BWW Interviews: John Tartaglia in BUYER AND CELLAR

Buyer and Cellar is now on stage at George Street Playhouse (GSP) through March 29th. This one-man show is written by Jonathan Tolins, directed by the theatre's Artistic Director, David Saint and stars the ever-talented John Tartaglia.

Tartaglia earned a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical, Avenue Q, in which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod. Other roles on Broadway include starring as Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and the role of Pinocchio in Shrek The Musical, now available on DVD. Recent theatrical performances include Seussical (as The Cat in the Hat at the MUNY), The Temperamentals (Blank Theatre Company, LA) and Aladdin (The Genie at the MUNY). To parents, he might be best known as executive producer, creator and star of the 8-time Emmy nominated Johnny and the Sprites, now airing worldwide, receiving an Emmy Award nomination himself for Outstanding Performance in a Children's Series. A 15-year veteran of Sesame Street, Tartaglia is one of the youngest puppeteers ever to perform on the show, starting at the age of 16. John is also a director, responsible for the original regional premiere of Duncan Shiek and Nell Benjamin's Because of Winn Dixie, Disney's Tarzan andShrek at the MUNY, Jim Henson's Musical World at Carnegie Hall, several live shows at Sesame Place Theme Park, as well as several live tours for young audiences. Tartaglia has also appeared on Ugly Betty, Hollywood Squares, Disney Channel's Bear in the Big Blue House and JoJo's Circus and Discovery Channel's Animal Jam. He is a past host of the New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts, and has hosted or been a featured vocalist for several live concerts for the New York Pops and with The Little Orchestra Society at Carnegie Hall. John's production company, Gables Grove Productions is dedicated to creating new, immersive and multi-media family entertainment and currently produces the live theatre tours of ImaginOcean, Jim Henson's Sid the Science Kid and Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train. ImaginOcean, an original show John wrote that ran at Off Broadway's New World Stages, is currently in development as a television series with The Jim Henson Company.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview John Tartaglia about his career and Buyer and Cellar at GSP.

When do you first remember being interested in performing arts?

There isn't a time I can remember NOT wanting to! I grew up as a backstage kid- my Mother is an actress and singer and my father is a pianist and music director and my Grandmother was an opera singer and my great grandfather was a clown, so I was always around it from as early as I can remember. And I always wanted to do it. I remember being in a play in first or second grade and having one line and getting a laugh- that was it- I was bitten by the bug. But, truly I think it comes from growing up in such an arts appreciative family.

Who were your inspirations in the profession?

Well, definitely my parents. My mother is one of the best actresses I've ever seen- she's incredible. My entire family (and I'm blessed to have a very large extended family!) are my inspirations for sure. From a professional place, of course, Jim Henson. Everything from his work as a performer to a director and producer and creator, all of it inspired me. I've also always loved Dick Van Dyke, Tom Hanks and Julie Andrews. I had the great pleasure of working with and befriending Chita Rivera- she is a true lesson in what commitment, professionalism, talent and class is all about. She's such an inspiration to me. And, almost everyone knows, I'm obsessed with Carol Channing. I mean, she's a living legend and her track record and perseverance are a lesson to everyone in this business.

Tell us a little about the challenges of your role in Buyer and Cellar.

Well, it's definitely the hardest thing I've ever done as an actor. It's me, alone, talking for an hour and a half with very little to help or prompt me. And I have the great responsibility of bringing to life 6 distinct characters, two of which (James Brolin and Barbra herself!) are well known and beloved. My goal is to make you feel as if you're not seeing a one-man show, but to feel as if you're seeing 6 different actors up there. The best compliments have been when folks have said they can see the characters and forget it's just me. I love that! But, the show is so beautifully written that it really does flow and even though I'm responsible for all that dialogue, it's like this incredible train that starts and I just have to jump on and go for the ride! In another way, I think there's also a self inflicted challenge of me wanting to make sure Barbra in this show doesn't just come off as just a funny character, but as someone you empathize with. We've all seen incredible Barbra imitators and illusionists and they're amazing- but it tends to be the more sillier and character-y versions of her. I wanted to get to the heart of who this human being is and why she's the one named wonder we all adore.

How is the role of Alex More in Buyer and Cellar unique to some of the roles you have played in the past?

Well, we did a talk back the other day and as someone pointed out, this is one of the first times an audience has gotten to see me in a show where I'm not a candelabra, or a puppet or performing a puppet! I'm truly a character man at my heart and so I oftentimes get cast in wonderfully fantastical roles, which I love! But, it's nice to play a "regular" guy, albeit one who does imitations and voices too! I'm sensing a theme here. But, honestly, for all of the comedy and hilarity in the show, there are some very touching and serious moments and I think a lot of audiences aren't used to seeing me do that kind of work. And I suppose the fact that it's a one-man show is pretty unique as well.

Tell us a little about the cast and crew of George Street Playhouse.

I've had the BEST time working at George Street Playhouse. I've heard of the theatre for years and always heard actors speak so positively about working there so I'm glad I'm finally getting my chance! David Saint, our amazing director, really is an actors director and has given me so much to work with. I had thought with a one man show the rehearsals would have been intense and very structured but, we had a blast and every day felt like four friends (we had our two amazing stage managers there everyday too!) coming together to gab and share their love of theater and put on a great show. Which was a blessing because I think I was putting so much pressure on myself to get it right and memorize it that if I hadn't been laughing so much I may have had a nervous breakdown! The crew and the staff at GSP are all just wonderful and really made me feel at home. It's been wonderful.

Why is Buyer and Cellar a distinctive show for area audiences?

I think it's really a special piece. The nicest thing I've heard is when people have brought husbands or wives or friends to it who had no interest or knowledge of Barbra Streisand and thought "what am I going to have to sit through?!" But they always say how much they loved the play and it's characters and the situations which I think says so much about how smart of a writer Jonathan Tolins is. But, for those that do love Barbra, I think it's a beautiful peek into who she might be as a person when the cameras aren't rolling and the spotlight isn't on (I say might because it's, of course, a fictional piece!). We all know the superstar Barbra but the real human being who, like many of us, had difficulties in her past and wishes she were better or prettier or what have you is the part of her not as well known. I love how this show delves into that. And, honestly, it's a riot! It's nice to be part of something that is as fun to do every night for me and the audience!

Buyer and Cellar is onstage at George Street Playhouse through March 29th. The show is 90 minutes without an intermission. The theatre is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick in the heart of the city's bustling arts district. It is easily reached by mass transit and convenient parking is available nearby. Tickets may be purchased by calling (732) 246-7717 or visiting www.GSPonline.org.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

To post a comment, you must register and login.