Every day is opening night.

Joe Dipietro

Joe DiPietro’s comedies are laugh-out-loud, but they’re far from empty entertainment. Joe’s plays are hilarious, intelligent and moving and that is why he has been a staple of the New York theater scene for almost twenty-five years. This fall, his play Clever Little Lies is playing at the Westside Theatre, the same venue where his hit I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change ran for twelve years. On Broadway, he won two Tony Awards – Best Book and Best Score – for the hit musical Memphis and was nominated for his work on Nice Work If You Can Get It. We are delighted Joe DiPietro is represented this season and thrilled to have him On the Couch!   
 

What do you consider to be your best asset?
I think I have deep empathy for people, which is probably why I'm a writer.

What was your proudest moment?
The moment I realized I could make a living writing for the theatre.

What is your favorite drink?
A martini, extra dirty.

What is your favorite food?
Grilled brussels sprouts.

What is your favorite condiment?
Whipped cream, which probably isn't really a condiment, but it is when you put it on a waffle.

What is your current obsession?
Project Runway.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I sleep way too late.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
The next hit.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Flying anything but coach.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Reading the entire internet before I start writing.
 
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Aging, which seems to be happening to me with enormous speed.
 
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
To find the humor in just about everything.
 
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
In the great tradition of my mother, I'm a worrier.
 
What in the world most thrills you?
Seeing great actors perform a show I've written.
 
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
The blurring of the line between real news and pop culture news.
 
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
Whenever I can't answer an actor's question about my script, I'm mortified.
 
What is your favorite place in the world?
Rome.
 
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
They have to call me on my shit.
 
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Definitely dogs. I've had my pug, Rocco, since he was three months old. He's been running my life for the last fourteen years.
 
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
They'd have to invent a delicious form of ice cream that causes you to lose weight while you're eating it.
 
What is your personal motto?
Keep going forward.