris, Richard Janaro, Bea Kantrowitz, Edwin & Elaine Kaplan, Lila Kirschman, Reva Lifshey, Victor & Karen Matles, Ernest & Claudette Moritz, Marjorie O'Neill-Butler, Fran & Buddy Nevins, Howard & Marcy Nieporent, Samuel Reed, Maria Rodriguez, Ethel Rosenberg, Hervey & Wanda Ross, Mr.& Mrs. Eugene Schreiber, Carmen Seltzer, Barbara Simmonds, Norma Solomon, Norma & Herbert Sonnenklar, Eleanor Stern, Jack Tavone, Terrie Temkin, Ethelind Wiener, and Mel & Claire Zimmers.   Back to Top What's Black, White, Entertaining & Fun? The 6th Annual Gala and Auction 2008: "The Black & White Ball" to be held Saturday, March 8th, 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Mosaic Theatre. The evening will feature a gourmet dinner, open bar, live music, fabulous silent and live auctions, AND a live performance of the southeastern premiere of John Patrick Shanley's Dirty Story. Tickets are $125 each. Mosaic would like to thank our corporate sponsors for the event: Platinum Sponsor: Bank Atlantic Silver Sponsor: Publix Supermarkets Charities Bronze Sponsor: Brookshire Securities Corporation  We invite your business to join in supporting Mosaic's one and only annual fundraiser through a corporate sponsorship or an ad in our program book. Invitations will be mailed later this month. Your support of Mosaic will help keep our professional theater alive and well in West Broward. For information on how you can help, please contact Donna Horkey, MS, PHR, Gala Chair. Back to Top Mosaic's "Exquisite Production" of Jeff Daniels' "Deliciously Funny Guest Artist is as Good as it Gets" - Don't Miss it! If you don't take our word for it, take a look at the Miami Herald review, or the one from Entertainment News & Views.  The reviews are just starting to come in and we hear resounding, thunderous applause for Mosaic Theatre's latest triumph, Guest Artist by Jeff Daniels.  Ron Levitt's opening paragraph made me chuckle.  "It almost seems inconveivable that the actor known for his role in the 1994 Dumb and Dumber could be the same person who wrote Guest Artist, the brilliantly scripted, intelligent play currently at the Mosaic Theatre.  However, Jeff Daniels is the man!"  Sheepishly, I admit to being quite fond of this comedic masterpiece but I'm elated that Ron loved the show regardless.  The praise continues - "From Richard Jay Simon's rhythmically precise direction to the nuance-rich performances of the superb three-man cast to the wondrous work of the production's designers, this Guest Artist is as good as it gets..."  So, to continue quoting Christine Dolen, critic of the Miami Herald, "Catch Guest Artist, and you'll see just a collection of terrific performances in a thoroughly enjoyable play.  But there's more.  Look hard enough, and you just might see yourself."  Obviously, with these reviews, tickets are starting to fly like hot cakes.  Allow me to take a brief moment to consider where that expression came from.  (Pause.)  Thank you.  Guest Artist is Jeff Daniels most autobiographical work yet, and explores the glory of theater, hero worship and the nature of artistic risk in a gentle and poignant comedy about a playwright who visits a small town theater company that has commissioned what may be his last play.  Directed by Executive/Artistic Director Richard Jay Simon, Mosaic is honored to feature Carbonell Award Winning Actors Antonio Amadeo and John Felix, along with Carbonell nominee Erik Fabregat and an amazing design team.  This is a show not to miss.  We don't say that often - so make sure you catch Guest Artist by Jeff Daniels.  Click here to read full article. Click here to Buy Tickets Online Back to Top "The Art of Making Art" - Free Event this Wednesday at Barnes & Noble on December 5th! Please join us this Wednesday, December 5th at the Barnes & Noble in Plantation (591 South University Drive)  for a unique program and fundraiser to support the Mosaic.  At 6 pm, “A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Live Theatre” will feature the artists who helped create our current production, “Guest Artist,” by well-known actor Jeff Daniels.  Our experts will discuss acting, lighting design, set design, directing, stage management, and sound design. Each will speak briefly about his or her role in creating the the sound, look, and feel of the performance.  