FPCT Spotlight - September 21, 2010

Mike Zemarel

What have you enjoyed about playing Martin?

Mike:  Being oblivious. In school they teach you when you are on stage you should “deny nothing” and “be aware of your surroundings.” Martin isn’t quite like that. He’s a little slow on the uptake. It’s fun.

 

How are you like or unlike Martin?

Mike:  Well, I hope I’m not quite as oblivious as Martin, but I think we can all relate to his being in love, even if it is a little irrational.

 

What is your favorite role that you have played so far?

Mike: Roy LaBelle in Trust, by Steven Dietz. Roy is an NPR announcer with a small problem…he’s a Kleptomaniac. He is like Martin, in the sense that he’s not great with women and he wears his hart on his sleeve a bit, but his (or Dietz’s) insight into women, relationships  and heartache is incredible…plus there’s a big monologue where you get to see all the stuff he has stolen that day.

 

What role are you dying to play someday?

Mike:  I can’t wait to play Willy Loman or George in Who’s afraid of Virginia Wolfe?

 

What else do you enjoy aside from acting?

Mike:  I like going to concerts and movies…it’s been a busy year so I haven’t seen anything in awhile unfortunately.

 

What is something that would surprise us about you?

Mike:  I get stage fright and hate public speaking.

 

What keeps you coming back to the stage?

Mike:  Acting, especially comedic acting is the truest sense of immediate gratification or immediate failure. You always know where you stand. An audience will let you know how you’re doing. And when it’s good it’s great and when it’s bad it’s devastating.

 

From where do you get your inspiration?

Mike:  I have been so lucky to have so many people in my life who taught me that this was an honorable hobby or profession. My Grandfather was Zim Zemarel. For those under 65, or not a native of Baltimore, The Zim Zemarel Orchestra played every classy event in Baltimore and DC (including the White House) for decades. My Uncle Jamie is a brilliant actor/singer who works with The Capitol Steps. My Aunt Virginia, (now owner of Dogma, for pets) used to work with John Waters and got me my first gig in Cry-Baby and some commercials. We are a dramatic people.

 

What is on the horizon?

Mike:  Stage Blood at Spotlighters in December, directing Death of a Salesman at Vabond’s in February and Linus and Alora at Single Carrot Theatre in June!

 

Can you tell us any scoop about your fellow actors?

Mike:  Bottom line…Bobby will never be a roper…


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