Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Spotlight On...Peter Collier

Name: Peter Collier

Hometown: Cranford, NJ

Education: West Chester University in Pennsylvania

Select Credits: Recently wrapped Chokehold (Carter) by Tony Pennino as part of Planet Connections Theater Fest, Henry V (King Henry) dir. Padraic Lillis, and A Thousand Deaths (O'Brien) also written/dir by Pennino for last year's fringe.

Why theater?: I grew up in the theater. First got onstage in kindergarten in a production of Oliver and never looked back.

Who do you play in I, Horatio?: I play King Fortinbras, Gravedigger and Player King.

Tell us about I, Horatio: It's hilarious and beautiful. Tony has written a beautiful love story wrapped in Monty Python humor.

What is it like being a part of I, Horatio?: Its a blast! I get to explore three vastly different characters. Really nice workout. I love Tony's writing too, which is why this marks our third time working together. He writes a lot for actors which is great, but he is also interested in what you bring to the table. Back when we were workshopping this play, I emailed Tony with a couple wild ideas for these characters and he basically said "show me." He's very generous.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I don't think I could say I have any particular genre or style. When I go to the theater I look for honesty. I like to see people being passionate about what they are doing. The work. It means something to them and they want me to care about it too. New York. Maggie Flanigan, Basquiat, Patti Smith, Brando, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Muni, Sam Rockwell.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: I love Shakespeare so I'd love to keep working on more of his plays.

What’s your favorite showtune?: Love the rock n roll musicals: Hair, Hedwig, Rocky Horror, Jonathan Larson

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Springsteen, Patti Smith or Bob Dylan

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Neil Tyrone Pritchard, titled: "Trading Places 2"

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Original production of Waiting for Lefty by Odets

What show have you recommended to your friends?: I haven't even seen it yet but Hamilton.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: My folks live about 40 minutes away in Jersey.

What’s up next?: Well I just returned from a trip to Italy so I think it's time to get back to work.

For more on Peter, visit www.petercollierjr.com