- The Happy Time
- The Kander and Ebb musical now playing at Signature
- Conversations with
- Michael Minarik (Jacques) David Margulies (Grandpere) and George Dvorsky (Phillipe)
- Intervewed by Joel Markowitz
“No. No. This is the way I meant to write this.” It’s a humbling moment and one vividly remembered by Michael Minarik from John Kander’s visit to the rehearsal for The Happy Time. One by one, these Broadway actors recall the famous composer in the act of gently guiding this rarely produced Kander and Ebb musical back to the stage. What emerges from this trio of conversations is insight into the newly revised show, their favorite moments onstage, insight into their roles and a glimpse into life backstage at the busy Signature Theatre.
Michael Minarik: “I had never heard of this show … the first time I read the script, I actually cried. I thought it was beautiful.’ Michael recaps the play for us, and talks movingly about his favorite moments. This is the first Washington area show for Michael, who was raised in Fairfax, VA. Michael met John Kander when he performed in The Rink. He closes with singing a snippet of ‘The Happy Time.’
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David Margulies:
Despite his extensive film, television career and stage career, David rarely performs in musicals. He explains why he took the role of Grandpere “I was interested in the risk and challenge.”, and tells an amusing Kander audition story.
This winner of The Richard Seff Award, presented to the year’s best character actors by Actors Equity, talks about his long career, about playing Tony Soprano’s lawyer and gives advice to young actors.
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George Dvorsky:
George met John Kander while performing in As The World Goes ‘Round in NYC.
George talks about Pete ‘n’ Keeley where George, along with Sally Mayes, played a Sonny and Cher-type husband and wife show biz couple.
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Also:
- ‘With Complete Kander’, our interviews with his longtime friend Richard Seff and with John Kander himself.
- Click here