V5 / Is1
JANUARY 2017
THE ICONIC
RALPH MACCHIO
Whether it’s his well-known role as Daniel in The Karate Kid franchise or his recent stint on Dancing with the Stars, Ralph Macchio is determined to leave his mark on the entertainment industry.
William Zabka
A FREE Publication
John Kapelos
Marilyn Ghigliotti
www.NMEntertains.com New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017 I 1
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017 I 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS PG 12
COVER STORY
The iconic Ralph Macchio
Whether it’s his well-known role as Daniel in The Karate Kid franchise or his recent stint on Dancing with the Stars, Ralph Macchio is determined to leave his mark on the entertainment industry. PG 6
PG 10
William Zabka
Matilda the Musical
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU
The beloved movie comes to live on stage at Popejoy Hall for a limited engagement.
Known as “the bully” in The Karate Kid, Zabka is far from the character we’ve seen on screen.
PG 11
PG 17
Drumline Live
John Kapelos
TURN IT UP
BEHIND THE SCENES
A evening of powerful performances with a strong beat in honor of the hardest working line.
The seasoned actor talks about The Breakfast Club, theater, and his craft.
PG 21
PG 20
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH
THE 5
Keith Breckenridge
Marilyn Ghigliotti
In a sea of comedians, Keith Breckenridge is making a big wave in the comedy scene.
“Veronica” from Clerks talks memories, her favorite genre and upcoming projects.
PG 22 THE CUT 4I
PG 23 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PG 23 SIGHTSEEING
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017
www.NMEntertains.com
NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher/Editor-in-Chief NMEntertains@gmail.com Ariel Bisbee Photography & Mulitmedia Director Jan Baca Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS Winter Elise Michael Radcon Sonja Dewing NME Board Teresa Ewers Ariel Bisbee Darlene Esquibel Winter Elise Eddie Robinson SUBSCRIPTIONS New Mexico Entertainment magazine is $24 a year within the Continental United States. Please place your order online at www.NMEntertains.com. Please note the first issue will take 4-6 weeks. All events submissions can be placed at NMEntEvents@gmail.com
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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: WILLIAM ZABKA
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n a chilly, Friday afternoon, I waited in my office to receive a call from a man that doesn’t like to think of himself as an iconic figure, but, without trying, has become one. William Zabka made a name for himself with his first major film gig as Johnny Lawrence in the memorable film, The Karate Kid. Zabka comes from a family of actors, directors, and producers, so it should be no surprise that the acting bug bit him at an early age. “I remember my dad put me in a documentary when I was like 5, and I remember this one moment when I was in my backyard in Fort Washington, New York, and my father was on top of the roof with a camera….I was doing a scene with a bunch of kids in the neighborhood and there was something, even at 5 years old, that made me feel that that was what I was going to be doing…. When I was about 10, I starting doing commercials, and the funny thing about that [was] my parents asked me if I
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wanted to do commercials….I asked how—if [they] had enough money to be on television—and they said, ‘What do you mean? They pay you,’ and I said, ‘They pay you to be on television?!’ It was just something I love to do. It’s just been with me my whole life, and somehow, luckily, it’s became a career.” After a stint of commercial gigs, Zabka was offered one of his biggest roles as karate bully, Johnny, in the 1984 classic The Karate Kid. The day he was given the news, he remembers vividly. “I was in my backyard playing the guitar in Woodland Hills in California, and I had a series of auditions and callbacks. The phone rang, and it was my agency screaming that I got the part. I said, ‘Which one?’ because there were five….[T]hey didn’t know which one, and they called back and said, ‘Johnny.’” The cast, majority of which were unknown, may not have realized what they stumbled on when creating the movie, but Zabka enjoyed every moment of the experience. “If no one ever saw the movie, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I was a part of an ensemble of actors, just a part of something that was full of amazing talent. Robert Kamen wrote an amazing screenplay; John Avildsen was directing; Jerry Winetroub was producing; Bill Conti did the music—they all knew what was coming. But as an actor you’re just playing your part, and sometimes you get lucky, I guess.” Being the 80s buff that I am, I had to note my love of humor when it came to his roles in Just One of the Guys and Back to School. Zabka shared how comedy was not foreign to him, since it was
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017
“It’s just been with me my whole life and somehow, luckily, it’s became a career.”
m a i ll WiZabka Inserts: Zabka as Johnny in The Karate Kid and as Greg in Just One of the Guys.
