Alison Fraser
Two-time Tony Award nominee Alison Fraser (The Secret Garden, Romance/Romance) is currently appearing in the Culture Project’s world premiere production of IN MASKS OUTRAGEOUS AND AUSTERE, the final full-length play by Tennessee Williams. Having created such roles as a Nazi nun in Charles Busch’s The Divine Sister and trumpet-bumping Tessie Tura in Gypsy (starring Patti LuPone), she adds another colorful character to her resume playing Mrs. Gorse-Bracken, an eccentric neighbor who favors wearing a full-length, lavender Balenciaga gown – in broad daylight. See what she had to say when we got her on the couch!
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: I have the ability to be reasonable under unreasonable circumstances.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: It is about to happen–my son Nat is graduating from college on May 19th.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: Vodka and soda with a twist of lime
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: French Fries
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: Malt vinegar
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: I can't turn off “Big Bang Theory” no matter how many times I have watched a particular episode. Jim Parsons fascinates me.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: I suppose drinking, but I am not going to.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: Getting back my SAG (now SAG/AFTRA) insurance.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: The NoHo Star after my show. Also, I do buy a lot of rocks for my yard.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
A: Watching “Big Bang Theory” while drinking vodka and soda with a twist of lime.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: Dragging “Playboy” around on a leash down a set of shallow stairs while wearing high heels.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Always have a book on hand.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Keeping all those books. That way lies madness, not to mention silverfish.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: I have to say New York City, despite the fact I have lived here a million years, never ever palls.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: Those stupid shoe ads that keep popping up on Facebook.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
A: I missed an entrance in Gypsy once, and the dressing down the late great Arthur Laurents gave me still rings in my ears.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A: Villa Oliva, outside of Lucca in Tuscany. But I think it might be superseded by Los Suenos Del Mar in Manzanillo once I finally get there. Bethesda Fountain in Central Park is also right up there.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: Candor.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: I like them both, but since I live in the city most of the time may feline familiars Anderson Cooper, Pip, and Grumpy Buddy share my life.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: I don't know about the best day of my entire life, but if I found out today that Aaron Mark's movie Commentary was picked up for a prestigious film festival and distribution it would come darn close.
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: The Fraser clan motto works for me–“Je Suis Prest”. “I Am Ready”.