Lucy Thurber
Lucy Thurber doesn’t stop writing, and it’s a good thing, because the things she says are relevant, acerbic, and profoundly necessary in these challenging times. Lucy owes much of her inspiration to her upbringing in western Massachusetts, which serves as the basis for one of her masterworks, The Hill Town Plays. Consisting of pieces Scarcity, Where We’re Born, Killers and Other Family and Ashville, the cycle tells the story of a woman finding a new life after a difficult childhood. This season, we see Thurber’s most recent play at MCC Theater: Transfers, directed by Jackson Gay, which began previews yesterday. It’s always a joy to have a writer On the
Couch. It’s a particular joy to have one of the great contemporary playwrights, Lucy Thurber.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I’m honest.
What was your proudest moment?
When I got to marry Jenna Worsham.
What is your favorite drink?
Coffee.
What is your favorite food?
Pie.
What is your favorite condiment?
Ketchup.
What is your current obsession?
Mountain Biking.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Worrying.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Vacation.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Going out to dinner.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Watching TV.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Not enough sleep.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Empathy.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or
learned from your parents?
Wanderlust.
What in the world most thrills you?
Travel.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Hipsters.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I honestly don’t know.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Catskill Mountains.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Oddity.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Both.