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[Mary Testa transcribed her responses to Robert's wife, Kristine. For the sake of clarity, most of the typos have been clean-up, but everything else remains as is.] [RobertArmin] Good evening and welcome to the Fynsworth Alley chat room. [RobertArmin] Tonight I am pleased to welcome two time Tony nominee Mary Testa. [RobertArmin] Just last week Mary recreated her original off-Broadway role in Lucky Stiff. [RobertArmin] That was Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's first produced musical. [RobertArmin] Welcome Mary. [MaryTesta] Thank you [MaryTesta] It's a computer lang [MaryTesta] Land [MaryTesta] Cyberspace [RobertArmin] I should point out that Mary is sitting leisurely here while Kristine does the typing. [RobertArmin] So blame KRistine for the typos. [MaryTesta] LOL [RobertArmin] And me, of course. [RobertArmin] Let's start on early beginnings. [MaryTesta] OK [RobertArmin] When did you first decide you wanted to be an actress? [MaryTesta] when I was in High school, I was trying to decide between being a lawyer or an actor [RobertArmin] Same difference. [MaryTesta] Yeah [RobertArmin] So you were active in the drama department? [MaryTesta] We didn't have a drama department in my high school [MaryTesta] It was all about Jocks [MaryTesta] So I basically started a drama department [RobertArmin] Where was this? [MaryTesta] This was North Providence, Rhode Island [RobertArmin] So what sort of theatre did you do? [MaryTesta] In high school, none [MaryTesta] I started a department soon before graduating, Jr. or Sr. year in HS [RobertArmin] I see. Did you then go on to college? [MaryTesta] What happened was I got into a school that was very big in Rhode Island called the Governors School for the Young and Gifted in the Arts [RobertArmin] And you were both -- young and gifted! [MaryTesta] And that took place the summer before I went to college [MaryTesta] Then, when I went to college, I majored in Theatre. I went to the University of Rhode Island. [RobertArmin] Was your emphasis in musicals -- or in everything. You are terrific in classical theatre, as well. [MaryTesta] No, it was actually classical training [MaryTesta] It was all new scripts. I didn [MaryTesta] I didn [MaryTesta] I didn't sing at all [MaryTesta] I did a production of Antigone [MaryTesta] where I was in the Greek Chorus [MaryTesta] At one point we had to make musical notes [MaryTesta] And people were blown away by my voice [MaryTesta] JT Walsh was Creon in the production and was brilliant. He just passed away a couple years ago. [MaryTesta] So, I ended up doing a musical. That is where I met Bill Finn [MaryTesta] I did his musical in college. He'd heard me in that production and wanted to use me. [MaryTesta] It was called Scrambled Eggs [RobertArmin] So this was before In Trousers? [MaryTesta] Yes [MaryTesta] I was nineteen. [MaryTesta] The theatre had a Rockefeller grant to do ten new shows- eight plays and two musicals [MaryTesta] I was the only student who was in leading roles in all ten shows. I was very lucky. [RobertArmin] So you really has a chance to show your versatility. [MaryTesta] Yes [RobertArmin] What "leading lady" did you get a chance to do? [MaryTesta] I didn [MaryTesta] I didn [MaryTesta] I didn't [MaryTesta] really do any of the leading lady roles [RobertArmin] Troubles with the apostrophe Kristine? LOL [MaryTesta] but in Fog and Mismanagement, I sort of played a leading role, she was sort of a Gypsy [RobertArmin] I had a similar experience in summer theatre playing all of the character roles. [RobertArmin] But it's a great way to learn what you’re doing? [RobertArmin] When did you turn professional? [MaryTesta] When I moved here to NY, I was 21 [RobertArmin] And your first New York show was? [MaryTesta] First NY show was In Trousers [MaryTesta] But I got my equity card doing the Rose Tattoo at the Long Wharf Theatre [MaryTesta] with an unbelievably all star cast, now that I think about it [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd asks: What's going on with "Bingo"? Are there any performances scheduled for the future? [MaryTesta] I really don't know [RobertArmin] What is Bingo? [MaryTesta] Bingo is this little musical I did a reading of, it is a really fun piece. [MaryTesta] I had done a reading of it a while ago, and they asked me to do another one. [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd adds: I saw the reading and thought it was incredible! I'd love to see it again. [MaryTesta] Oh, Well with a little luck, they'll do the show [MaryTesta] I don't know if I will be involved with it? [RobertArmin] Mary, are you involved in any other developing productions that look like they might happen? [MaryTesta] At the moment, not that I can think of. Who knows, nothing tangible [RobertArmin] What's this I hear about a new recording of Lucky Stiff? [MaryTesta] Yeah, John Yap is going to do it [MaryTesta] I understand he likes to include a lot of dialogue [RobertArmin] Yeah, he loves to fill up the disk! [MaryTesta] LOL [RobertArmin] I love the Fynsworth recording of course (unpaid advertisement) but I always gripe about the fact that Stuart Zagnit did not get to do the album. [MaryTesta] Right [RobertArmin] Of course, I LOVE Jason Graae. [RobertArmin] But... [MaryTesta] As do I, he is a dear friend of mine [RobertArmin] Stuart is my oldest friend in the theatre. [RobertArmin] So I was glad to finally see you and him together again -- actually for the first time since I missed the original production. [RobertArmin] For those who don't about know it, Lucky Stiff was recently performed as a "Mufti" concert at the York Theatre in NYC. [RobertArmin] And it was terrific. [RobertArmin] Let's get a major revival going soon! [MaryTesta] (Nodding yes) [RobertArmin] So, back to the early years, [RobertArmin] You were a part of Bill Finn's In Trousers... [RobertArmin] Which was the first of the "Marvin" trilogy. [MaryTesta] And that's recorded [RobertArmin] And you're on the original cast album, yes. [RobertArmin] And then what came next? [MaryTesta] And, then I was working on March of the Falsettos, and I got my first Broadway show [MaryTesta] Barnum, I was a swing and an understudy [RobertArmin] So you didn't get to do March of the Falsettos? [MaryTesta] No, I left, because I had decided to be an actor in the theatre and I left to do Barnum because it paid more money [MaryTesta] I couldn't pay my bills on the workshop, 75 dollars a week [RobertArmin] So who took over for you? [MaryTesta] Zora Rassmussen, and then other people and then the role was written out [RobertArmin] Ah hah. So this was the same role from In Trousers? [MaryTesta] Yes, Miss Goldberg [RobertArmin] FranklinShepardInc asks (indelicately): How old were you when you did In Trousers? [MaryTesta] Trying to figure something out? [RobertArmin] Do the math yourself , Franklin. [MaryTesta] But if you need to know, I was 21/22 [RobertArmin] Fionasdad comments: As a young man fresh out of college in 1984, I spent all the money I had to go for the day to New York City (from Boston) to see Chita and Liza in THE RINK. Although I was initially disappointed that Liza would not be doing the matinee I was at, I had the great fortune of seeing you as Angel and have been following your career since the summer of '84. What were some memories you have of THE RINK? [MaryTesta] WOW [MaryTesta] Well, I loved doing that role [MaryTesta] And Chita, was amazing [MaryTesta] tough but amazing [MaryTesta] And, I actually did it for two weeks, the last two weeks of Liza's contract [MaryTesta] It was great, it was kick ass [RobertArmin] Terrence McNally was my guest here and he had wonderful things to say about you and your performance. [MaryTesta] SO happy to hear about that [MaryTesta] Fionasdad, THANK YOU [RobertArmin] Going back a