INTERVIEW: ‘Dig,’ the hit new show in NYC, centers on redemption
Photo: Dig stars Jeffrey Bean and Mary Bacon. Photo courtesy of James Leynse / Provided by Matt Ross PR with permission.
Primary Stages has a hit on its hands. The run of Dig, a new play written and directed by Theresa Rebeck, has been extended to Sunday, Nov. 5, which must come as good news for the hard-working cast of Mary Bacon, Jeffrey Bean, Greg Keller, David Mason, Triney Sandoval and Andrea Syglowski. In the show, Roger (Bean), who works at a plant shop, meets Megan (Syglowski), who has recently been released from rehab. Their immediate connection is almost nonexistent, but then, through humor and understanding, they begin a conversational journey together.
Dig is currently running at 59E59 Theaters in Midtown Manhattan.
Recently Bean exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about his part in the play. As Roger, he is actually reprising his role from the world premiere of the show back in 2019 at the Dorset Theatre Festival. He’s also known for Dublin Carol, The Thanksgiving Play, Bells Are Ringing and Amadeus. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What attracted you to this role and play?
Having someone who knows you well write a role for you to play is always attractive. Beyond that, I feel, and have always felt, that there was so much humanity, beauty and mystery in this play. Also, playing a vision of masculinity that includes nurturing attributes, compassion and kindness is extremely rewarding and a wonderful antidote to the toxicity so much on display of late.
What’s it like bringing Theresa Rebeck’s words to life each night?
This is my sixth time doing a play by Theresa. Her language requires you to have an ear as attuned to the rhythm of speech as hers is. I love the way she allows her characters to have these nonlinear thoughts, to double back, to run ahead of themselves, to contradict themselves and be illogical. This strikes me as very real to the way we communicate. Theresa has great trust in actors to both discover and play the subtext in the language. Roger is an enigma in many respects. There are great subtextual caverns beneath his text. It is an absolute joy to go spelunking in it every night.
Has the show changed a lot from the world premiere to what we’re seeing at 59E59?
The show was delayed coming into New York because of the pandemic. If there was any benefit to that, it was most certainly a boon to us to have four years to let this play and these characters roll around in our heads. The play is, on its surface, largely unchanged, but it is undoubtedly richer and deeper in its performance.
What’s it like working with Andrea Syglowski?
If I can borrow some language from the play, what Andrea and I have created together can only be described as symbiotic. Our performances have become inextricably linked. As an actor that’s all you ever want.
Are you a plant person? Do you have a green thumb?
Oh, I try, but I would not describe myself as having a green thumb. But I am more aware of plants as organisms that deserve respect and attention since playing this part. I don’t know if I go so far as to anthropomorphize them, but I frequently wish I was a better plant parent.
What’s next after Dig closes?
With any luck, the SAG-AFTRA strike will end soon, and then you should find me back on set for Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, which I was working on before the two strikes completely shut down production.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Dig, written and directed by Theresa Rebeck, stars Andrea Syglowski and Jeffrey Bean. Performances have been extended to Sunday, Nov. 5 at 59E59 Theaters in Midtown Manhattan. The production is produced by Primary Stages, in association with Jamie deRoy. Click here for more information and tickets.