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From top left: Zabka in Back to School, a clip from Zabka’s Oscar Nominated Short, Most, clowning around on How I Met Your Mother and sporting a ‘stach in Hot Tub Time Machine.
everywhere in his family. “Comedy’s where I came from. All of my 8mm films that I made growing up were [comedies]. I was always a comedian. I was voted class clown. In fact, in high school I was in the drama club and voted Best Actor. Comedy resonates more with me—way more than drama—but I love ‘em both. But If I had to choose one it would possibly be comedy because I like to make people laugh. I think to get through the world you have to have a pretty good sense of humor.” In over 30 years of acting, Zabka has played a variety of roles. When it came to which one was the most challenging, he replied, “Every role has its own challenges. I think The Equalizer, as an actor, was the most challenging, because I was working with such seasoned veterans—Robert Mitchum, Edward Woodward, Shirley Knight—and just some legends that were classically trained actors. Having to go toe-to-toe with them and work with them was a great workshop for me as an actor. As Johnny [Karate Kid], possibly because it was my first film—I had to learn karate and create a character, and I had absolutely no experience doing a film. So, that would be my biggest challenge, if I dial it all the way back.” His roles have created a loyal fan base over the years, but while Zabka is glad to see he is making folks in the world happy with his work, he has never been comfortable with the term “fan.” “This is gonna sound kind of trite, maybe, but I’ve always had a problem with the term ‘fan.’ It 8I
just felt strange coming from where I came from to have somebody be a fan. But over the years I’ve gotten used to it because of the film, and I think people are more fans of the film and the emotional impact it had on them. I’ve learned to embrace that. I love the generations of fans. It goes from grandparents to little kids. You get to see these kids come up in their gi or hear stories of kids who have been bullied and they learned martial arts...I really like to consider my fans my friends. I don’t like to consider myself an icon or anything like that. I’m just Billy.” As Zabka’s acting career grew, he had the opportunity to move to the other side of the camera to direct and
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017
produce his own projects. Zabka is no stranger to creating his own films; he has been doing it since he was in college. He shared which one was more formidable, acting or directing/ producing. “Well, I was in film school when I got The Karate Kid...so I got pulled out of...my first semester of school and got thrown on a set…. [T]hat became my education as a filmmaker and as an actor. So I got on-the-job training for both. They’re equally challenging; they’re just completely different challenges. One is kind of micro, and you’re looking at it through your character, trusting yourself to the people creating the story. The other, you’re kind of the conductor, overseeing everything. They’re equally challenging and equally rewarding. I could do either one of them and be completely fulfilled.” Zabka’s famous role in The Karate Kid led to a theory—Daniel LaRusso is the real bully and Johnny Lawrence, the victim. This theory was played up on the television show How I Met Your Mother, where Zabka was a guest star with fellow actor Ralph Macchio, an experience that Zabka truly enjoyed. “They were the most welcoming, talented group of people across the board—from the cast, the director, the writers—I was just pinching myself the whole time I was there, and the fact they kept bringing me back for more and more episodes—it was awesome….The
writing was great and it was so fun to have someone do a fun, fresh take on me and [to] get to do the comedy and chime in with such an oiled machine, a top show —so just to jump into that...it was an amazing experience.” After joking that he was glad to see his “theory was getting around,” Zabka shared his appreciation to still be in the minds and hearts of those who have fallen in love with his character to even have a theory like this come to pass. Always working his craft, Zabka is excited about his upcoming projects, but they are still hush-hush. “Well I have some fun things in the pipeline that I’m not ready to announce yet, but stay tuned—I have some cool things in the works.” After over 30 years in the business, creating some of the most memorable characters, Zabka reflected about what he wanted his legacy to be. “I love to be known as somebody who’s on time and is professional, good to work with and a team player...just that my work ethic is strong. Since I’ve become a father of a three-yearold and a seven-year-old, my legacy to them is to be...a role model to them...and help them find their love and their passion and nurture them through that.” Zabka will forever be remembered as one of the ultimate bad boys in the 80s and is honored for the privilege to get to work in the field he loves every day. He will never scoff at that. NME - Teresa Ewers
Zabka enjoying the beach with two of the most important people in his life - his kids.