bit, RenoSweeneyTodd asks: Did "March" originally have a different plot involving the characters from "In Trousers"? [MaryTesta] Yeah [MaryTesta] I kind of can't remember it, but we were still there, and it got refined [MaryTesta] And it is the wonderful piece it is today [RobertArmin] I guess that explains the conciseness of the show -- one hour is just exactly right for that show. [RobertArmin] And of course, it left time for the "sequel” [RobertArmin] Falsettoland. [MaryTesta] That's right [MaryTesta] Which I WAS offered but didn't do [RobertArmin] fionasdad responds to your earlier comment: No, Mary, thank you for a wonderful afternoon many years ago that I think of often. [MaryTesta] That is so sweet [RobertArmin] Mary's performances generally do stay with audiences. [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd asks: What role were you offered in "Falsettoland"? [MaryTesta] Doctor Charlotte [RobertArmin] fionasdad adds: My wife is still reeling from her homeless attack on her in NEW BRAIN. [MaryTesta] LOL [MaryTesta] Did she give money? [RobertArmin] Ah yes, I remember now. [RobertArmin] That was one hell of cast! [MaryTesta] If she gave money [RobertArmin] fionasdad adds: I think she was too scared. [MaryTesta] She should know, I gave all the money I raised to homeless organizations, and I raised about 70 bucks, just begging change from the audience [RobertArmin] Did you audition for the cab driver in On The Town, by the way? [MaryTesta] No, not at all [RobertArmin] Would have been a good role for you. [RobertArmin] You were, of course, fabulous as Madame Dilly -- and earned a Tony nomination, as well. [MaryTesta] Tony Nomination! which was really surprising since it had closed in January [RobertArmin] You did win the Obie for that [MaryTesta] I also won an Obie for it. And I also won an Obie for a play called FROM ABOVE, by Tom Donaghy [MaryTesta] I was over the moon with the Obie and most proud of those two awards [RobertArmin] And, of course, you also were nominated for a Tony for your Maggie in Forty-Second Street. [MaryTesta] Yes [RobertArmin] Fionasdad adds: Can I also add that I almost pee-ed in my pants when I heard you do your Ruth Gordon imitation on the INFINITE JOYS CD. Where did you come up with it?? [MaryTesta] I don't know, It just came out, [MaryTesta] Actually, Jay David Saks, who is the best album producer I have ever worked with [MaryTesta] told me to ad lib as much as I wanted to and make sure I was on mike [MaryTesta] for the live recording and they used a lot of stuff for that recording [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd writes: "Infinite Joy" is amazing. How did you get involved with it? Were you involved in the original "Romance In Hard Times"? [MaryTesta] Sort of, not really, I've sung a lot of that stuff, and Bill Finn wrote “All Fall Down” for me [MaryTesta] I was the first person to sing it. [RobertArmin] So Bill often writes with your voice in his head? [MaryTesta] 'Well, I don't know if that is true anymore [MaryTesta] But he certainly understands his early chicks, Allison Frasier... [RobertArmin] Yes, he has been very loyal to his favorite artists. [RobertArmin] Have you had a chance to hear Elegies yet? [MaryTesta] Yes, I haven't heard the recording. I saw the show. [RobertArmin] fionasdad writes: What can you share with us about your journey with Finn? [RobertArmin] Bill not Huckleberry, I assume. [MaryTesta] Well, he is a dear friend [MaryTesta] He is extremely talented [MaryTesta] I've known him since I was nineteen and I always enjoy collaborating with him [RobertArmin] Another interesting collaboration, sort of, is you and Whoopi Goldberg. [MaryTesta] Yes [RobertArmin] Did you first meet her on Forum? [MaryTesta] Yes [RobertArmin] What was that like? [MaryTesta] It was great working with her, she is the best, absolute best [RobertArmin] I can just picture you two as buddies on that show. [RobertArmin] Domina