Here are four takeaways from the artists bringing some of the most exciting theater to New York.
‘A Few Good Men’ Feels All Too Timely for Whitford
This production of “A Few Good Men” marks the first revival of Sorkin’s explosive courtroom drama, which takes place in 1989 and follows military lawyers who uncover a high-level conspiracy as they defend their clients, two U.S. Marines accused of murder. Whitford says the show’s themes of political corruption are especially relevant today.
“None of it feels anachronistic, even though the story is happening in 1989. We have a president who targets women and tells them, ‘Shut up, piggy,’” Whitford said, referring to last year when President Trump snapped at a female reporter after she asked about his name in the Epstein files.
“It’s very interesting to do this play right now,” Whitford said. “It’s more than a courtroom drama. It’s about a fundamental argument in the world right now, which is: Do we cooperate and deal with things through legal procedures? Or is dominance the way forward?”
Sorkin says he’s been pitched to revive “A Few Good Men” over the years but never pursued the opportunity because he felt like his original version of the script needed work. When he was approached by Arden to revisit the show, the director allowed Sorkin to take another pass at the material.
“‘A Few Good Men’ was the first thing I ever wrote. I was young. I was green,” Sorkin said. “I asked for the chance, ‘Can I do a polish and keep writing?’ It’s the same story you know. I’m just trying to write better.”
Whitford cracked, “I just pitched a line to him out in the lobby, to which Sorkin replied: “It was a good idea!”
Even After “West Side Story” Fame, Rachel Zegler Is Still Auditioning for Roles
“Yes, of course. I still audition for a lot of things,” she said. “If anyone wants my number, I’ll be here after!”
Olivas also sees “Evita” as a positive step forward in terms of representation.
“We have our Jamie Lloyd tricks up our sleeve,” Zegler teased. “I’m excited for everyone to see what we’re cooking up.”
The cast also acknowledged Trump’s love of “Evita,” which the president has called his favorite show. “So, the musical about the celebrity who became a politician?” Zegler retorted.
When asked whether the president sees himself in “Evita,” Olivas cracked, ‘I’m sure he can see himself in a blonde wig!”
Dolly Parton Was ‘Just a Normal Girl’… Kinda
Clarke says that getting to know Parton in real life was helpful when it came to portraying her on stage. “She gave us confidence. It was really extraordinary. Every time I would mess up lyrics, she would be like, ‘That’s OK. You’re doing great!’”
Sher recalled talking “endlessly” with Parton about the point of “Dolly: A True Original Musical.”
Producers Always Want to Reach New Audiences
“While the sports-going audience might not be our general demographic,” Swindal said, “I’m really excited to have them.”
When “Awake and Sing!’ and “Here There Are Blueberries” producer Brian Lee is considering new material to tackle, he looks at “the combination of familiarity and that teaches audiences something new.”
Meanwhile Susan Kelechi Watson, a producer on “School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play,” believes the best shows are the ones that give audiences a better understanding of stories that aren’t their own.
“One of the things that’s drawn me to producing,” she said, “is being able to bring women-centric stories to the stage — but that don’t alienate.”
