Interview: Peter Marc Jacobson Climbing MOUNT VERNON on His Quest For the Perfect Broadway Project

Director/Writer/Actor Peter Marc Jacobson's latest directorial project MOUNT VERNON re-opens August 26, 2016 at the Hudson Guild after its successful world premiere in this year's Hollywood Fringe Festival.

Hello there, Peter! Thank you for taking the time to interview with BroadwayWorld and myself.

What attracted you to direct MOUNT VERNON?

When I read it, I honestly thought, "Well it's really good but it sure doesn't have Peter Marc Jacobson written all over it." (Lol!) It is so not what I am known for. Then I took a beat and thought, why not me? I've wanted to do something very different than what I'm known for, and I think I have.

If you were to pitch MOUNT VERNON as a television or film project, what would your three-line pitch be?

Well, it would have to be a movie of the week. I don't see it as ABC at 8:00. Two strangers meet at an airport, or are they strangers? A gun in the house has torn a family apart. This meeting has brought them back together, but why?

How would you describe its plot (in more detail)?

It really has so many twists and turns, and just when you think you know where the play is going, it makes another one. Rena Brannan (the writer) did an amazing job. She is so talented. It's hard to explain the plot without giving away too much. People seem to really enjoy it. At the end you can hear a pin drop in the audience. And for a comedy writer, that's scary stuff.

Since you are known for the comedic projects you do, should the audience expect to laugh a lot? Or is MOUNT VERNON a change of dramatic pace for you?

It is a very dramatic piece - sort of a black comedy. I feel that even in the heaviest of drama, there is always humor. Moments to break the tension. Life is a rollercoaster ride and I think when directing any piece, you need to take your audience on one. The actors, Sophie Ward and Brandon Ruiter, do a fine job of walking the line and bringing these quirky characters to life. They are so much fun to watch.

Do you think MOUNT VERNON has the ability to change people's minds on gun control? Or do you think you'd be preaching to the choir?

I think it certainly adds to the discussion. What happens to those families who have children and guns in the house? And what of those children who play with them? We hear about it in the news all the time when someone is shot. But we don't hear how it impacts a family years later. So I do think it makes one think about it.

Describe your experience being in the Hollywood Fringe Festival with MOUNT VERNON.

I had been to Fringe Festival plays and always enjoyed them. I love theatre. I had a great time, it was very fast paced and would do it again. I am very proud of the show.

You are definitely a multi-hyphenate in Hollywood. Co-creator/writer/executive producer of The Nanny and Happily Divorced with your ex, Fran Drescher. As well as guesting in front of the camera on various hit TV shows. Which of these creative livelihoods do you prefer?

I love it all. As a kid I was lucky enough to be taken to Broadway shows and I knew at age six that this is what I wanted to do. But in Flushing Queens, you are far from Broadway. I think directing is great fun. I get to bring a script to life and find moments that might not be on the page. I love acting too. The last thing I did was a movie called Spread with Ashton Kutcher. I played a plastic surgeon who performed vaginal rejuvenation on Anne Heche. Now that's comedy! And writing is great; the hours are really tough when you're doing a sitcom. But when you tape in front of a live audience and hear the laughter, it's all worth it. I have been blessed to do what I love. I'm one of those people that loves to get up and drive to a studio. I still get a kick out of seeing my name on my parking spot. And yes, I do take a selfie with it. I mean, come on, I'm from Flushing! Who'd a thought?

Are there any ventures you'd still like to tackle? Or immediate assignments you're working on?

Yes - acting in a Broadway musical is definitely on my bucket list. I would love to play a role like Billy Flynn in CHICAGO. I was one of those kids that always got the lead in high school musicals. I did an LA production of GREASE and won a Drama Logue Award! I did A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Musical Theatre Works in NYC, and BLAME IT ON THE MOVIES in New York and LA. So ... yeah ... Broadway is the goal!

What gears do you need to switch when working in theatre as opposed to television?

The camera is very close and the smallest reaction becomes huge. Theatre is a different technique. I love to work with actors who have done theatre - they really know what they are doing. Most of them have studied. They know their craft and are extremely creative and fun to collaborate with.

What aspects of a project draw you to want to direct it or produce it or write it or act in it?

An offer! I love to be offered work! I really do. I hate to audition or meet. A lot of my work comes from people with whom I've already collaborated because they know what I'm capable of. Yes, I will push for a better joke and sometimes it will take a long time to get it; but in the end, I think it's what keeps shows like The Nanny on the air for years after their original runs.

You and Fran have a unique and most enviable relationship, still friends 17 years after happily divorcing and two years after Fran re-marrying. What's your secret to such a positive bond?

We love each other. We truly love each other, and we truly want the best for each other. The moment we met in high school, we had the kind of bond you can't manufacture. I am so lucky to have her in my life. Fran taught me so much about love - and unconditional love. I am a lucky man and very grateful.

What do you want your audience to leave with after the 60 minutes of MOUNT VERNON are over?

I want them to be thinking, "I didn't see that coming!" If you leave having a discussion about what you just saw, a debate, an opinion - then we have done our jobs. Hope to see you there!

Thank you, Peter! And continued success in all your upcoming projects in your ultimate quest.

MOUNT VERNON plays August 26, 2016 thru September 18, 2016 @ The Hudson Guild, 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, 90038.

For schedule and tickets, www.plays411.com/mountvernon or by phone at (323) 960-7784.

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