Joel Markowitz interviews actor Josh Lefkowitz and director Shirley Serotsky about their collaboration on The Rise and Fall of Annie Hall, now playing at Theater J.
Almost a comedy routine in itself, this 30 minute interview shows what happens when you drop a talented monologist who is used to his ‘solo space’ into a show with other actors, give him a director who is also a close friend, then hand them the mic to talk about it.
After reading the script, Josh felt he had to play the role of Henry. To win the lead in this world premiere, he first set out to convince playwright Sam Forman. After seeing highlights from his two solo shows in NYC, Forman said “Dude! You’re perfect!”
Everyone watched Woody Allen films for bits for the show, while scenes with Henry’s stoner writing partner (Matt Anderson) required more local research, they told Joel.
Shirley, who loves comedy but usually signs on for darker plays, enjoys that fact that The Rise and Fall of Annie Hall is a straight up comedy where the audience can relax and have a good time and the laugh lines “start coming at you right from the first scene.” Or as Josh puts it “They won’t have to call their senator and ask for money for starving children … or anything. I hope they laugh and tell their friends about it.”
As for working together and being friends, Josh compares the experience to August: Osage County. If that makes you go “Huh?’, listen in.
Interview photo by Joel Markowitz
Feature photo by Stan Barouh
Related:
DCTS Review of The Rise and Fall of Annie Hall
Terrific interview, Joel. Full of good stuff – and not just about the show. Smart, illuminating, and funny. Great work.
I love thia ahow and hope your readers will make the time to see it.I have never laughed so hard in a long time in the theatre. Great interview. I learned so much about Josh and Shirley.