There will be a Q & A period to address all the things you wonder about when you see the finished product, such as: How do you decide what the set should look like? Do you generally model it after the Broadway set if it has opened there? How much input do the actors have in shaping their characters and the delivery of their lines? Does the costume designer make many of the costumes or are most of them purchased? After this fascinating and FREE one-hour program, please spend some time perusing the jam-packed shelves of Barnes & Noble and make some purchases using the Mosaic Theatre voucher attached.  Ten percent of your purchase price will be donated by Barnes & Noble to the Mosaic!   The holidays are coming and Barnes & Noble has a multitude of appropriate gifts for all the friends and family on your gift list.  Instead of buying toys for the kids and grandkids, why not enhance their personal library collections and encourage a love of reading, or add to your favorite teen’s music or video collection with some CDs and DVDs?  For yourself, why not try some audiobooks? Listening to books on tape or CD is a fun way to pass the time while driving; it also enables those with eyesight challenges to still enjoy the latest bestsellers at home. This is an opportunity to support the Mosaic Theatre!! Please help us to continue putting on great theatre by patronizing this event.  Feel free to e-mail these vouchers to your friends and invite them to participate too!  Can’t attend? Use the voucher within three days of the event (December 8) and Mosaic will still get the credit from your purchase!!  We look forward to seeing you there!  Thank you for your support! CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR BOOK FAIR VOUCHERS! Back to Top Mosaic Theatre Groupies! Did you know that Mosaic Theatre offers group packages? The theatre works in conjunction with New Way Bus Lines and several local restaurants to create wonderful experiences for you to treasure. Packages are tailored to a groups’ individual needs and we offer a substantial discount based upon the amount of people joining the fun. I spoke with Lynne List who heads the Wynmoor Entertainers group who has been organizing group outings to Mosaic for several years. Not only do they come to see individual shows, but they have a standing order of 25 full-season subscriptions. Usually a group of 40 or so Wynmoor theatre lovers are picked up at their Clubhouse, brought to Mosaic with plenty of time to settle into their reserved seats, picked up after the performance, and returned expeditiously back to Wynmoor.  Sometimes with a trip to 84 Diner as well. Lynne says, "a highlight of our offerings, are the trips to the Mosaic Theatre." That’s high praise coming from a group that Lynne says has been organizing Wynmoor Entertainers trips for over thirty years. "I look forward to the professionalism of a Mosaic production. It’s a great entertainment value and the staff is extremely accommodating." For more information about scheduling a group event with us, contact Naomi Zapata. Back to Top Name That Show - 10 Fun Quotes from Plays Let's test your knowledge of theater and have some fun along the way.  Below are ten quotes from famous plays.  The first three people to answer correctly will get a great Mosaic Theatre prize!  Simply send your answers to Richard Jay Simon and you will become eligible!  Good luck!  Try not to cheat by getting the answers online! 1. This above all: to thine own self be true. 2. Goodness is nothing in the furnace of art. 3. The air feels thick and dense, as if the buildings breathe and steal away the oxygen./As my father used to say, living in the city is like living inside the mouth of a crocodile, buildings all around you like teeth. The teeth of culture, the mouth and tongue of civilization. 4. There are only two sorts of soldiers: old ones and young ones. . .you can tell the young ones by their wildness and dashing. The old ones come bunched up under the number one guard; they know that they're mere projectiles and that it's no use trying to fight. 5. No man wants to be forgotten. 6. It's not a world of men -- it's a world of clock watchers, bureaucrats, officeholders. 7. You become such a coward you'll grab at any lousy excuse to get out of killing your pipe dreams. And yet, as I've told you over and over, it's exactly those damned tomorrow dreams which keep you from making peace with yourself. 8. Real Life.. There are no happy endings in real life. 9. There's this fear that your creativity peaks around 23 and it's all downhill from there. Once you hit 50 it's over, you might as well teach high school. 