See more photos at nmentertains. com or listen to the full interview at www.youtube.com/ NMEntertains
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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: MATILDA THE MUSICAL
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atilda the Musical, the first national tour, is coming to Albuquerque as part of the Popejoy Presents/Haverland Carter Broadway in New Mexico series, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers, on January 12-15, 2017, for six performances only! Winner of 70 international awards, including four Tony Awards® and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards®, including Best Musical. Matilda the Musical is based on the beloved novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox). It is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Matilda the Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner Matthew
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Warchus (God of Carnage), who helms this production, with a book by Tony® Award-winning playwright Dennis Kelly, and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician, and composer, Tim Minchin. The production has sets and costumes by Tony® Award winner Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Tony® Award winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Simon Baker. Performances run from Thursday, January 12 - Sunday, January 15. Tickets are available at the UNM Ticketing Offices at the UNM Bookstore and The Pit, area Albertsons, by calling (505) 9255858 or (877) 664-8661, and via the Internet at popejoypresents.com or unmtickets.com. NME
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017
*Provided by Popejoy Hall
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: DRUMLINE LIVE
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ollege marching bands dominate football halftime performances, especially those at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). DRUMLine Live! recreates spectacular halftime performances live onstage for audiences unable to attend a HBCU football game. Don’t miss DRUMLine Live! when it marches into Popejoy Hall on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 3pm. Created and directed by Don Roberts, DRUMLine Live! blends riveting rhythms, complex beats, and high energy to create a remarkable show. The group performs original compositions as well as renditions of today’s top hits accompanied by amazing choreography. Dozens of blaring horns and snare drums recreate the sights and sounds of HBCU marching band showdowns. Audiences enjoy uniquely arranged classic marching band tunes and the latest R&B and hip hop music
interpreted in the HBCU marching band style. HBCU marching bands were originally created to showcase HBCU traditions. Bands were also used to recruit students and raise money for various college programs. Today, HBCU marching bands include some of the most talented performers in the country. Drum majors lead dancers and musicians in performances of various drumming styles remastered for the marching band. Tickets for DRUMLine Live! are currently on sale for $59, $51, $41, and $20. Tickets can be purchased at the UNM Ticket Offices at the UNM Bookstore and WisePies Arena (formerly The Pit), and select area Albertsons locations. Online purchasing is available at popejoypresents.com or unmtickets. com. To charge by phone, call (877) 664-8661 or (505) 925-5858. NME
*Provided by Popejoy Hall
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COVER STORY: RALPH MACCHIO
“That role for me was like your first love, your first girlfriend, your first kiss.”
h p l a R io h c c a M The Iconic
Insert: Macchio with Pat Morita in The Karate Kid
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R
alph Macchio: The name, for many, will invoke some childhood memories or, perhaps, some more recent ones. For this writer, waiting for the phone to ring and knowing the Karate Kid would be on the other line was a butterflies-in-thestomach moment. Macchio, who has a career in the arts spanning three decades, started at 18 when he made his first, on-screen appearance in 1980 in Up The Academy with Robert Downey Jr. and followed up with a recurring role on TV’s Eight is Enough. But Macchio looked further back to talk about where his love of acting came from. “I grew up at a time when my mother would watch ‘The Million Dollar Movie.’ Channel 11 would have these oldtime, MGM musicals and movies like Casablanca and all that, and she would have these on all the time, and I would watch these movies...I sort of, you know, got a little taste of cinema and storytelling. So that was like the early stage of getting on stage. I took a few theater/dance classes... and I enjoyed it—I didn’t stink at it. So that’s my earliest memory of [performance] and diving into it.” Macchio would go on to star with a slew of talented actors, who were unknowns at the time, in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders (1983). The film would be one of the big moments in Macchio’s career. S.E. Hinton’s book of the same name was published in 1967 to wide acclaim, but it still wasn’t known if the film would be loved as the novel was. “What’s interesting is I read that book when I was 12...cover to cover. The Outsiders was required reading...so it was
