Interview: RICK WASSERMAN on Creede Repertory Theatre

Rick D Wasserman returns to CRT in 2017 as Matt in TALLEY'S FOLLY and Dr. Einstein in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. CRT asked Rick a few questions lately on his triumphant return to the Creede Rep stage last season after a 20 year hiatus.

CRT: What are you most looking forward to in and around the 2017 season?

RW: I have been a full-time professional voice over artist for the last 15 years. Nearly, every day, I recording in an isolation booth, which is a very appropriate name for it. While I am grateful to be employed in something I am passionate about, it can get lonely in that booth. This is the reason why when I think about coming to Creede Rep this summer, I feel like a kid going to recess - overjoyed to have so many opportunities to play with all the other kids. I am most looking forward to seeing the people I know and love, as well as meeting new folks who will be come a part of the CRT family. I get goosebumps thinking about it. I mean, I get to be on stage with Christy Brandt who I love like family. And I get to spend time with Jessica Jackson, who is an amazing force of nature - I think she's absolutely fantastic and she has my complete trust. And I just cannot describe how excited I am to be playing with Kate Berry. Lanford Wilson's Talley's Folly is a 90 minute valentine and to share that with Kate is a gift. Last summer, I watched the shows that she was in and I felt both creatively inspired, and criminally jealous that I could not be among those on stage with her. I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend the summer bringing this gorgeous Pulitzer Prize winner to life.

CRT: What is your favorite aspect of rep? What is the most challenging aspect?

RW: My favorite aspect of repertory theater is the full workload of playing multiple characters simultaneously...well, that's what repertory is, but that is where the joy lies for me. While I never get bored playing just one character, it's certainly an exhilarating experience and a great workout for the ol' brain to jump from character to character. I suppose it is that same reason that also makes it the most challenging aspect of repertory theater. But if I'm honest with myself, the real challenge is saying goodbye at the end of the summer. Damn, I love this place.

CRT: You've got 20 years in between your first and most recent season. What about Creede has changed, and about the experience of working with CRT?

RW: I took a 20 year hiatus from Creede and that was two decades too long. The only thing that's really changed for me is my hair went from brown to grey. I adore that time seems to stand still in this mountain town. I have lived exclusively in cities for most of my life: it's as though I've been riding a carousel that's always going just a bit too fast. As soon as I park my car in Creede, I feel like I have snatched the brass ring, jumped off the ride, and can finally relax and breathe again; I don't do much breathing in the city. And my family! I have a beautiful wife and two lovely young sons and I get to share with them this place that I hold so dear. Another big change is that I am also no longer the "kid". Throughout my acting career I've always been the "young guy"... and now I'm not, so I'm trying to deal with that gracefully. It's been so hard to focus on my work at home here in Malibu. I daydream all the time about this coming season at CRT.

Don't miss Rick Wasserman this summer at Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado. For more information and to order tickets online, visit www.creederep.org.

ABOUT CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE

As a cultural home for artists, residents, and visitors of the West, Creede Repertory Theatre creates a diverse repertory season of plays, new works, and dynamic education programs. Founded in 1966, Creede Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company located at 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Each season, CRT produces 7-10 plays in rotating repertory, hosts numerous musical events and concerts, develops new works through the Headwaters New Play Program, and offers nationally recognized educational programming. USA Today called CRT "one of the 10 best places to see the lights way off Broadway" and The Denver Post hailed CRT as "legendary" and "one of the state's top five theatre companies."