Interview: Jim Vagias of ATG talks THE WAY WE GET BY at Hamilton Stage to 2/14

American Theater Group (ATG) has opened their 2016 season at Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage with The Way We Get By written by Neil LaBute and directed Kel Haney. The two-hander stars Turna Mete and Eric Clem. It is now on a limited engagement through Sunday, February 14th. Broadwayworld.com interviewed Jim Vagias, Co-founder and Co-Artistic Producing Director of ATG about the The Way We Get By.

What has the audience reaction been to The Way We Get By so far?

We are amazed at the audience's overwhelming reactions. Our Opening Night audience leapt to their feet. People are gushing about how sexy and romantic the show is, and how charismatic and talented the actors are. Younger audiences are telling us how much they identify with the characters. Older audiences are moved by the story. So many of our patrons feel compelled to give testimonials about their experience watching "The Way We Get By."

Tell us a little about the cast and creative of the show.

We couldn't ask for a better cast! Our casting director Michael Cassara, (who has worked with us in the past on the world premiere of Bubble Boy and our acclaimed production of tick, tick...BOOM!) has once again delivered a dream cast: Eric Clem and Turna Mete. In addition to both of them being gorgeous to look at, they are insanely talented. And from the first day of rehearsal to performance, the chemistry between these two exceptional actors has been explosive!

Why is Hamilton Stage in Rahway the choice venue for ATG?

As New Jersey newest professional theater, we are fortunate to perform in one of NJ's newest theaters -- the state of the art 199-seat Hamilton Stage of Union County Performing Arts Center. Rahway has a thriving Arts District and excellent restaurants, ATG is really proud to be an integral part of the community, and we value the continued support of the city of Rahway, Mayor Samson Steinman and the folks at UCPAC.

What is making ATG a standout in the NJ theater community?

ATG was founded by Rick Sordelet, Joseph Mancuso and me. We wanted to find works that took risks, and presented important new works (such as The Way We Get By). We are excited that one of our earlier productions, Himself and Nora, is in the planning stages for an Off-Broadway production. And as a result of our world premiere production of Bubble Boy, that wonderful quirky musical has received productions as far away as Australia!

How was The Way We Get By selected?

One of ATG's founder's Rick Sordelet had worked with the award-winning playwright Neil LaBute, so he asked Neil what he was working on. Neil sent us the play and we fell in love with its idiosyncratic dialogue, its blend of romance and sexuality, and a totally surprising (even shocking) plot twist. We are honored to be doing the first regional theater production of the play after it was done last season by Second Stage in New York.

Are the productions on Valentine's Day weekend a coincidence or plan?

Having our final weekend of the run fall on Valentine's Day weekend is a delightful coincidence. Our audiences are really responding to the play's love story. One woman approached me after a performance, her eyes all welled up with tears, saying '...this was the most romantic play she's ever seen!' It really is a perfect "Date Play."

Tell us a little about ATG's plans for the future.

We are excited to be working with Playwright's Theater of New Jersey and Rahway High School on a project called "New Works/New Voices." Sponsored by the NJ Theatre Alliance, we will be mentoring high school students as they work on their one act plays, and then presenting them with professional local actors on March 7.

On April 28, ATG will be hosting its first annual "New Jersey High School Drama Fest." It will be an unforgettable day of performances, instruction and workshops for high school students.

And our final production will be the new musical Crossing Swords. When a group of high school students try to put on a play, life begins to imitate art as jealousies ignite and passions fly. Crossing Swords will run from April 20 to May 1.

The Way We Get By will be performed at Hamilton Stage through February 14th. The performance schedule is Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The theatre is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway with convenient on-site parking and just a 5-minute walk from the NJ Transit Rahway Station. UCPAC's theatres are in the center of the city's vibrant arts and restaurant district. Tickets for the show are $38 each. Student and senior discounts available. For tickets, call 732-499-8226; visit www.americantheatergroup.org or in person at the Union County Performing Arts Center Box Office at 1601 Irving St., Rahway.

Photo credit: Nicole Slaven

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