a dream come true to be in that film and get that role. We all felt like we were in the coolest movie ever, and Francis [Ford Coppola], one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, was directing. We had a feeling that it would’ve been the greatest thing ever, but the film itself—it was well-received, but it didn’t open like Rouge One, that’s for sure. But over time, because of the book—the book feeds the movie, the movie feeds the book— as you witness at conventions, I get these ‘Outsiders kids’... these kids just falling in love with that book and that movie for the first time. It’s nice to be involved with something that reinvents itself with every generation and has that kind of lasting power, and I do not take that for granted…. That role for me was like your first love, your first girlfriend, your first kiss—you never forget it, and Johnny Cade from The Outsiders gave that to me.” The opportunity of working on the film was one Macchio did not fail to appreciate. He learned something every day he was on set. “A lot of it had to do with Francis and what he instilled in us as young actors. Rehearsal and preparation was a big part of what Francis brought to the table—a sort of theater atmosphere. Two
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Macchio with the cast of The Outsiders; Insert: Mario Cantone, Nico Bustamante, Ralph Macchio, Joli Tribuzio, Johnny Tamarro, Kendra Jain in A Room of My Own (2016). Photo: ®Ben Strothmann.
weeks before we started shooting the movie, he wanted the guys to spend a lot of time together. The Greasers were separated from The Socs. The Socs had better rooms, better transportation, better script binders. We were given a composition notebook and a lower room in the hotel. We were driven around in a van, while The Socs drove around in nice Town Cars. He created that environment, and it was fun, but within 48 hours everyone was calling their agents,” Macchio said with a chuckle. “He [Francis] wasn’t necessarily The Godfather, but he was the one we looked up to. He was definitely leading the band.” Macchio would follow up his role in The Outsiders with a film that would make him an icon. The Karate Kid (1984) was a true underdog story, one that would turn Macchio into the celebrated poster child of perseverance in the face of adversity. He reflected on the moment that he learned he would be playing Daniel LaRusso. 14 I
“I was always in first position, but they were putting me through so many hoops, and I was the only one around. I knew that Charlie Sheen was a backup candidate. I knew Robert Downey Jr. at the time was. But it was always me and whoever else they were looking at for the other role, so I felt pretty good. So when I got the call, maybe I was a little cocky, like, ‘Of course.’” The Karate Kid was the seminal movie in Macchio’s career. When asked about the moment he realized the impact this film was going to have on both the cinematic and his personal worlds, Macchio started his answer with, “To the best of my memory,” since it has been 31 years since the movie was released. “I distinctly remember seeing the film for the first time in its entirety in the Baronet & Coronet Theaters on Third Avenue on the Upper East Side. It was a sneak preview, end of May, roughly four weeks before the movie was to come out on June 22. The director was there, the producer, and writer, and it
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was a packed house for a sneak preview. Seeing the movie and seeing the audience respond to this guy who’s just essentially me who showed up to read the lines— it was so ‘out-of-body experience’ for me to sort of be caught up in the audience being with this story every step...and then certainly with the climax of the movie and everyone jumping up and hugging each other and cheering. I can’t say there’s ever [again] been a moment that I walked in and then everything was different when I walked out. And then everyone on Third Avenue is doing the Crane Kick, whether they were 6 years old or 60 years old, and that’s when the producer leaned over and said, ‘We’re gonna be making a couple of these.’” Macchio’s career continued like a freight train, working with heavyweights like Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny (1992), an experience that Macchio remembered as a fond one, but not without challenge. “My Cousin was odd for me with Joe because I knew Joe. Marisa was obviously fresh and new on the scene….What a turn that was for her—it was wonderful. But Joe I knew because I was on Broadway in a play called Cuba and His Teddy Bear with Robert DeNiro, and we played father and son….Joe would come by the theater occasionally, and that was a couple of years before My Cousin Vinny. The toughest part with My Cousin Vinny was I was isolated, because most of my scenes were in the first act, and then it was all the courtroom stuff. I had a great time. It really is a movie...you can’t stop watching.” As those roles
grew, the challenges grew, as well, and Macchio was excited to take them on. “The Outsiders wasn’t difficult to play, but I put a lot into it...it was work. There’s a role I play...for television called The Last POW? The Bobby Garwood Story [that] I did with Martin Sheen…. That was a real challenging role, and the shooting schedule was challenging. They all come with their moments of ease and...of difficulty. You just have to trust it. Some days you go home smiling. Other days you go home saying, ‘I just blew it!’ You just have to move past it.” While Macchio is known for big and small screen, he has also made his mark on the stage theater circuit. When it comes to which platform he enjoys most, Macchio says there is a benefit to both. “There’s a beauty to theater because you’re presenting the entire piece, and you are experiencing it communally together. You give this gift of this story you’re telling, this character you’re portraying, and you receive this gift of acceptance from the audience. [There’s] something that’s irreplaceable about that. But I do also enjoy the exacting of film and film for television— those pieces that connect the fabric of a full performance for film... and
