Interview
with Mike Broemmel
Director
of the Theatrix USA Production of Jeffrey
The
Vintage Theater – Aurora, Colorado
June
2014
Interviewed by Geoffrey Frank –
Torchmark-LGBTQ
Geoffrey: So, why Jeffrey?
Mike: Well, Geoffrey, the time seemed
right. Jeffrey was originally
produced in the early 1990s at the height of the AIDS crisis – at the point in
time AIDS represented a death sentence. Jeffrey
tells the story of a gay man – Jeffrey – who fears getting involved with,
falling in love with another man. The issue for Jeffrey is not so much a fear
of getting AIDS but of losing someone he loves to the disease. With the
progress made on the medical front … and with the overall changes and evolution
(at least to some degree) of society as a whole in regard to same sex
relationships, the timing just seemed perfect.
Geoffrey: So you selected Jeffrey for these reasons?
Mike: Actually, I can’t take credit for
that. In fact, we had a director on board for the production who actually
selected the play. Unfortunately, this fellow has the professionalism of a
cornflake and wasn’t capable of doing the show. In any event, time was short
and so forth … I decided to take on the project myself.
Geoffrey: Professionalism of a cornflake?
Mike: Story for another day. In the end,
I thought the play was worth bringing back to the stage.
Geoffrey: You’ve mentioned before this interview
that it is an adult’s only play …
Mike: It definitely has direct sexual
themes. It definitely is an in your face production.
Geoffrey: Drama?
Mike: Well, yes. Jeffrey definitely has dramatic elements. It is a serious subject.
But, in the end, it is also terribly funny. In fact, in many ways it is one of
the funniest shows I’ve come into contact with in many years. And, in this
case, we have an absolutely wonderful cast.
Geoffrey: Why Denver? Theatrix produces shows in
other cities.
Mike: Denver has been a challenging
market for the production company. But, Theatrix is in Denver to stay. There
really was no specific reason why Jeffrey
ended up being produced in Denver other than – as I made mention – it was
selected by the director I referenced a moment ago and I decided not to abandon
the project.
Geoffrey: What other plays have you done in
Denver?
Mike: Well, Theatrix initially did an
originally play called The Row in 2013. The company also produced Steel
Magnolias – worst production experience of my life.
Geoffrey: Why?
Mike: I got us off course.
Geoffrey: Go on …
Mike: Let me just say this … All’s well
that ends well. The experience on Steel Magnolias resulted in an original
production which is now in development called Six Joan Crawfords. In the end,
the theater business can be tough. Things don’t always go as one hopes. The
problem is that there also exists in the business the occasional person who has
an ego that far outstrips both their talent and professionalism. That makes the
business unpleasant from time to time. However, with Jeffrey, I worked with the
most amazing, professional and talented cast.
Geoffrey: Have you been involved in theatrical
production long?
Mike: It has never been my main gig.
But, I have been involved as a producer since 1996.
Geoffrey: Any upcoming productions in Denver?
Mike: Yes. The next Theatrix USA
production in Denver is another original work called The Baptism. That
production opens in October. We will do three shows in Denver in 2015.
Geoffrey: Will Jeffrey be coming to other cities?
Mike: No plans for that at this time
that I know of, at least as far as Theatrix is concerned.
Geoffrey: What other cities will Theatrix be
presenting plays?
Mike: In 2015, Theatrix will produce
shows in Ft. Lauderdale, Scottsdale, Albuquerque, Des Moines, Kansas City … and
the company is staying put in Denver. There will be some other cities added
mid-year. Overall, we will be doing original plays that have not been seen on
the stage before.
Geoffrey: Thanks, Mike. And I appreciate the
little additional dishing as well.
Mike: Always happy to talk about Jeffrey.
No comments:
Post a Comment