The Art In Yourself

A conversation with Mike Nussbaum. At 99 years old Mike is the oldest working actor in Actors Equity Association. In this conversation Mike discusses his fascinating personal and professional life - from 1920's Chicago, to WWII, to his life as an exterminator, and his extraordinary acting career. As of this writing, Mike can still be seen onstage with his close friend BJ Jones in readings of Pilot's Lounge. A play written especially for Mike by his friend, Pulitzer and Tony winning playwright David Mamet.

Taking a few weeks off to rethink and rebrand. Watch this space. I don’t mean watch it now. It’s not like the words are going to change, or become animated (although that would be sweet). I more mean check back here in a few weeks. I guess if you’re super bored you can actually watch this space, but it will likely be quite boring. 

A conversation with film, television, and stage actor Rae Gray. Best known for roles in Fear The Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire, and the upcoming Amazon series A League Of Their Own

A journey through the life and career of Steppenwolf Theater Company ensemble member James Vincent Meredith. James has appeared in nearly twenty productions with Steppenwolf. Along with work at various other Chicago theatres and nationally, he played Mafala in The Book Of Mormon second national touring company, as well as on Broadway. He has been seen in numerous television series and films, including Boss and the most recent season of Fargo. His voice talents have also been heard in many commercials and video games. 

Behind the scenes of The Art In Yourself. My daughter interviews me for her high school journalism class. 

Chris D’Arienzo began his career in Hollywood as a PA (production assistant) at Disney Studios. That job led to more work as a PA and actor on the groundbreaking Ellen DeGeneres sitcom Ellen. A journalism major in college, his true passion was writing. He eventually began selling projects as a screenwriter, but they were not being produced. Until he wrote the book for the hugely successful Broadway musical Rock of Ages. He also adapted the screenplay for and directed the film Barry Munday. In this conversation we cover everything from acting together in a tragic Greek tragedy, to Chris having a front row seat when television history was made. 

Joel Zwick started with La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York in the 1960s. From there he made his way to California and began directing television. From the 1970s through 2000s he directed  more than 650 television episodes. Including Laverne and Shirley, Bosom Buddies, Perfect Strangers, Mork and Mindy, Angie, Full House, Family Matters, K.C. Undercover, Shake It Up, along with dozens of others. He is perhaps best known for directing the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest grossing romantic comedy ever. As a producer his latest project is the feature film Tango Shalom. He also wrote Directing The Sitcom: Joel Zwick’s Steps For Success with Rosario J. Roveto, Jr. an excellent guide to television directing. 

Ross Lehman has had a fascinating journey, from being raised by local celebrity parents in Pennsylvania, to his long career on stage. He has performed in Chicago, London, and on Broadway with Patrick Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, and Mario Cantone - to name just a few. I have had the privilege of working with him several times. He is an generous scene partner and a brilliant performer. 

More with Paul Stroili. Including unverifiable stories of the late Mickey Rooney, Winston Churchill, Peter Boyle, and others. 

Paul Stroili’s Television acting credits include Empire, Chicago P.D.,  and Malcolm in the Middle. His film credits include Only Dance Can Save Us, Wake, and The Beating. Paul was nominated for an Ovation Award for Best Solo Performance and an LA Weekly Award for Paul Stroili’s Straight Up with a Twist, which enjoyed over 1000 performances nationwide, including a twice extended Off-Broadway run. He is a Resident Artist at The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan (founded by Jeff Daniels). Paul attended the State University of New York at New Paltz.  As a playwright, his works include Last Call at the Aardvark, Cheese Louise (with Maureen Morley), My Dinner with Arlecchino and Plane Crazy (with Cissy Conner), and A Jukebox for the Algonquin. In part one of our two-part conversation, we discuss Paul's career as an actor, writer, director, and clown shoe template.