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then it being preserved. There’s something nice about when you do get it right and nail it and you have something forever. But with theater, it might be there Tuesday, and (on) Wednesday, it’s just not the same, and Thursday might be better than Tuesday, but you don’t know that on Wednesday.” As a child, Macchio looked up to Gene Kelly, enamored with his style and grace. “I found him such a masculine kind of actor, dancer— handsome, good looking.” So, it shouldn’t be a surprise when he chose to participate in the dance competition Dancing with the Stars, but even Macchio himself hesitated to take part. “At first I felt like Gilligan on Gilligan’s Island, ‘I’m not gonna wear a dress, I’m not gonna wear a dress,’ and then you cut, and there’s Gilligan in a dress. I said I would never do that show. It was not my cup of tea at first, but it was just the right time. I did well enough. How you represent yourself is a big part of the experience of that show...I’m an alumni and I’m proud of it.” Those who have seen Macchio work can see he truly embraces the character he is presented with, and he has taken meaning and a lesson from each performance. “You learn from each. Any time you’re
making a film or an original play or a television series, if you feel that you have it figured out, then I think you’re fooling yourself. Because, truthfully, everyone is making the movie for the first time...everyone on that cast is creating that world for the first time. So really try to learn from it and embrace all the curveballs, because if you don’t, you’re striking out a lot. But that takes years to figure out, and even when you figure it out, you still don’t have it all figured out. Macchio has close to three decades of being an icon in the industry. When it comes to what he wants his legacy to be, he says, “That I embraced it wholeheartedly. I was genuine, and tried to be as true as I can to the work and understanding and never taking for granted what I learned from it.” Ralph Macchio is blessed for the opportunities his talents have brought him. He shows no signs of stopping, recently working on The Deuce, in which he appears in five of the eight episodes. His continued energy and vigor to enhance his craft will have us not only reminiscing about the roles that we remember from our youths, but looking forward to his projects that are yet to come. NME - Teresa Ewers
Macchio performs with Karina Smirnoff on Dancing with the Stars. Photo Courtesy of ABC
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BEHIND THE SCENES: JOHN KAPELOS
John Kapelos YOU ARE PART OF CULT CLASSIC HISTORY. WHAT WAS YOUR TIME ON THE SET OF THE BREAKFAST CLUB LIKE? John Hughes hired me after Rick Moranis had been doing the janitor part for a couple of weeks, and they didn’t come eye to eye on how the part should be played. Rick wanted to play the guy with a thick Russian accent with a mouth full of gold teeth and a wad of keys sort of dangling precipitously between his legs that he would pick up and use provocatively. And John said, “You realize the original intent of the character was supposed to be the janitor of the high school he went to— and a native of this area, not some sort of foreigner. My time on The Breakfast Club was very intense. John really had some specific ideas of how he wanted this character played. I locked horns a little bit with Paul Gleason, who had his own style of doing things. I was the last actor to come on for the show. I was sort of known as a Chicago actor, although I was and there was
a little bit of pandering to me, or, at least, condescension maybe is the right word. But John never condescended. He treated me like a total professional. We shot 7 or 8 takes the way it was written and would improves after that. My time on The Breakfast Club was... wonderful in a lot of ways. I developed great relationships as much as I could with everybody. I was sad to see Paul [Gleason] pass away. I went to his funeral. I’ve seen Molly recently. I keep in touch with Michael….[I]t was a very creative place to be—very protected by John Hughes and always really kind of guarded by Hollywood. There was a feeling that a lot of good things were going on when I did that movie. WHERE DID YOUR LOVE FOR ACTING COME FROM? I started acting in tenth grade in... Ontario, Canada, at London Secondary School, where I did the play Guys and Dolls, and I sort of got bitten by that moment and carried on from there. I loved watching movies as a kid,
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and when I realized the people in the movies were acting, I thought ‘Wow, that’s kind of interesting.’ When you’re a kid, you know if it’s real or acting, but you don’t wrap your head around it until a certain age. I sort of contribute it to my mother and her love of films as one my reasons I love acting so much, and she imparted that to me, especially that golden era of Hollywood films which is always on parade on TCL every #day. I developed a really acute sense of drama, and I would read a lot of plays and went to England to see a lot of plays, so that solidified my sense for theater. When I decided I wanted to be an actor, I got involved in Second City in Chicago. So I turned what I loved into what I wanted to do. You have been in the business for 35 years. What keeps you motivated? What keeps you motivated is future employment. It’s never an easy job to be an actor, and it always feels like you’re in a state of job application. You never really arrive unless you get a series or you’re incredibly above the title, and even actors like that have their good days and bad days. But what keeps me motivated is the fact that I love what I do, I’m trying to outdo what I’ve done, and I try to explore parts of the human conditions that I can portray in a way that’s honest and real. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ROLE? I could be glib and say my most
