THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- A BETTER PLACE's Michael Satow

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with your favorite Broadway stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on!

In this week's edition, we caught up with Michael Satow, who stars as 'Broker/Concierge' in A BETTER PLACE, currently in previews at The Duke on 42nd Street.

What is the first Broadway or off-Broadway show you ever saw?

Annie was the first big Broadway show I ever saw. I must have been about 9. I don't remember anything specific about the play, I just remember feeling really good. We had great seats and I remember really being swept up in the mood of it. The first off-Broadway play I can remember was Bug by Tracy Letts at the Barrow. Holy crap. Michael Shannon blew me away. He was so specific and raw and naked (figuratively and literally). It gave me something to shoot for. Also the stage combat was incredible. Most fights you see on stage look like dances, but these punches made you jump in your seat.

What is your most unique pre-show ritual?

I eat two live goldfish. Perks me right up. No, unfortunately nothing too crazy. It's always slightly different depending on the show. I usually have a playlist of music for every project I work on. I'll listen to that on the way to the theater, and depending on the show, up until the moment before I go onstage. I'm not sure why, but Billy Joel, Ray Lamontagne, and Ryan Adams have dominated for the last couple of weeks. Also at home I'll usually do a bunch of stretching and making loud noises. Pretty sure my neighbors hate me.

What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?

I was doing Proof and there was a scene where I opened a door and ran onstage panting and out of breath. It was dark backstage and I guess the glow tape had fallen off the door handle (yes, actors are all crazy about glow tape). I fumbled for a bit, and then slammed the door open right into my face. I went down instantly. Things were black for a few seconds, but eventually I got myself up and hobbled onstage to continue the scene. The other actor onstage looked as stunned as I was. She said, "Are you okay??" and I was like, "Yeah, yeah - let's do this." I had a big mark all the way down my face. Aside from being slightly concussed, there's nothing like something going horribly wrong to zap you into razor-sharp focus.

What is the one role you want to play before you die?

Jesus... That's not the role, that's just a really tough question. I don't think I have one. I mean I have a big list. Hamlet, Cyrano, Willy Loman, Bob Dylan, Harry Houdini. Lots more. The ones who are willing to go down with the ship or lay it all on the line for something they believe in. I guess Jesus would be a great one.

Mark Rylance. I don't know if it's so much of a crush, it's probably more on the spectrum of worship. It's not fair how good he is. He's an absolute master. I'd rob a bank to work with him. I've also got a big ol' man-crush on Michael Shannon. He's doing great work next door in Long Day's Journey. So is Jessica Lange. Also Sam Rockwell is great on stage. So is Eleanor Handley. She's also my wife, does that count?

Where can people follow you online?
Facebook: facebook.com/michaelsatowactor/

Instagram: @michaelsatow

Twitter: @michaelsatow

Also, if we're on a line together, and I'm in front of you, you're technically already following me. That was a dad joke. I love dad jokes.