TALKING SHOP

seven plays there over the past 10 years. Some of my favorites include the West Coast premiere of The Whale and a play called The Siegel, a comedy.

What inspired you to start writing?

Both my mother and father had written, so it never seemed like something you couldn’t do. And I’m a huge fan of suspense novels. When I was on tour, I had a lot of time during the day. I was in new cities every two or three weeks and doing the show at night, and you’ve got your days completely to yourself. So I started writing then to fill the time.

Do you have a preferred genre with writing?

No, I feel like the material dictates the medium. So if I have an idea of a story I want to tell, it may seem to me that the story just fits more as a film, or a novel, or a short story.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

It may be a life problem or an issue that I’m thinking about or grappling with personally. Or something I see out there in the world that interests me.

of art displayed to a generous scale onstage. Each iconic piece stars live actors made up to portray the art in exact, breathtaking detail. Don’t forget the binoculars.

650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach; 949-494-1145; foapom.com

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The dynamic performing arts center features an exciting 2023 lineup including jazz, cabaret, and chamber music shows; an impressive roster of international ballet companies; and a lively Broadway series featuring Hairspray, Chicago, and more. 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787; scfta.org

South Coast Repertory

Established in 1964, the Tony Award-winning professional theatre is widely regarded as one of America’s foremost producers of new plays. The SCR Theatre Conservatory o ers year-round acting classes for kids, teens, and adults. 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; 714-708-5555; scr.org

How did that lead you to your newest venture with Batch 22?

I made batch number one in my kitchen without really thinking about it as a business, and it came out ok. That was going to be the end of it. But then one of my buddies tasted it, and he thought we should market this. Then we introduced it to another friend, who thought it was an interesting idea. We started playing around the recipe more and more, and refining it. Then people started tasting it and really responding to it. And it took o from there.

What type of spirit is Batch 22?

It’s an aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit. It’s the national drink of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. We’ve been winning a lot of awards and getting a lot of good reviews, which has made us optimistic.

What is one of your favorite lesser-known places in Orange County?

The Noguchi Garden that’s near South Coast Rep. It’s tucked away behind one of the o ce buildings on the other side of Anton. It’s a great place to sit for an hour and relax.