challenging role could be my next one. But I think that I’ve played some challenging roles. I did a part of a drug dealer in a movie The Boost with James Woods, which was a bit of a tough role. I think Internal Affairs with Mike Figgis, where I play Steven Arrocas, who asked Richard Gere to kill his parents, I think that was one of my most difficult roles to get my head into. I think that working in the theater can be very challenging. I did a play several years ago—four or five years ago—called The Prince of Atlantis where I was playing this tough guy in jail, a fishmonger from Boston who had mislabeled fish, and somebody had died in one of his restaurants, and he was thrown in jail. He was one tough American-Italian customer. You know, that’s not me, but the thing is to play parts of you that are involved in that, you use pieces of yourself. It was a pretty challenging role. I found sometimes even...smaller roles are challenging. I just did this part in a film called The Shape of Water where I played this Armenian landlord, and I didn’t want to turn him into this total cartoon or a buffoon because he did have an accent, and he was rather large in terms of his attitude. There was a way of playing him that wasn’t going to be too crazy. You want to make sure these people live and are real because, as they say, there are no small parts, just small actors….[E]ven the smallest parts of the movies are memorable, because it’s necessary to continue the action and
Left to right: Kapelos as Carl in The Breakfast Club; with Nike Doukas in South Coast Repertory’s world premiere of The Prince of Atlantis by Steven Drukman. Photo by Henry DiRocco/SCR.
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also to lend credibility to all the other work that’s in the movie….But with that said, the smaller parts can be the most challenging, because in larger parts you have a lot more area to stretch out and to show emotion range or to show various moments. My most challenging roles— fboy, I’ve done so many that I think the ones I mentioned will suffice. WHAT WAS THE BEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED AS AN ACTOR? I’m still possible learning it. You have to always show your stuff, no matter how much people know who you are. Part of my lot in life is I have to audition. People go, ‘Well, they should know.’ Well, people who do know you, know you, but every year there’s a new crop of people coming into the business, and there are people who are new casting directors and new film companies and producers, and new writers and directors, and the function of having a long career is making sure you’re not only known to the people that know you, but try to make yourself known to the people that don’t know you. You should not look for the big break...The big break comes in small little fractures, and one day something happens that makes you all of a sudden...more desirable, or whatever, more wanted as an actor—more sought after as it were. But the thing is, people know [when]
you love and respect the work and serve the work, as opposed to making the work serve you….[M]ake sure you understand exactly what you’re doing, and do as well as you can, and make it work as well as you can. I learned a lot of lessons as an actor, and one of them has been humility. I wasn’t born with a lot of humility. I was born with a lot of arrogance. So there are things that I learned character-wise that have made me realize that I’m not the only boat in the ocean. The one true thing to be as an actor is semipermeable—your skin has be to semipermeable—you have to be hard to the realities of the business with rejection, but you also have to be sensitive to the emotions and the scripts and the work that is sent your way and the people that you work with who are very simpatico. You can’t become jaded and shut off in ways that are gonna inhibit your very craft and the art of your work. WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE COMING UP? I am in The Shape of Water, the Guillermo del Toro movie with Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Richard Jenkins. We shot that in October; that’s a featured film coming out. I’m in a film called 22 Chaser, which is coming out in 2017, and I am writing a film script that I am hoping to direct for Reelz. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I would like to be known as a working actor that was kind, hardworking, knew his stuff, respected his follow person, knew the work, always tried to achieve for better, and never disappointed anyone in terms of my work ethic. NME - Teresa Ewers
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THE 5: MARILYN GHIGLIOTTI Where did your love of the arts come from? Not sure I can really say where my love of arts came from. But it’s something I feel was always a part of me. I was drawn to TV and what everyone did. I was drawn to drawing as a child. I was drawn to dance and creating. It just wasn’t encouraged, and so I became a late bloomer in finally entering the world I love. You are also an established makeup artist. How did that come about?
