Jonathan Tolins
This week we put acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Jonathan Tolins on the couch. Tolins is bringing his latest play, Secrets of the Trade, to Primary Stages next month. Secrets of the Trade takes an honest look into the world of show business and pays tribute to the relationships formed on the journey to find oneself. It begins performances at 59E59 Theaters on July 27.
For tickets, visit www.primarystages.org.
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: My sense of humor.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: Basically any time I’m with my husband and two kids, I’m ready to burst with pride.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: Coke Zero with a splash of whiskey. I don’t know how it started.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Hard to choose but I’ll go with pasta. Always makes me happy.
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: Does tomato sauce count? If not, homemade Russian dressing, otherwise known as mayonnaise mixed with ketchup.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: Real Housewives of Anywhere. Can’t get enough of the Bravo ladies.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: Just one? Procrastination.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: I would like to write a great play. And if I fail at that, I’d like to write a great big hit.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: Classical CD’s (still!). Also productivity software I never use.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
A: Reading ephemera online.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: Homemade Russian dressing.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: My sense of humor.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Obsessive self-doubt.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: A great performance of an opera by Verdi or Wagner.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: The celebration of people who can’t speak.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
A: Having my name on material that has been heavily rewritten by others. It happens a lot and it makes me physically ill.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A: An orchestra seat at the Metropolitan Opera.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: Brilliance. (And he has that in spades.)
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: Cats. Nothing against dogs.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: And the Tony Award goes to….
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: Keep writing.