SPACE CAPTAIN: Captain of Space!
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Jeff Sproul
August 22, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Playwright and actor.
What type of theater do you like most to work on?
I’ve always written comedies. Last year I wrote a show called The Kentucky Goblin Siege, which was a sci-fi comedy based on an alleged alien sighting in the 1950’s. Since then, I’ve become increasingly interested in writing what I’ll call “geek-comedy.” I wrote a short play for TinyRhino a few months back that involved time travel and multiple dimensions, and Space Captain takes place in the world of 1930’s sci-fi serials. I’m toying with an idea for a show about superheroes next. So “geek-comedy” is my thing these days — but there’s got to be a heart to it. I’m not interested in flat-out parody. The sci-fi and fantasy elements are just backdrops for a real human story with real characters. I like my protagonists to have some sort of philosophical or emotional journey…while surrounded by aliens, doppelgangers, spaceships, or any of that nerdy stuff that I love. In my mind, fusing real life with nerd fantasy is fertile ground for a satisfying comedy.
Complete this sentence: My show is the only one opening in NYC this fall that...?
Is done completely in black-and-white, and features miniature space battles, rocket-boot fights, and alien puppets.
In your own words, what do you think this show is about? What will audiences take away with them after seeing it?
It’s about the difficulties of trying to grow as a person. We can all get set in our ways — especially as we get older — and it can be very hard to break out of established patterns or prejudices. In order to be thriving, interesting, empathetic human beings we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zones from time to time. It can be hard and frustrating, but it allows us to expand as individuals. Of course, the show is also just a really fun space adventure story with jokes.
Which cartoon character would you identify your show with: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Mickey Mouse, Marge Simpson?
Daffy Duck (in full "Duck Dodgers" mode).
If you had ten million dollars that you had to spend on theatrical endeavors, how would you use the money?
MANY more explosions.
