BWW:UK Interviews: Writer/Performer Peter Michael Marino Of DESPERATELY SEEKING THE EXIT

Can you remember a particular moment in the rehearsal period or previews where you thought that something may be going wrong?

Reading the words “Oh, dear” at the top of the chat thread on this very site after the first preview certainly made me think something was wrong. Of course, reading positive comments changes everything! But the negative ones outweighed the positive. I think folks had their daggers prepped for DSS and I can see why. Strange that in an industry where everyone truly works their tails off to make something good, so many in the same challenging industry take so much glee in tearing things down. I pretty much address what I thought was “wrong” in Desperately Seeking the Exit… so come see the show for all the deets!

In the new play you talk about the cultural differences between the UK and US, what did you find the hardest to adjust to about UK life?

Communication. I’m from Queens, NY, so I have a big mouth and a ton of opinions. I found British culture to be much more reserved. So, since I was working in a foreign country with West End professionals, I kept quiet most of the time. And this was the hardest thing to do. I wish I had been more vocal. I’m sure my collaborators would disagree.

The UK did not embrace the musical so did you have any reservations about bringing the new play to the UK?

None at all. If you hated DSS or loved it, or if you didn’t see it, this solo comedy will hopefully provide laughs and insights no matter where it’s performed. It’s been a fun challenge writing the show for both an American and European audience. My director the Obie and multiple Fringe First-Award winner John Clancy and I have worked hard to insure that the show works for folks who’ve never seen the film or any musical – or even know Blondie. We’ve tried to create a tale that is universal. We’ll see what happens when it premieres in NYC in May. Now, that’s a tough crowd.

Susan actually went on to enjoy success in Tokyo where it played to sell out audiences and great reviews. How did that you make feel after what had happened in the West End? 

After the show closed on the West End, I went into a year-long depression. I couldn’t even get out of bed on some days. It sucked and I took a lot of anti-depressants. When I got back to NY after seeing the show in Tokyo, I literally dumped all my “happy pills” and never touched them again. The musical worked there, and it gave me a new confidence in the show and myself. 

Susan is such an American show, and Blondie, the music you used in the show, is American too. Did you ever discuss the musical opening in America first and do you think that would have been a better move? 

London was on the radar from the beginning. This was the choice of the producers and the original Tony-winning New York director. The climate wasn’t right in NY at that time for a jukebox/movie mashup – but really, is it ever? London loves Blondie. That’s where they first hit it big in the late 70s. And, from what I can tell, London loves jukebox musicals. Haven’t Mamma Mia and We Will Rock you been playing for 200 years?

You are taking Desperately Seeking the Exit to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for four weeks, which must be exciting. Have you played there before and what are you most looking forward to?

I cannot wait for Edinburgh. Preparing for a show there takes at least eight months of planning. It feels like a full-time job getting everything ready! I directed a small cabaret at the festival in 2010 and enjoyed catching dozens of shows in five days. Such a wide variety of theatre, comedy and dance. I’m really looking forward to meeting other artists and being bombarded with entertainment. And sharing my story with complete strangers also excites me. Also, the weather looks incredible.

My company Vertigo Theatre Productions are producing the Manchester production of the show, are you looking forward to playing in our great city?

If I had my druthers, DSS would have tried out there! Your offer to present DSE was one of the highlights of this process. I did a simple reading of the show in Buffalo, New York last month and I’m so glad I did. You really learn a lot from an out-of-town-tryout. I’m sure the show will change during its run in New York, and then Los Angeles, and then the Adirondack Mountains. Manchester is another stop on the journey and I’ve always been impressed reading about your work at Vertigo. Small world – Vertigo premiers Charles Busch plays and Charles has been an inspiration since I first met him in 1985. We are still friends to this day. It’s the Circle of Liiiiiiife! 

After what happened with Susan has it put you off writing a musical again or will we get to see a new one from you soon? 

I’ve got a few more up my sleeve. They always say to have your next project ready while you’re working on your current project, and yes, I have 2.5 jukebox shows ready to rock. Any takers?

Please sum up in less than 10 words why audiences should come and see Desperately Seeking the Exit.

Who doesn’t love a good train wreck story?

Thanks for speaking with us today, and best of luck with the new show.

Desperately Seeking the Exit is playing in New York, LA, Manchester UK and Edinburgh. For the full tour details please visit the website

http://www.seekingtheexit.com/desperately/DSE.html

For tickets to the Manchester, UK performances please visit the official site for the Vertigo Produced Manchester Production. Or head to the ticket site Quaytickets to buy tickets direct

http://www.desperately.vertigotheatreproductions.co.uk/

Craig Hepworth is a former musical theatre actor who now owns and is the artistic director of the popular Manchester Fringe Theatre company Vertigo Theatre Productions. The company have scored big hits with original plays written by him and his writing partner as well as producing, Directing and starring in the UK Premiere of Dog Sees God. Theatre is his number one love (as well as his partner of course) and if not working on a new play he’s normally reviewing other peoples plays for a UK Theatre site.Aside from his love of theatre he can be found In bars, cinemas or gossiping on Facebook, or he will be found embracing his second love....campy TV shows.

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