Interview: Actor BLAKE BOYD Talks About Joanne Mosconi's New Play

Joanne Mosconi's new play You Love That I'm Not Your Wife is set to open at the Avery Schreiber Playhouse in NoHo September 12. Blake Boyd is one of the leading actors in the play.

Tell me about the play from the actor's standpoint and about the character you play.

I play Tony Ciccarelli, an extremely successful entrepreneur who is in love with the idea of being in love. Perhaps not attuned to the feelings of his previous conquests, Tony gets more than he can handle and (hopefully) a life changing lesson in the form of Marie. Tony's relationship with Marie epitomizes the old adage that 'characters get not what they want, but what they need.'

Is it comedic or dramatic?

Both! Some parts are very moving and some are out right hysterical. I think it depends upon the actors and audience on a particular night. What one person feels is funny, another could feel is sad. A lot of times people laugh at the irony of terrible circumstances. Does that make them any less tragic? I think we've found a lot of humor in Joanne Mosconi's play You Love That I'm Not Your Wife by simply telling the truth and speaking honestly with each other. With a cast of 10 and actors ranging in age from their mid twenties to their fifties, audiences are sure to find people, relationships, and scenarios they can personally relate to....for better or worse!

Describe your association with Joanne. Have you been in plays of hers before? What is her perspective?

This is my first of hopefully many times working with Joanne. We met through a mutual friend on another play. I'd heard many wonderful things about her: her tireless work ethic, boundless energy, obsessive organization and communication and was thrilled when she cast me. She is one of the most open, supportive, nurturing and yet tough people I've ever worked with in the 20 plus years I've been doing theatre in Los Angeles.

Rehearsals are truly a collaborative effort where actors are empowered and encouraged to take risks. A few weeks ago, Joanne (writer/director) cut 10 pages of her dialogue. This was a statement to all the actors that we are, above all else, committed to telling a compelling story at whatever cost.

What is significant about the play?

The play explores the lives of 10 different people living in Los Angeles. We are all of different backgrounds, levels of maturity, and varying moral and ethical compasses. Some characters are afforded the opportunity to grow and change as their relationships evolve but can't or won't.

What kind of audience reaction is expected? What will they take away from the play?

Perhaps more than any other city in North America, living in LA will make a person more of who they really are. The hours spent alone in traffic or killing time waiting for the next appointment have tendency to reveal one's true character. Similarly, romantic relationships reveal who we really are. Each of Joanne's characters are afforded this opportunity to see themselves and each will make decisions....likely much more impactful than they ever realize.

In LA, some can't make it and move back home. Other's stay and keep taking swings hoping to connect with the ball and hit a home run. I think what Joanne's play says is that base hits - growing, evolving, giving and enjoying the game of life - are all that really matter.

The Avery Schreiber Playhouse is located at 4934 Lankershim Boulevard in NoHo. Opening Night is Friday, September 12th at 8:00 pm, followed by performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 7:00pm through October 5.

www.fringetheatreco.com

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