DAVID HYDE PIERCE AT CHATTERBOX
I've now been to about five editions of Seth Rudetsky's excellent interview show Chatterbox, and the attendance level can be at either two extremes: a mere handful of regulars, or a filled-to-capacity room. Two weeks ago, Orfeh and her husband Andy Karl sold the place out, thanks mainly to the presence of the American Theater Wing's Springboard series. Last week, hardly anyone came to see Broadway legend Jonathan Tunick. But today, recent Tony winner David Hyde Pierce was able to fill the entire place to capacity.
Rudetsky and Pierce displayed fantastic comic chemistry, leading to a very enjoyable hour-long conversation. Pierce did not reveal much news, other than that he will stay in CURTAINS at least through February 2008, and that he will not return to SPAMALOT again.
Pierce noted how his father, an insurance agent, resembled his character in CURTAINS, who covertly dreams of being a Broadway actor. He talked about how he began as a music major at Yale, turned into a double major in theater and English. Other anecdotes included understudying Christopher Reeve, and making his Broadway debut in the 2-week flop BEYOND THERAPY alongside John Lithgow.
As a grand finale, we watched a clip of his guest spot on CAROLINE IN THE CITY where he played a CPA who makes an unexpected audition for the musical CATS.
OH - wait - there was some news. Seth announced that the Chatterbox guests for the next two weeks are set. Next Thursday will be Debra Monk, followed by Victoria Clark in two weeks.
