Patrick Du Laney is relatively new to the Chicago theater scene, but things seem to be adding up for the actor, who appears in The Hypocrites' production of ADDING MACHINE: A MUSICAL. We recently chatted with Du Laney for 10 on Tuesday. Here's his response:
1) Show you first auditioned for (and did you get the part)? THE CURIOUS SAVAGE in high school. Yes, I did!
2) Where Are You From? Los Angeles, CA originally, but most recently Iowa City, IA.
3) Currently Working On? ADDING MACHINE: A MUSICAL at the Hypocrites.
4) What's your dream role/production? Oh, gosh! I tend to not have any, but the Russian in CHESS has been on my wish list for decades. British version, of course.
5) Favorite post-performance haunt? I am brand new to town. I've only been here a few months! Suggestions welcomed!
6) Living or dead, who would you drop everything to see perform? I'd have loved to be at the opening night of FOLLIES on Broadway. They don't make spectacle like that any more.
7) Who's your biggest inspiration? My partner Chris. The actors that surround me in ADDING MACHINE who demand my best by sheer virtue of their ability.
8) Describe the Chicago community in three words. I'm. New. Here. -or Fun, scary and exciting. Or please, cast and me.
9) Fill in the blank: "If I could change one thing about theatre in Chicago, it would be ..... " Again, I'm largely answering from an outsider's perspective, but the question of inclusion and diversity seems to loom large right now. I'm hoping the controversy surrounding the casting of Marriott's EVITA opens further dialogue about the best use of the diverse array of talent in the community.
10) Fill in the blank: "The thing I'd never change about theatre in Chicago is ....... " The can-do spirit of innovation and artistic ferocity in the storefront theaters of this city. All the most exciting things I've seen here have all been at these small theaters. I think they're the beating heart of the community.
ADDING MACHINE: A MUSICAL runs through May 15 at the Den Theatre, 1329 N. Millwaukee. Tickets, $36. www.the-hypocrites.com
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