Every day is opening night.

Eric Paris

Eric Paris

Creatives create the show. Producers produce the show. A general manager of a theater is there for much of the rest – and the rest is quite a bit. Luckily, Broadway has the brilliance of Eric Paris – who is the General Manager of Ambassador Theatre Group’s Hudson Theatre, now housing the resplendent revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Before Hudson’s historic re-opening last week, the first Broadway opening there in almost 50 years, Eric oversaw the Lyric Theatre, ATG’s first Broadway house. Eric Paris is a busy man, so we are thrilled to have him On the Couch.

What do you consider to be your best asset?
A high “common sense” IQ.

What was your proudest moment?
The birth of my son, Dylan (now 9 and Mayor of Hudson Theatre).

What is your favorite drink?
Whale’s Tail Pale Ale.

What is your favorite food?
Fried clams.

What is your favorite condiment?
Scallions make everything better.

What is your current obsession?
The history of Hudson Theatre and Jeanine Tesori. She’s a magical human.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Wagering on sports.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
To open a Broadway venue (check), to own my own theatre, and maybe part ownership in the Boston Red Sox.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Buying CD’s (Yes, I still buy and use CD’s).

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Constantly checking the scores and stats of my Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins, and watching every sports event possible.

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Fried clam consumption.

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

Making things happen.

What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Keeping piles of papers, magazines and newspapers. Not dirty or cluttered at all – nice and neat, tall piles of stuff.

What in the world most thrills you?
My son, Dylan, scoring the big soccer goal or driving in the winning baseball run. That “Parenthood” moment when Steve Martin goes ballistic on the baseball field is a very real feeling.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Facebook. Loathe Facebook.

What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Getting in a verbal altercation with a patron over her consuming a full BBQ chicken dinner inside a Broadway theatre.

What is your favorite place in the world?
Cape Cod.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Goes with the flow and enjoys the hobby of people watching.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Well, when I was 10 years old, a dog chased after me from my bus stop to my home trying to steal my bagel. And I’m allergic to cats. Sooo, I’m going to go with neither.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Dinner with my late Grandfather (who died when my Dad was 2), my Dad, and my son. Gotta find out who created the best father anyone could ask for. If Diane Lane could join us as well, that would help with the whole “best day” thing.

What is your personal motto?
Patience, persistence and perseverance. And don’t take shit from anyone!