Guthrie Theater

Alma, Wisconsin. Population 840. High school graduating class of 30 students. Tidbit: Only 5 girls & 25 boys

First show you saw at the Guthrie?

A Christmas Carol (5th grade field trip). Martha Kulig and I decided that she would’ve been the ASM of the show in those years!

First show you worked on at the Guthrie?

Work as in “paid”? First show worked as an intern in stage management was Hedda Gabler, summer of 2000. First show paid was the tour of Molly Sweeney, winter of 2001.

First show you ever worked on?

I remember directing some productions in the sand box with tonka trucks and army men at my grandma’s house when I was a kid that I think were pretty good…

What’s the best advice you’ve given an actor?

Talk faster

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever given an actor?

I don’t give bad advice.

Cue or Target Lounge?

I thought the name of it was “Cue Grumpy’s.” In that order. Rarely one without the other.

What do you always carry with you during a show?

My butt. Up and down the voms, backstage, to wigs, to the dressing rooms, to the office and back again. Rinse and repeat. Order of route never same twice.

Favorite place at the Guthrie?

Stage managers’ chair in the Thrust booth.

Where else do you go to see theater in the Twin Cities?

Where else? I figured the actors had to get the other show names in their bios from somewhere else other than the Guthrie, but I don’t get a chance to see them.

What show would you love to stage manage?

Russell is going to let me stage manage again? Then, I think whatever he schedules for me is a terrific choice! No preference.

Is there a director you haven’t worked with, but want to?

Stephen Spielberg & the Coen Brothers

What’s the last book you read?

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

What’s on your iPod?

Sore topic. Why did you have to ask? iPod was stolen on a greyhound bus somewhere between New York City and Cleveland.

Relationship status?

I’m in a relationship?? If I were in a relationship, I promise you’ll be the first to know its status.

If you could have dinner with any playwright, living or dead, who would it be?

If Daniel Craig is a playwright, then I choose him.

Best State Fair food?

You’re going to make me choose? Sorry, can’t. Martha and I like to make the rounds. Cookies, cream puffs, root beer, milkshakes, cheese curds.

Ever been arrested?

Not that I’m aware of.

What’s your drag name?

I'd rather answer this one: What’s my nickname’s nickname?

Coco’s nickname comes into effect after midnight. Kiki.

What’s the most cringe-inducing thing you’ve ever said or done in front of Joe Dowling?

First performance of Joe’s Death of a Salesman in Dublin. At the end of the show, the local crew began sliding a piece of scenery offstage too early, so I whispered to them “Not yet.” They didn’t hear me, so I said a little louder, “Not yet.” They kept sliding the scenery and I had to stop them, so I yelled, “NOT YET!” Joe was sure to bring it up that he heard me from his seat in the house and won’t let me forget it.

Any place in town where you’re considered a “regular”?

The Guthrie Theater & Cue Grumpy’s

Dogs or cats?

Plants

Shaw or Chekhov?

These are my choices?! I pick who ever is cuter.