Every day is opening night.

David Loud

As music director, David Loud has been working with Kander and Ebb for years. This season, his long relationship with these musical theater legends has culminated in the much anticipated The Visit starring Chita Rivera, which opens at the Lyceum Theater this Thursday. In the past, Loud has mastered many other Kander and Ebb scores including Steel Pier, Curtains and The Scottsboro Boys. His work also extends to plays like Death of a Salesman and Terrence McNally's critically acclaimed Master Class. We are so happy that David Loud could pay us a visit before The Visit and talk with us On the Couch!

What do you consider to be your best asset?

My unflappable calm in the midst of a crisis. This can be very useful when conducting a Broadway show. Especially when props fly into the pit.

What was your proudest moment?

Getting married (after 20 years together!) to my husband, Pedro Porro.

What is your favorite drink?

I do love a chilly glass of Prosecco.

What is your favorite food?

Anything with mashed potatoes.

What is your favorite condiment?

Sadly, butter.

What is your current obsession?

I've started trying to organize all the vocal arrangements I've done over the years.Previews for The Visit are getting in the way of this obsession, however.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?

Pastry.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?

Well … in my spare time over the last few years I've been writing a musical based on a delightful Philip Barry play called You and I. Opening night on Broadway, please.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?

Taxis.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?

Scrabble on the cell phone.

What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?

My parents are teachers, and I have the teaching gene as well. I love coaching better performances of songs from singing actors, working with groups of singers, orchestras, song-writers.

What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?

I have no mechanical aptitude whatsoever. And I don't drive. I'm not 100% certain that's their fault, however…

What in the world most thrills you?

A perfect lyric on a delicious melody.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?

We don't observe the world any more. We're all too busy staring at our brilliant little phones.

What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?

The first act of Les Misérables is very long, and the conductor never gets a break. Once, about a half hour in, I realized that I had to go to the bathroom more than anything else in the world. I did not abandon my post. I had to burn that tuxedo.

What is your favorite place in the world?

Despite the foregoing, being on the podium, conducting a Broadway musical, is, actually, the best place to be in the entire world. The show is happening right in front of you, the orchestra is playing below you, and you can feel the audience on the back of your neck. You are the beating heart of a complex organism, collaborating, leading, following, soaring, fixing, responding … making music.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?

A shared sense of humor.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?

Dogs.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?

A cure for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and AIDS.

What is your personal motto?

Let's rehearse that one more time