Sunday, July 31, 2016

Spotlight On...Matthew Mastromatteo

Name: Matthew Mastromatteo

Hometown: Absecon, NJ

Education: BA Theatre – Mount St. Mary’s University; MFA Theatre: Acting – Long Island University Post [Pending Completion]

Select Credits: Emilia – Othello, Yelena/Maria – Uncle Vanya, Action – West Side Story, Fyedka – Fiddler on the Roof.

Why theater?: I really love telling stories and helping people experience art. I think theatre has this indescribable magic about it. I’m a firm believer that the audience can be forever changed by the stories we share.

Who do you play in Memoriam: After Euripides’ Alcetsis?: Pavlos, Alcestis’ older brother.

Tell us about Memoriam: After Euripides’ Alcestis: Memoriam is an answer to Euripides’ Alcestis. Our show explores that aftermath of a miracle. We see a woman, back from the dead, grappling with what it means to be alive again and to find her voice. We explore the questions: Do our actions define us? Who are we without our memories/past? And should we be careful of what we wish for?

What is it like being a part of Memoriam: After Euripides Alcestis?: So far it has been an AMAZING experience. We have an amazing playwright, director, and cast. We have really embraced what it means to be a part of the FringeNYC community and we are bringing a really wonderful show to the festival.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: As I make my way through the wild world of graduate school I find that I really love the relationship with the audience. I am thrilled to be working with director, Elizabeth Ostler, on this project because that is one of the main pillars (so to speak) of her aesthetic. I want to help create theatrical experiences that empower audiences to leave the theatre and say, “I want to go try that. I want to make art.” I think we need more of that in the world today. I love any theatre that remembers that we have a gift to give to our audience. Something that it is easy to lose sight of when my “actor instincts” kick in. Ha!

Any roles you’re dying to play?: This year I have been playing a lot of women…keeping with trend, Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd.

What’s your favorite showtune?: “Send in the Clowns” – Little Night Music

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Patti LuPone

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Topher Grace and "Why Am I Crying?"

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I never got to see Next to Normal.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Incognito – it was real good.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Food. All of it.

What’s up next?: Finishing grad school – any positive energy would be greatly appreciated – only half kidding. Find me on FB – I’m sort of funny.