Y ou a r e part of cult classic You are part of a cult classic. What has being in Clerks and returning for Clerks III meant to you?
Being in Clerks and working with a friend and making new friends was a wonderful learning experience with people that were basically in the same boat, and returning to the world [in Clerks III] that has great memories for me in a character I loved portraying is one I highly look forward to. I am a fan of the franchise, as well, and look forward as a fan and the actress to see what has transpired for Veronica and the rest of the characters. You have been in every genre of film. What would you say is your favorite? Thanks for noticing that I have tried to show my versatility as an actress, because the one thing I was noticing early on is the pigeonholing that happens to people in the entertainment business. If I had to choose a genre, though, I think it would have to be science fiction. The adventure, creativeness, and fantasy of it appeals to me.
I think becoming a makeup [artist] and hair stylist was me seeing another opportunity to show my creative side and make a living with it. Because even though...people I saw [were] doing things as a business creatively, I don’t think I had the awareness that they were. I grew up [being] told and thinking I had to be a secretary to have a stable job and become independent. And once having that job, getting married, having a child, and just not wanting to re-enter the office world, I went to cosmetology school instead and excelled academically for the first time. What projects do you have coming down the pipeline? Currently, I am at a convention in Dallas, Marvelous Nerd Year’s Eve, with the cast mates I love. I can think of no better way to spend New Year’s and looking forward to attending Albuquerque Comic Con in a couple if weeks. I was in Albuquerque a couple of years ago and have been wanting to visit the beautiful city again. Then in the spring, I will be shooting a film in Rome, NY, along with Tom Proctor and Basil Hoffman. We had already shot a trailer for the film, which was able to garner the funds for making the film. And, hopefully, this coming year Clerks[III] will actually get made. There are some Upper Deck memorabilia cards that the cast has signed and also, hopefully, [will come] out soon.
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New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH: KEITH BRECKENRIDGE
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n a sea of comedians, Keith Breckenridge is making a big wave in the comedy scene. Breckenridge has found his passion and shared with New Mexico Entertainment why comedy is his calling.
What is it about comedy that makes it your passion?
Since I was a kid, it’s always been to make people laugh and for THAT night, have fun, leave your cares at the door. Comedy is intimate and personal, with every show being different—even though I have a set, it always changes based on the crowd…[T]hat gives me such a rush—it’s really second to none.
Who are your inspirations?
Eddie Murphy is my icon, but closely followed by Richard Pryor, Carol Burnett, George Carlin, and Dave Chappelle,
What is it like being up in front of an audience?
It’s similar to being on a first date with someone you REALLY like—nervous, scary, but excited and hopeful—and when it’s going well, I feel superhuman like a rock star….[B]ut on the flip side, when you bomb, time slows down. It’s quiet and you can’t think. It’s hard to hide when you’re the only one up there with a spotlight on you, and you have to bring this crowd back, but nothing is working….[You] feel like you’re sinking faster and faster until you finally hit on something to win them back. Either way, I hope to get a kiss at the end of the night.
