Wednesday, December 15
Hey, my name’s Michael Pantozzi. I am a founding member of The Common Tongue, and I’ll be playing two characters over the course of the upcoming theatrical event known as CONNECT FIVE (my initial suggestion for the evening’s title, “Four Little Licks,” was mysteriously opposed). Needless to say, the excitement of doing so is definitely rocking my face off at the moment. As for the characters themselves:
First is an unemployed guy named Eric, from Wendy MacLeod’s play “Last Night,” who after having his mind blown by his typically tepid girlfriend Juliet, awakes the next morning and decides that rather than take on and enjoy the usual warm, euphoric glow of a man just blessed with such circumstances, he’s going to sink their entire relationship into a cesspit of jealousy, suspicion, and other similarly ugly problems instead.
But why?! Why would anyone do this, you may ask? Well…you’ll see. You’ll see why he just can’t help it…but seriously, he can’t. I’m not sure I’d be able to either. Probably not. Actually, definitely not, but that’s me.
Either way it’s been a thrill to get started on rehearsals for “Last Night.” My castmate and fellow original Common Tongue member Sarah just got to do some opening table read work for Wendy herself, and our brilliant director Karen Kohlhaas this past weekend. What a stunning pleasure and privilege that was. Our good fortune as a young company continues to amaze me.
Anyway, second is a guy named Timmy, from Lucy Thurber’s play “Young.” He’s been best friends with the play’s protagonist, Ava, a habit relationship train wreck, since childhood. In the play she hits yet another wall after her girlfriend of two years has had enough, and Timmy ambles in to pick up the pieces, and attempt to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Like Eric’s behavior, Timmy’s is also far from unfamiliar to me, so like “Last Night,” “Young” is definitely another story I’m looking forward to sharing.
Rehearsals for “Young” have been thoroughly wonderful as well thus far. Our director for this one, Shannon Fillion, is exploring some pretty spectacularly exciting ideas for the material. Apparently, the playwright might also be making an appearance in upcoming rehearsals. Cannot wait.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Take care in the meantime.