Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Planet Connections Interview - Marc Silverberg of "He's Not Himself"

By Byrne Harrison

Name: Marc Silverberg
Play: He’s Not Himself
Relationship to production: Playwright
Website: Planet Connections

How did you first get involved in theatre?

I have been involved in theater since junior high school. I have participated in shows both in school and community theater.

Who are your biggest influences?

This show is greatly influenced by the work of George and Ira Gershwin. I try to draw inspiration from many successful musical theater writers as well as independent rock artists.

What is your show about?

Based on Gershwin’s Pardon My English, the show is a madcap comedy about a police officer who receives an accidental bump on the head and turns into a ruthless gangster.

What inspired you to write it?

When I saw the original Gershwin musical, I felt that a the plot was very creative and had a lot of potential but was under-utilized. I felt that the comedic elements of the main character changing from one personality to another could be greatly enhanced and turned into a farcical free-for-all.

Why was it important to you to be part of an eco-friendly theatre festival?

I believe that any attempt to raise awareness to go green is one of the most important things we as a community can be doing right now. Even if a show is not specifically about the environment, anything that helps get the message out is important.

Planet Connections donates a portion of the box office for each show to a charity. What charity has your production chosen and why?

I chose Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. I have contributed to this charity for several years and love doing so.

What's next for you after Planet Connections?

I would like to continue to improve this show and see how far I can take it. I am constantly writing as many new shows as possible and I wouldn’t mind seeing another production in a future planet festival.

And finally, if you could get any person, living or dead, to see this show who would you choose and why?

I would love George Gershwin to see this show. I would be very interested to hear his opinion of the new directions we have taken.

He's Not Himself
Wednesday, June 01 at 4:30PM
Friday, June 03 at 8:10PM
Sunday, June 05 at 5:00PM
Saturday, June 11 at 2:00PM
Sunday, June 12 at 4:00PM
Friday, June 17 at 6:00PM

The Robert Moss Theatre
440 Lafayette Street

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