theatre
the script?
T.Z.: I read the script a long time ago,
before the movie came out. It struck
me because there were so many parts I
could play. I really liked the play—it read
way better than the movie. I found out
that the Cygnet was doing the show and KinGdoM
over a year ago I auditioned for Sean [Mur- the old globe:
ray, the director]. He let me know I got the february 19 -22
part and the rest of the cast was auditioned Winner of the 2008 Richard Rodgers
throughout the year. “Most Promising New Musical” award,
KINGDOM introduces a fusion of hip-hop
RAGE: How did you get into theatre? and rock music—aimed at a new multi-
T.Z.: Well, I moved here from Israel when I cultural generation. Inspired by true stories
was 16 in 2000. I love music and art and I am of gang culture, KINGDOM chronicles the
a composer and animator. I’ve played piano lives of Andres and Juan, two inner-city
since I was 5. When I was in college, I stumbled friends searching for honor, power and re-
upon an audition for a student production. spect. Caught in a cycle of violence—what
I got a part and fell in love with the theatre. I is it really like? Their lives, their hopes, their
wanted to pursue more. My first professional struggles and the
show was The Chosen in 2004 at the North Coast choices they make.
Repertory Theatre. I just keep auditioning. Keep For tickets con-
the hiStory BoyS
moving forward. I also do freelance graphic tact the Old Globe
design. Theatre Box Office
An Interview with Cast Member tom Zohar Still, acting is my focus and it’s proven to be at 619.234.5623
by lisa lipsey
pretty good for me so far. As long as I enjoy it and
it’s fruitful, I’ll keep doing it.
room Service
RAGE: Tell me a little bit about the show. Lamb’s Players
Written by Alan Bennett, this 2006 Tony Award for
T.Z.: The History Boys is a story that every person can theatre:
Best Play and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstand-
relate to. You’ll learn a little about poetry, history and february 6 –
ing Broadway Play comedy/drama is set in the 1980s
art but the play is not cerebral, it’s passionate, painful, march 22
at the fictional Cutlers’ Grammar School of Sheffield,
hilarious. It’s about finding self and learning, choosing If you don’t know Room Service, this
England. The History Boys (according to Cygnet Theatre)
to go with your brain or your heart, love and hatred, kids screwball comedy is well worth your time!
are a bunch of bright, funny boys in a British boarding
trying to one up one another. I can’t imagine someone The Plot: Producer Gordon Miller is holed
school who are, as such boys will be, in pursuit of sex,
not being moved in some way. up in a hotel with his 22-member cast,
sport and acceptance at a good university–generally in
rehearsing a new play for Broadway. The
that order. In their efforts, they are helped by a maverick
RAGE: Do you feel any similarities to your character? Great Depression is in full swing, but the
history teacher who seeks to broaden their horizons in
T.Z.: He is described as guy who has developed late play is sure to be a hit, if only Miller can find
sometimes unorthodox ways and by a young teacher
in life. He is seen as a boy, his voice has not cracked. a financial backer - all the while keeping his
who questions the methods, as well as the aim, of
I’ve often felt that I am not quite an adult. I feel much hungry actors fed, the hotel manager think-
their schooling. Alan Bennett raises, with gentle wit,
younger than my age. Plus, he’s dealing with the issue ing the bill is being paid, his inexperienced
universal questions about the nature of history, how it is
of homosexuality. He’s dealing with some struggle. playwright in the dark and an assortment
taught and questions the purpose of education today.
I’m lucky that I did not really have much struggle. He’s of hotel staff thinking they have roles in the
The History Boys features an ensemble cast including
Jewish which I am also. So there is a kinship, I feel close production. The show must go on, but will
the impressive Tom Zohar who did a knock-out job as
to him. the curtain ever go up?
Stu, the semi-closeted, not-so-tough soldier who falls in
For tickets contact the Lamb’s Players
love with a superior officer in Diversionary’s production
RAGE: Sounds like you are enjoying being a part of the show. Theatre Box Office at 619.437.0600
of Yank! The Musical.
T.Z.: I am really thankful to work with such wonderful
people. San Diego, as a theatre community, is awe- THEATRE CORRECTION:
RAGE: What’s your role in The History Boys?
some. Anyone who gets to work here is very lucky. Last month a piece appeared on the Patté
Tom Zohar: I play one of the boys, David Posner, who
Awards by Theatre Critic Pat Launer. She ap-
is Jewish, gay and small.
the hiStory BoyS pears on KUSI TV and on KSDS Jazz 88, not
Cygnet Theatre’s Old Town Theatre: February 19 – March 29 KNSD. Her current reviews can be found at
RAGE: What was your reaction the first time you read
Box office: 619.337.1525
jazz88.org and
patteproductions.com.
18 RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2009
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