Friday 5: Novak and Occhiogrosso from 4,000 MILES

Bradley Moore's Music City Theatre Company debuts its 12th production tonight - Amy Herzog's 4,000 Miles - starring Taylor Novak, Terry Occhiogrosso, Britt Byrd and Cate Eunyoung Jo. Playing Nashville's iconic Darkhorse Theater through April 9, the show is an eagerly anticipated part of the 2016 theatrical season.

Today, stars Taylor Novak and Terry Occhiogrosso take on our Friday 5 questions, queries guaranteed to elicit some interesting answers while the two actors explain why they think you should make it a point to see their latest work. Our advice? Read the interview, then make plans to be on hand for the production during its run at Darkhorse.

You can thank us later...

Taylor Novak

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? At the age of 14, I was part of a devised piece that took place in a theater in the round in which I played an elephant that frequently broke out into raps about large buttocks. Strange, I know.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? It varies from show to show, but my favorite thing - the one thing I find always works - is listening to music from the time period the show takes place in and/or music I think the character I'm playing would listen to.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? Recently, I was part of Nashville Shakes King Lear and I will forever remember and cherish the moment we had a woman step in to play the role of Lear at the very last minute, in the middle of our run.

What's your dream role? Well, thanks to Bradley Moore, in less than a year I have now taken two of my biggest dream roles off of my list. This being one and the other being Tunny in American Idiot. I'd give anything to take on the role of Ken in John Logan's Red. Preferably as soon as possible.

Who's your theatrical crush? It's a tie between Alison Luff and Laura Benanti.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see 4,000 Miles? 1: It's a Nashville PREMIERE! The first time EVER! 2: Uh, because you should support the arts/local artists. Duh.

Terry Occhiogrosso

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? I was nine and my mom took me to a Broadway show for my birthday. I don't remember the show, but I was HOOKED!

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? I don't really have a ritual, but I must have my script available to me as a crutch. I never really need it, but I have to know it's there.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on? I used to be a dancer and I injured my knee during rehearsals. The doctor said I had water on the knee and I had to keep off it for at least a week. I just "ace bandaged it" and never missed a performance.

What's your dream role? I have, like 40!! But if I could sing...OH!!!

Who's your theatrical crush? I grew up watching old movies, so I always had crushes on Gregory Peck, James Stewart, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire! I never saw them in person, on stage, but they were wonderful! I so greatly admire Dames Judy Dench and Maggie Smith.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see 4,000 Miles? You will laugh, cry (we hope), and everyone associated with this production has worked so very hard, and are wonderful in every way, and we got it up in two weeks! Come take this journey with us!

About the show: Music City Theatre Company presents Amy Herzog's 4000 Miles, directed by Bradley Moore, at Nashville's Darkhorse Theater April 1-9. Taylor Novak, Terry Occhiogrosso, Britt Byrd and Cate Eunyoung Jo are cast in 4000 Miles, which is described as "a dramatic comedy," running Off-Broadway in 2011, and again in 2012, and was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

"After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. 4000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in today's world," according to a synopsis supplied by the director.

4000 Miles is the twelfth production of Music City Theatre Company, which was founded by Moore in 2008. The mission of MCTC is to provide the Nashville community with thought-provoking, socially relevant work with a strong vision, Moore says.

Performances of 4000 Miles are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 6-9, at 7:30 p.m. (the Wednesday, April 6 show is "pay what you can") and on Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance at Darkhorse Theatre, 4610 Charlotte Avenue. Tickets are $12 and are available in advance (at www.mctc.ticketleap.com) or at the door, payable by cash or all major credit cards. Opening night tickets are $5 and are only available online.

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