FRIGID New York Interview - Antonia Lassar of "The God Box"

By Byrne Harrison

Antonia Lassar is a performer currently based in New York, by way of Boston, Cape Town, and Hogwarts. She is a 2012 graduate of the Boston University School of Theatre with a BFA in Theatre Arts. Some of Antonia’s favorite roles have been a villain in a moustache, a mouse catcher, and Beyoncé. She is also an accomplished performance poet, and represented the Boston Poetry Slam at the 2012 National Poetry Slam. Most of all, she is thankful that her mother still loves her enough to brag about her.

Name: Antonia Lassar
Show: The God Box
Website: www.antonialassar.com

What’s your show about?

A "bagels and schmeaaah" mother discovers her daughter wasn't a practicing Jew. The God Box is a hilarious and poignant tale of how faith is passed on, and what happens when it isn’t. In my New York debut, The God Box is a distinctly comedic discussion of what it means to pick one religion in a multi-faith society.

What inspired you to write it?

I wrote and act in The God Box. After a wonderful Jewish childhood, I decided to start exploring other faiths- and drove my poor mother crazy. I had been working on a Jewish mother character at the time, and thought that she would make a great one woman show. So, I decided to write The God Box as a fictional look at spiritual exploration from my mother’s perspective. Ultimately the show addresses intolerance in the Jewish community and religious communities in general. The God Box has turned into a platform for me to discuss what role tolerance plays in our spiritual lives.

Who else is involved with the show?

The fabulous Nikki Diloreto! Nikki is my incredible director for this project. She is an accomplished director, and is especially talented at working with one-person shows. She has worked previously with productions of Our Lady and Mary’s Wedding.

Who is your dream audience for this show?

My dream audience is any audience that doesn’t feel free to discuss their spirituality openly (which is a lot of people). I want to reach out to audiences with a message that religious tolerance starts with discussion and love.

Who are your biggest influences?

I am obsessed with Sarah Jones. OBSESSED. Her solo show work is brilliant, and her character transformations are breathtaking. She’s also doing awesome work as a UNICEF Ambassador. She has my dream life. And if anyone is friends with her, set us up on a date. I’m a great date.

What other shows are you planning to see at FRIGID?

I think The Vindlevoss Family Circus Spectacular looks awesome! They had great clown chemistry in their preview, and I look forward to more!

What's next for you after FRIGID?

I plan on taking The God Box on tour, and seeing as much of the States as I can!

Lightning round

Paper or plastic? Paper (cranes).

Comedy or drama? Comedy. Duh.

Beach or mountains? Beach.

Black box or proscenium? Black box. (Preferably someone’s living room)

Glee or Smash? I’m a Gleek.

Cats or dogs? Dogs. I judge cat people.

Musical or straight play? If I could sing like Sutton Foster, musical. But I can’t.

The God Box plays at  The Red Room on the following dates:

Feb 20, 10:45PM
Feb 23, 7:55PM
Feb 25, 10:45PM
Feb 28, 6:00PM
Mar 03, 1:35PM