Scott Morfee
At Barrow Street Theatre, Scott Morfee has created a space for bold new work. As producer and founder of this 199 seat Off-Broadway venue, he boldly explores the vast theatrical landscape, finding work that is new, profound and unprecedented. Alongside his collaborator, Tom Wirtshafter, Mr. Morfee strives to promote an environment where artists can feel comfortable with the work they create. This has resulted in Barrow Street’s overwhelming success with beautiful productions like Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Nina Raine’s Tribes, and Tracy Lett’s Bug, among many others. This week, Barrow Street and Jean Doumanian present Every Brilliant Thing – a funny and heartwarming one-man show bound to be an Off Broadway classic. We are happy to have Scott Morfee, the man behind it all, On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Playing fair.
What was your proudest moment?
Mowing the lawn is very high on this list. I miss it. Signing paychecks is a thing to be proud about as well.
What is your favorite drink?
Real (cask) ale in the UK.
What is your favorite food?
Popcorn.
What is your favorite condiment?
Green minty stuff in Indian restaurants.
What is your current obsession?
Laundry.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Any of the Vice Presidents who work for Trump and other scoundrels and corporations like his.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I don’t long for things like that.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Getting duped by MetroCards that expire when I have money on them, and not mailing for refunds…which is a total systemic rip-off.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Watching sports.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Bicyclists in NYC.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Having a job – they and I grew up in steel towns and they are depression kids (now 91 years old).
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Worrying about stupid stuff, like the size of bell bottoms. “We’re smart pants people.” – Kevin Meaney
What in the world most thrills you?
When people say, “I love your theatre.”
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Reduction in how we communicate
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
Not knowing that whistling backstage is a no-no. I do now.
What is your favorite place in the world?
A vegetable farm.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Sensible shoes.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs by a long mile. Cats hate me, and they KNOW.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Is lotto tonight? A truly free and just world would be nice, but I am just picking something that is possible.
What is your personal motto?
EAT THE RICH. In 1972 I traded my Mayor Daley Neighborhood Program t-shirt for a red and black tee that said EAT THE RICH. I had no idea exactly where it originated. (PS: it started with our oldest anarchist journal from Detroit in the mid-60s. LIKE!)