Thursday, March 9, 2017

Spotlight On...Nat Cassidy

Name: Nat Cassidy

Hometown: I was born in Raleigh, NC, and raised in Phoenix, AZ

Education: BFA from the University of Arizona, post-graduate work in the School of Hard Knockz

Select Credits: Lots of indie theatre around the city. Stuff on the teevees like Law & Order: SVU, The Affair, Red Oaks, High Maintenance, The Following.

Why theater?: Mainly the money and exposure.

Who do you play in Kyle?: I play Jack

Tell us about Kyle: Kyle is a dark comedy about losing your grip on reality, one snort at a time.

What is it like being a part of Kyle?: A giddy, euphoric high with some topical numbness.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like anything that's fast-paced, funny, dark, honest, humane, diverse, topical, informative, a little absurd, a little eerie, a little unsettling - the stuff you'd see produced by Flux Theater Ensemble, Gideon Productions, Pipeline, Debate Society, Mad Ones, The Brick, Blood Brothers Present, etc. The stuff I write is very much influenced by the horror genre, so I'm predisposed to like anything that incorporates elements like that, as well. My biggest inspirations are probably Stephen King, David Lynch, Caryl Churchill, Sarah Ruhl, Kids in the Hall, and the Large Marge scene from Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Third Cat, CATS. Also, if there's ever a stage adaptation of Pumpkinhead, I'd love to at least be seen for the Lance Henriksen role.

What’s your favorite showtune?: "Giants in the Sky" used to be my go-to audition song before I went through puberty. But right now, my favorite showtune is probably all of Dave Malloy's Ghost Quartet.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: You (unless I've worked with you before, in which case YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE).

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: The last thing we need is another movie about a straight white guy, so give it to, like, Gabourey Sidibe and also change the story to something important, like the Syrian refugee crisis.

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I would love to go back and see one of the dueling Macbeths right before the Astor Place Riot of 1849. But only if I can get a comp.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: KYLE, by Hollis James, directed by Emily Owens, opening March 9th at Under St. Mark's. Tickets at www.HotTrampProductions.com

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I will eat an entire box of licorice all-sorts until I become physically ill.

What’s up next?: Find out at natcassidy.com [assuming I update it in time]!