Here’s our third interview with the cast of Glengarry Glen Ross, which opens Friday night at the Renaissance Ballroom Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.
Stepping up to the imaginary microphone is the incredibly talented Mike Naglee:
Q: Tell us about Glengarry Glen Ross.
Mike: Glengarry Glen Ross is the story of desperate men clawing their way through the rat race of the mid-eighties real estate market. The play begins on the last day of the office sales contest - in which third and fourth place are, "you're fired." Schemes are hatched, the cops are called, and the men make their do or die plays for success.
Q: Why did you want to tackle this show?
Mike: A David Mamet play means two things: it'll be good, and it'll be risky. Not many community theatres have the moxy to take on a Mamet play - it's not a fluffy musical sure to bring in the crowds so it's a rare occurrence. The language alone scares many companies away. A chance to do Mamet with great folks I enjoy spending time with? $&#% yes.
Q: Tell us about the character you play.
Mike: I play David Moss, the brash and manipulative salesman that instigates the illegal activities of the second act. He's a real piece of work, and playing him is a blast!
Q: What's your background in theatre?
Mike: I graduated from Marshall in 2003 with my BFA in theatre, and have been active in community theatre for many years since. In the past I've usually played the "nice guy,” but this past year at ARTS has really given me a chance to explore darker roles.
Q: This is an adult show - what's the most challenging thing about it - the language or the subject matter?
Mike: Both are difficult. The rapid fire nature of Mamet's dialogue is hard to get just right, so the language is definitely challenging. The subject matter has been challenging as it is somewhat foreign to me, since my experience in sales is rather limited and largely non-competitive.
Q: Tell us about the cast and director.
Mike: Working with ARTS folks is like working with family at this point. The level of trust makes for an easier road when doing a project with such high energy and emotion. Simply put, they're awesome. Mike Murdock, a top-notch actor himself, is a fantastic director. His experience and skill give him a natural insight into the forces at work in a play, and he knows how to communicate that with his cast. A rare find. If only he weren't such a #%*£&$*#€%.
Q: Why would you recommend this show?
Mike: A show like this doesn't come around very often, especially not in this area. It's a solid cast of awful, deplorable people in a high-stakes, high-energy show. You'll have &$*%#*$& great time. ;)
Q: Thanks, Mike!
Glengarry Glen Ross will be presented in the Renaissance Theatre Ballrooom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the Dinner and Show are $30 each (reservations required - call 304-733-2787. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Show only tickets are $15 each. Also, the Feb. 9 (Thursday) show offers 2 tickets for $20. Visit www.artstristate.org for online tickets.
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