10. You are only yourself when no one's watching. Back to Top Mosaic Theatre pays homage to theater in Jeff Daniels' Guest Artist PLANTATION--Award-winning Mosaic Theatre proudly presents the second show of its seventh anniversary season, "Guest Artist." In his most autobiographical work yet, Jeff Daniels explores the glory of theater, hero worship and the nature of artistic risk in a gentle and poignant comedy about a playwright who visits a small town theater company that has commissioned what may be his last play. Directed by Richard Jay Simon, Mosaic is honored to feature Carbonell Award Winning Actors Antonio Amadeo and John Felix, along with Erik Fabregat. The production staff includes: Sean McClelland (Set Design), David Goodman (Lighting Design), Matt Corey (Sound Design), K. Blair Brown (Costume Designer), Naomi Zapata (Production Stage Manager). Please call (954) 577-8243 for reservations or for more information about the show. Individual Ticket Prices are $32 for adults, $27 for seniors (65+), $15 for full-time students. November 29 – December 23 at the American Heritage Center for the Arts, 12200 West Broward Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33325. Performances for this production are as follows: Thursdays @ 8:00 PM Fridays @ 8:00 PM Saturdays @ 3:00 & 8:00 PM Sundays @ 2:00 PM Click Here to Buy Tickets Online Back to Top Ten Questions with Carbonell Best Actor Award Winner Antonio Amadeo Q: Mosaic audiences still talk about your performance in The Elephant Man a few years ago. What people don't know is that the very first page of Bernard Pomerance's script warns actors that have ever had any history of back problems not to attempt the role. I had heard that you did have chiropractic issues; yet, you chose to do the part. Is this true and do you have any regrets? A: It is true and I have no regrets. Though I do have a history of back problems, I knew that if I was smart about my process, I would be able to handle the physical challenges that the role presented. I am a very physical actor and have a lot of experience in movement based theatre. The role gave me an opportunity to develop a personality externally as well as internally which is different from how I usually like to work. I generally prefer to create a character from the inside and work outward. Once I know who he is as a person, I am free to explore the external physicality. For The Elephant Man, so much of what the character has become is due to his bodily ailment, so it was a fun process to create that crippling reality before moving forward with his personality. And knowing what I knew about my own body’s problems, I was able to work around any limitations to create the being I wanted. It was difficult and often painful, but well worth the process. And because I was careful, I had no lasting affects following the production. Q: This production will mark your third time working for Mosaic. I understand that the casting process for Guest Artist was a little different than from Red Light Winter. A: Actually, it was very much the same. I was approached to do the show before knowing what it was. I am extraordinarily fortunate to have someone in Richard J. Simon who understands my work well enough to know where I fit in a particular show. This kind of understanding of the community is one of the things that allows Simon such success as a producer/director. Elephant Man was a different process. At that point, I had not yet worked at the Mosaic, so I had to come in and create a character for him to see. It was a wonderfully fun challenge and one of my all time favorite auditions. The fun thing about getting hired for a show without having to do a full audition/call back process is that you know the director trusts you, so you are fully at ease to come in and create a character. Richard and I have worked twice before so we are developing a really nice working relationship where we are able to communicate our needs and desires for the piece at all times. He knows me well enough to know he can ask anything of me and I will try it and I know that he is a sneaky sucker who plays practical jokes so I don’t trust him any further than I can throw him! You hear that Richard? I’m on to you. Q: With just a few weeks left until you begin rehearsals can you tell me a little about your preparation as an actor? A: It depends on the role. But, generally, I like to work from the inside out. By that I mean that I like to find the characters core or heart. I like to know how I would feel were I that character. I think that in order for a play to come across as a legitimate reality for an audience, all the c