speed-the-plow david mamet artist note: Jordan Pettle Being in rehearsal for both Speed-The-Plow and The Sunshine Boys, I am currently feeling like a very negligent parent. Not to my actual son, who I start and end my days with, but to the two characters I am trying to create. One is a Hollywood producer, the other a New York Agent. Neither is shy about making me feel guilty for leaving one to work on another. It’s a great challenge. But as we get closer to previews for Speed-The-Plow I am trying to get some perspective on this process. I have had the great fortune in my career to work with those closest to me; my brother, my wife, my sister-in-law, my friends. And now I get to work with one of my best friends, Ari Cohen. A great man and a pretty decent Actor. In David f*@%ing Mamet! With David f*@%ing Storch! And Sarah f*@%ing Wilson! At Soul f*@%ing pepper! Life in the movie business may be like the beginning of a love affair (see: Act one) but life in the theatre has its moments of true bliss. This, so far, is one of them.
Jordan Pettle,Charlie Fox in Speed-the-Plow
a message from the artistic director Artists love David Mamet. We get to behave in ways and say things in his plays that we would never be allowed to otherwise. We get to destroy an opponent and dance on his ashes. There is a guilty pleasure in this. A little Mamet at night is a great way to get rid of the day’s frustrations. To do this day after day and survive a run, however, you need to love ach other. Strange thing, the theatre. Today you will be watching three gifted actors in vicious verbal conflict. After their bows, they will kiss and hug and go home to their loved ones refreshed. May you too find refreshment in the spoils of this play.
Albert Schultz, Artistic Director