and Pseudolus don't get along that well -- but I'm sure you did. [MaryTesta] We got along great [RobertArmin] So when Whoopi went to work on her new TV show, were you invited to participate early on? [MaryTesta] She talked to me about it about a year ago [MaryTesta] and then, I recently, in the summer, auditioned for my role, but I did audition [RobertArmin] Your role, for those who haven't seen the show yet, might be described as Whoopi's smoking buddy. [MaryTesta] Uh hum [RobertArmin] Since you both have to go outdoors to smoke, most of your scenes are "on the street." [MaryTesta] Yes [RobertArmin] It's a funny bit. [RobertArmin] And last week you participated in a very Odd Couple kind of poker game. [MaryTesta] Yes, that was a great episode, my favorite so far [RobertArmin] I'm glad to hear that Whoopi has been picked up for the whole season. [MaryTesta] Yeah, IT IS GREAT!! [RobertArmin] One question I often ask, is what are your dream roles? What would you like to play? [MaryTesta] I always say the same thing actually [MaryTesta] Kate, in Taming of the Shrew [MaryTesta] Rose Tattoo, the Anna Magnani role [RobertArmin] That would be a great role for you. [MaryTesta] I was just a neighborhood lady in my first Equity job of the Rose Tattoo [RobertArmin] It's interesting that they are both non-musical roles. [MaryTesta] Uh, HUH [RobertArmin] In reference to Whoopi, lemononmylips writes: i wish i had tv here at college :( [MaryTesta] AWWWWWWW [RobertArmin] We're all very sad. [RobertArmin] fionasdad adds: Mary, my time has run out. Peace to you and continued health and good fortune!! [MaryTesta] Thank you for your kind words [MaryTesta] And same to you [RobertArmin] Fionasdad adds: Thanks for the opportunity, Robert, to speak to Mary. [RobertArmin] Anytime. Thanks for joining us. [RobertArmin] So in response to my earlier question, are there any musicals you're hoping to do? [MaryTesta] You know, I've worked on so many new musicals [MaryTesta] It has only been in the last eight years that I have done revivals [MaryTesta] But I would like to do more leads, I am sick of doing cameos [RobertArmin] Unfortunately, that's where most of the jobs have been -- in revivals. [MaryTesta] Uh hum [RobertArmin] Let's get more new shows! [MaryTesta] Exactly! [RobertArmin] lemononmylips writes: mary, i met you in ny after a performance of 42nd street back in march and i just wanted to thank you for being so wonderfully nice to me. :) i'm a huge william finn nerd and i think i might have blurted that out to you. i simply think you're truly amazing. [MaryTesta] I think I remember you [MaryTesta] Thank you for being so sweet [RobertArmin] We have very sweet people here in Fynsworth Alley. [RobertArmin] Sounds like a Fred Allen line. [RobertArmin] I wanted to ask about a show I missed but often hear about -- [MaryTesta] What is that I wonder [RobertArmin] The Knife. [RobertArmin] At the Public Theatre. [MaryTesta] Great, great group of people [MaryTesta] One of the most fun rehearsal processes, and it tanked [RobertArmin] Mandy Patinkin, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Mary Gordon Murray, Mary Guzzi and Mary Testa. [RobertArmin] How did Mandy get in there? [RobertArmin] With all the Marys? [MaryTesta] David Hare directed it [RobertArmin] It's always sounded so intriguing. [RobertArmin] Mandy has a sex change operation. [RobertArmin] Unfortunately it didn't succeed and it has become one of those "lost" shows. [RobertArmin] Maybe it's time for the York to do a mufti. [MaryTesta] David wrote and directed. Nick Bicat wrote the music and there was another man, but I can't remember his name [MaryTesta] Oh my, it was really pretty music [RobertArmin] Cast album anyone? [MaryTesta] But Mandy made one homely woman [RobertArmin] I can imagine!!! [RobertArmin] Is that why he sings falsetto so much? [MaryTesta] I really don't know, can't answer that [RobertArmin] What was Marilyn - An American Fable like? [MaryTesta] That was hard [MaryTesta] because half, well, first of all there were twenty writers on the show [MaryTesta] half of the creative team was from LA the other half New York [MaryTesta] and the sensibilities clashed [MaryTesta] But again, there was a great group of people, cast wise [RobertArmin] You know, I think I may have seen it. [RobertArmin] I know I saw something about Marilyn, but sorry to say it is gone from memory. [MaryTesta] Tanked, another one that tanked [RobertArmin] Didn't get to see Got To Go Disco, but what the hey. [MaryTesta] Yeah, neither did I [MaryTesta] I guess some things are better left unseen [RobertArmin] Let's talk about Tartuffe -- the production in the park. [MaryTesta] Oh, Tartuffe was fantastic [MaryTesta] Great group of people, wonderful director [MaryTesta] great experience [MaryTesta] Working in the Park is always fun [MaryTesta] 'like adult camp [RobertArmin] A late question from FranklinShepardInc: Who did you play in Marilyn? [MaryTesta] Hedda Hopper [RobertArmin] That must have been a bit of fun. Did you make any effort to capture the real Hedda? [MaryTesta] Yes, I did [RobertArmin] With hats, of course. [MaryTesta] She had a very distinctive way of speaking [MaryTesta] but I didn't have that many lines [RobertArmin] Ginger asks: Are you friends with Megan Mullaley? [MaryTesta] No, well, I do know Megan [MaryTesta] I have met her a couple of times but do not know her well [RobertArmin] You've been building up some very good credits in film and TV. [RobertArmin] What are some of your favorite experiences? [MaryTesta] Stanley and Iris was a great experience [MaryTesta] It was the last film that Martin Ritt directed before he died and he was a great director [RobertArmin] That was Jane Fonda and Robert DeNiro? [MaryTesta] Yes [RobertArmin] Your other films include The Out Of Towners (the new one) and Going In Style. [MaryTesta] I just did Tony And Tina’s Wedding this summer [RobertArmin] What did you play? [MaryTesta] Sister Clare [RobertArmin] Do you know that I STILL haven't seen that show after all these years! [MaryTesta] Tina's cousin [MaryTesta] Well it is running again apparently [RobertArmin] And of course, there will probably be a spin-off of your character from Whoopi [MaryTesta] Oh God, wouldn't that be nice [MaryTesta] My diner, but I think there are a couple of people in line for a spin off ahead of me [RobertArmin] It's such a great group of characters. [RobertArmin] I admire that about Whoopi -- surrounding herself with top comic actors instead of hogging the limelight for herself. [MaryTesta] Instead of models [RobertArmin] It only helps make her look all the funnier. [MaryTesta] That's because she is fantastic and she is not insecure about herself or her talent [RobertArmin] Ginger: What is it like working on Whoopi and singing? [MaryTesta] Do you mean singing in FORUM? [RobertArmin] She says: Yes. [MaryTesta] Well, it was great, great, great fun. Every night was fun [MaryTesta] Although Megan Mullally did not have a fun time [MaryTesta] That is a joke [RobertArmin] Because she wasn't in it. [MaryTesta] I am teasing [RobertArmin] Megan is not in Whoopi. Mary doesn't work with her. And that is that. [MaryTesta] LOL [RobertArmin] That's in response to ginger's question: What else about Megan Mullally? [RobertArmin] What is Spit It Out? [MaryTesta] Spit it Out is a show I wrote with Randl Ask [MaryTesta] It is a comedy piece where Randl and I play forty different characters [RobertArmin] lemononmylips asks: did you collaborate on "in trousers" with william finn as well? (i am listening to it now) [MaryTesta] Well, yes, I did [MaryTesta] We wrote all the harmonies [RobertArmin] If you had a chance to do a solo album -- or with guest stars -- what kind of songs would you want to include. [MaryTesta] That is funny that you asked [MaryTesta] I have a solo album that is 85 percent finished