Natasha Katz
Natasha Katz is not to be reckoned with – but if you’re anywhere near the industry of Broadway, you already knew that. Ms. Katz has won Tony Awards for Best Lighting Design for Aida in 2000, The Coast of Utopia in 2007, Once in 2012 and The Glass Menagerie in 2014. This year, she is nominated for her work on the bright, beautiful, iconic revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler. For this week, Natasha Katz is back On the Couch with her answers from a 2015 Season Weekly – an encore for one of our favorite artists in the industry.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Loyalty.
What is your favorite drink?
Green tea.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza!!
What is your favorite condiment?
Mustard. I used to eat mustard sandwiches as a child. It’s family lore that I fell asleep as a child with a mustard sandwich half way to my mouth.
What is your current obsession?
I’m obsessed with “The Good Wife”! I love watching all the great NY Theatre actors on the show.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I don’t have any vices.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I’ve always wanted to design the lighting for a huge rock concert at Madison Square Garden.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
The gym. I never seem to have time to go as much as I would like to.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Tidying up the apartment. Although, it’s a great way to design a show in my head while I’m vacuuming.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
I’m always worried that something will happen to my eyes or my ears and I won’t be able to work anymore.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My father, who was a psychiatrist, taught me that things are not always as they appear to be and because of that, we must not judge people. My mother gave me a love of the theatre.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Not to judge people.
What in the world most thrills you?
When everyone on a show is completely in sync and the creativity is boundless.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Donald Trump.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I’m embarrassed every time I have to sing over the headset or to the director to describe the lighting moment in a musical.
What is your favorite place in the world?
New York City.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Good lips.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. I never understood cats.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
My children and I would go to the theatre together.
What is your personal motto?
I was born to do this.