INTERVIEW: Thomas G. Waites stages ‘Much Ado’ with the help of his students
Photo: Director Thomas G. Waites leads the cast of Much Ado About Nothing. Many of the actors are former students of his. Photo courtesy of Rob Klein / Provided by Alton PR with permission.
For the new production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in New York City, director Thomas G. Waites decided to bring along some friends from the classroom. Waites, an actor known for his roles in The Warriors and John Carpenter’s The Thing, employed the help of his students from the Thomas G. Waites Acting Studio, and now they have set up shop at the Gene Frankel Theatre in NoHo.
This particular production of the Bard’s famous play is quite unique. Waites has transported the action to 1940s Italy, and he’s brought along another friend, Kelsey Grammer (Frasier and Broadway’s La Cage Aux Folles), to co-present the production. Grammer’s Faith American Brewing Company is also listed above the marquee.
Recently Waites exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to offer more insights on his unique Shakespearean take and what audience members can expect from the production, which continues through Sunday, June 30. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What do you love about Much Ado About Nothing?
OK, what I love about Much Ado, everything. It’s constructed so carefully as a comedy, yet it has a dark shadow side. The Don John villain is so full of comic violence in terms of comedy, contrasted with the banter and wit of Beatrice and Benedick. Then further contrast that with the amorous romantic love of Hero and Claudio. You’ve also got clowns and music. I mean it’s a veritable circus of entertainment, all with a sexual underpinning. It’s so much to love. I’ve not enough in me to describe it.
What will make this production unique from all the other productions that came before? Why choose 1940s Italy as the setting?
What makes my production different: guts, grit, go-for-it-all-or-nothing approach, leave your intestines on the stage when you’re done kinda attack on material. It’s set in the 1940s Sicily; think Godfather II.
How did you make the connection to Kelsey Grammer?
I went to Juilliard with Kelsey. We were in the same class. We both got the boot. They kicked him out cause they told him he didn’t have enough talent. They threw me out for being a rebel without a pause, er, I mean cause.
Do you have fond memories of acting in The Warriors and John Carpenter’s The Thing?
John Carpenter? Are you kidding? It was probably one of the greatest experiences of my life as an actor and person. John is a master filmmaker not just a master of horror. He happens to be a good man as well. He creates an atmosphere of fun yet disciplined work ethic. He mentored me on my first feature film: Target, a post- pandemic sex comedy. Love John, he’s the best.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Thomas G. Waites, continues through Sunday, June 30, at the Gene Frankel Theatre in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