and Fynsworth Alley turned it down [MaryTesta] Said it wasn't what they wanted, they wanted more show music [MaryTesta] It was going to be a Jerome Records album [RobertArmin] Before he went to jail [RobertArmin] A lot of good albums got lost in that debacle. [MaryTesta] My album is mostly Jazz, rock, pop, rhythm and blues and mostly original music, only a couple of covers [MaryTesta] But I don't think my album will see the light of day [RobertArmin] Well, you can always release it yourself through Original Cast Records. A lot of people go that route. [MaryTesta] Yeah, well [MaryTesta] I think it is not the time for it [RobertArmin] lemononmylips asks: aahh geez. how could they turn it down? [MaryTesta] when the time makes itself known, it will happen [MaryTesta] AHH [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd asks: What are some of the songs on your solo album? [MaryTesta] Well, some of the covers are Jimmy Hendrix’ “The Wind Cries Mary” [MaryTesta] I do cover of “Until The Real Thing Comes Along” [MaryTesta] the rest of the songs are original songs from various composers [MaryTesta] contemporary, but not of musical theatre [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd asks: Who wrote the original music? [RobertArmin] lemononmylips asks: is there any finn on the album? [MaryTesta] Song from Debra Barsha, song from Judy Gold, Rusty McGee, um [MaryTesta] etc. [MaryTesta] No Finn [RobertArmin] Let's take a quick moment to give away a CD with Mary Testa. How about Lucky Stiff. [MaryTesta] OK, that sounds good [RobertArmin] Here's the question: Mary did an off-Broadway show called Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh. Who was the comic lyricist whose songs inspired that show? [MaryTesta] I left right after that show opened to do Scapin at CSC [MaryTesta] with music by Rusty McGee and starring Stanley Tucci [RobertArmin] No one knows who wrote Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah? [RobertArmin] Must be a young crowd! [MaryTesta] Yeah [RobertArmin] Or am I very old? [RobertArmin] Okay, we have a winner! [RobertArmin] No surprise -- FranklinShepardInc and RenoSweeneyTodd both came in at the same time. [RobertArmin] They both got the correct answer - Allan Sherman. [RobertArmin] So, we'll send a copy of Lucky Stiff to both of them! [RobertArmin] Send your mailing address to fynsworth@showmusic.com. [RobertArmin] lemononmylips adds: ah geez. I feel left out. I should know these things. [RobertArmin] Mary has really enjoyed your comments, lemon! [RobertArmin] Time flies so fast. [RobertArmin] It's almost time to wrap it up. [RobertArmin] Are there any new shows or films -- other than Tina's Wedding -- in the future? [MaryTesta] Right now, just WHOOPI [RobertArmin] Well, that's plenty, indeed. [MaryTesta] Thank you [RobertArmin] It was a real kick getting to spend some time with you. [MaryTesta] Why thank you, right back at ya [RobertArmin] I have really enjoyed your work over the last ____ years. [MaryTesta] And thanks to everyone out there for being interested and supportive [RobertArmin] RenoSweeneyTodd adds: Thank you very much for answering our questions and being your fabulous self, Ms. Testa. [MaryTesta] AHHH [RobertArmin] And he hopes to see you perform again soon. [MaryTesta] My pleasure [RobertArmin] As do we all. [RobertArmin] My guest next week is the fabulous lyricist of Bye Bye Birdie and Applause! Lee Adams. [RobertArmin] Join us then. [RobertArmin] lemononmylips adds: Thank you very much for answering our questions and being your fabulous self, Ms. Testa. [RobertArmin] Oops, that should have read [RobertArmin] "thank you immensely, mary. you're a constant source of inspiration." [MaryTesta] AWW [RobertArmin] And I should add that you can all visit Mary's website at MaryTesta.com. What a clever name. [MaryTesta] Yeah [RobertArmin] Good night everyone. [MaryTesta] Goodnight and keep watching and listening | |
