Here, via email, we hear from Catherine Brookman, who is currently co-starring in the world premiere of The Upper Room, which is playing a limited engagement through June 12 at Off-Broadway's New Ohio Theatre.
What show recently impressed you?
I loved Clare Barron's play, You Got Older, at HERE. The play broke my heart in the most surprising ways at the most surprising times. And, the acting was beautiful; Reed Birney always blows me away.
What production are you most excited to see?
I'm very excited to see what Rachel Chavkin & Dave Malloy have been cooking up at LCT3 with their new show, Preludes. It's a fascinating concept with an exceptional cast, and I'm a big fan of everyone involved. Also, it's a ways away, but I can't wait to see Amanda Dehnert's West Side Story in March 2016 at the Knockdown Center in Queens.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
I've always loved Sunday in the Park with George, and Dot is a beautiful part. Maybe someday!
What are your current/upcoming projects?
I'm currently working on The Upper Room, a new music/theatre event, which runs [through] June 12 at the New Ohio. In addition to acting in the show, I composed the music and am performing it live with my bandmate and collaborator, Joe White. I've been developing this project with [Brian] Rady and [Jeremy] Bloom as part of the New Ohio's Archive Residency. The piece is about an ascetic community living on an island off the coast of Maine. The water levels are rising on the island, and they have to decide whether they will leave their home or adapt to their new environment — in the water. The score is vocally driven folk & electronic. It's exciting to work on a piece that engages with our changing environment in such a unique way. You can hear some music from the show at sullivannmusic.com.