Do you remember your first gig?
My story is a little different than most comedians. My friend told me about auditions for a late night talk show, “The After After Party,” hosted by Steven Michael Quezada. I auditioned and made it on the show and was asked back for two more episodes. Started doing open mics honing my craft and working on my set to become a pro.
Do you feel New Mexico is lacking in comedy?
New Mexico is lacking in venues for professional comedy. The Stage at Santa Ana Star has professional shows every Thursday that pack every time but stopped booking “local comedians.” Albuquerque has the ONLY real comedy club downtown, “Open Source Comedy,” that features shows every weekend. Otherwise, it’s a brewery, bar, theater, casino or the once-ina-while-hotel-gig, which is then perceived as an amateur show, despite the fact that Albuquerque has a TON of talent with guarantees of a great evening with very smart, sharp, funny comedians from all walks of life. If we build it, THEY will come.
Do you have any upcoming performances?
Yes. I am currently on tour with www. whythelongfacecomedytour.com/. My next show is at Turtle Mountain Brewery on 01/07/17; then Pensacola, Florida 01/1801/21; El Paso, Texas 01/27-01/28; with Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; Austin; Dallas; San Antonio; Colorado Springs; Denver; Phoenix; Las Vegas; and the mecca, New York.
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017 I 21
THE CUT: PETE’S FRITES
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As Nob Hill continues to accumulate new brewhouses and bars in the area, I watch to see what new restaurants will take over the vacant buildings down Route 66. When I learned that a burger joint by the name of Pete’s Frites would be taking over the old Shade Tree Customs & Cafe next door to The Guild Cinema, I’ll be honest, I had no idea what a frite was, but I love burgers and was willing to try the latest spot, which, it turns out, was ready to give me crispy fries (frites!) and juicy burgers. Entering the restaurant, I was overcome with the scent of salty goodness, making my mouth water and wondering if I would have enough self-control not to order one of everything, but Pete’s Frites created a menu that is clear and simple—burgers and fries are the stars, with a guest appearance of
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grilled cheese sandwiches. I started with their Diner Combo with a single patty. The turnaround time took a bit—around 20 minutes— but being that this was a made to order restaurant and not a fast food chain, it was understandable and well worth it. The first bite into that burger lived up to its promise—juicy and delicious. But it was the frites, oh, the frites, that tied the dish together. These handcut, triple cooked beauties were the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and Pete’s Frites’ choices of made-from-scratch fry sauces, from spicy habañero to creamy mayo and lemon, just added to the experience. I’ve been back three times after my first experience. Take an opportunity to try this tasty and friendly business making a name for itself in Nob Hill. NME - Teresa Ewers
New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 14, 2017
TELLURIDE MOUNTAINFILM Angel Fire Community Center
http://www.mountainfilm.org/tour
January 12-15, 2017 MATILDA THE MUSICAL Popejoy Hall 203 Cornell Dr Albuquerque, NM 87131 https://www.unmtickets.com/Matilda
January 13-15, 2017 2017 TACOMA MONSTER JAM® Santa Ana Star Center 3001 Civic Center Cir NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 http://www.nuclearmuseum.org
January 13, 2017 GALAXY QUEST Popejoy Hall 203 Cornell Dr Albuquerque, NM 87131 https://www.unmtickets.com/Matilda
January 26, February 12, 2017 OLD TIMES The Cell Theatre 700 1st St NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.fusionnm.org/box-office-fusionseason-subscriptions.html January 29, 2017 DRUMLINE LIVE! Popejoy Hall 203 Cornell Dr Albuquerque, NM 87131 https://unmtickets.entaus.com/WEBPAGES/ EntaWebShow/ShowDatesCombo.aspx
January 13-15, 2017 ALBUQUERQUE COMIC CON Albuquerque Convention Center 401 2nd St NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 http://www.albuquerquecomiccon.com
Submit events to NMEntEvents@gmail.com • View full calendar at NMEntertains.com SIGHTSEEING
Photographer Tony Lopez of Duke City Pix shared these gorgeous photos of San Jose De Los Jemez Church in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico.
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New Mexico Entertainment • January 2017