The Women of Motherhood Out Loud
Mary Bacon, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, and Randy Graff (pictured above L-R) are currently starring in the New York premiere of Motherhood Out Loud with Primary Stages, playing at 59E59 Theaters through October 29th. Motherhood Out Loud is a hilarious and moving tribute to motherhood, as written by some of America’s most celebrated writers. Check out what they have to say when we put them on the couch!
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
MB: My sense of humor – it's not always present, but when it is, it gets me through anything!
SE: My heart.
RG: I'm a good friend.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
MB: When my son Abadi , 18 months, sang the ABCS entirely on his own
SE: Winning and originating the role of Mama Nadi in RUINED.
RG: I can't single one out, but I teach for Primary Stages, and every time I see a student “get it” it blows me away.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
MB: Ok – Dr. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar with Ginger!! I don't imbibe the hard stuff…maybe that's why this appeals…
SE: A really dirty vodka martini with 3 olives, or a great glass of any Spanish red wine.
RG: A chocolate egg cream. I'm from Brooklyn.
Q: What is your favorite food?
MB: Peanut butter. With. Anything.
SE: Spanish and African cuisine.
RG: Love pizza. Straight up.
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
MB: Mustard!!!
SE: Bragg's Amino Acids.
RG: Tahini sauce.
Q: What is your current obsession?
MB: I am well on my way of becoming a huge fan of Laura Dern's new series Enlightened. She is out of control she's so good.
SE: My spiritual development and creating a low glycemic eating plan.
RG: Unpacking….my husband and I just moved. I am a compulsive unpacker.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
MB: Impatience.
SE: My addiction to sugar…but maybe not give it up totally…just decrease it by 70%? Oy…
RG: Chocolate.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
MB: To just keep working with greater and greater talents.
SE: Starring in a sold-out, amazing Broadway show, maybe sing a couple of songs, and winning a TONY Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress for my performance.
RG: I would like to never have to audition again! Dream on…
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
MB: Boots. And cabs!!
SE: Groupon, Living Social Daily Deals, etc.
RG: Shoes.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
MB: Jumping from article to article on the NY Times website…..
SE: Window shopping online.
RG: Being online late at night. Like now.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
MB: Being a Type One diabetic, as I am , and just suffering from the ravages of what high blood sugar does – even though I am very careful, it's unavoidable at times – hopefully I'll stay lucky…..Oh, and stress. In fact, when I am stressed, the blood sugar stays elevated, so there you go….
SE: Sugar!!!
RG: That would be the worrying thing. But I'm working on that.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
MB: Sense of humor and a love of good writing and editing.
SE: The importance of bonding with your culture and community while maintaining your individuality.
RG: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
MB: My mom used to overeact in horrifying decibles – I sound just like her.
SE: ooohh, I'm not telling you that!
RG: Worrying.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
MB: Putting on a great play with a great cast – and the first night when you hear from the audience that it is indeed a story, it's come together, people walk away really affected in whatever way was intended. The unknown in theatre…when things magically come together, and I have no idea how it happened… is thrilling…and what I'd call grace.
SE: Spending time with my nephew and my niece; witnessing someone achieve a personal goal
RG: Listening to my husband play the piano.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
MB: talking on the phone EVERYWHERE or trying to get somewhere on the street with people texting as they are walking. And everyone in America needing to be special enough to star in a reality show.
SE: The invasive obsession of celebrities' personal lives, and the importance it's given in our society. Also focusing and celebrating the business side of this industry instead of true creativity.
RG: These housewife shows.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
MB: I could not get off the stage my first job in New York. I was replacing someone and no one told me where the exit doors on stage were! Had to wait til the end of the scene…
SE: Having to face upstage during a specific moment in THE PLANK PROJECT because Jenn Harris's genius performance made me laugh hysterically! It happened every single performance!!
RG: I know what it is and I'm too embarrassed to tell.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
MB: My treehouse in Vermont.
SE: Spain
RG: The Catskill Mountains. They remind me of my childhood and the air is incredibly sweet.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
MB: Humor.
SE: A sense of humor; an open heart and mind
RG: Trust.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
MB: Ummm – depends on the dog. Or cat.
SE: Cats.
RG: Dogs.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
SE: I'd feng shui a friend's home, spend time with my family, go dancing with friends, perform in a show, and afterwards, drink Spanish wine while spending some romantic time with my lover on a private plane going to my fabulous home in Barcelona.
RG: To know that everyone I love is strong and healthy and peaceful.
Q: What is your personal motto?
MB: Keep going. Let go of results and keep going.
SE: Say “YES!” to everything!
RG: Live in the moment.