1. How is this show different from other shows?
Vice Versa is different from other shows that this group has done because of the new way it questions things. The previous shows focused more on the hilarity of the sketches while still questioning standards in society. Vice Versa, while still filled with hilarity, questions peoples personal morals instead of just the society. The Paradoja shows have always been written to make people think, and I know that they will always be written like that. Paradojas shows give people a new outlook where they question what surrounds them, and the questions they learn to ask really opens their eyes to how strange our society really is. This show will open your eyes to your own life.

2. What are the "ingredients" that make a Paradoja show?
 There is a lot that makes up one of our shows. It all starts with the minds of our own Michael Pagano and George Morrish. The way they portray comedy and their constant questions about life give the show its start and all of its potential. Yet, the real heart comes from all of the cast and crew together. Everyone in the Paradoja family brings something to the mix. Every single member of our group has a different outlook on things, and when it is all brought together it is an amazing site. When everyones views and own personal humor is put together, it creates the amazing shows we call Paradoja.

3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
 The cast and crew are all a big family. Some of us have known each other for years, and some we have all just recently met. Yet, working together on shows like this really bond us all together. We share hilarious stories, help each other with problems, and can always be people to look to for advice. We are all a giant family that can never be separated. I know I will always see this group as my family. I plan to be a part of this show no matter where I go in the future. If that means I have to work with them over webcam, then that is what I will do. This group is bonded by more than just a love of theater, we are all bonded by an insanely strong friendship.

4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
 Paradoja to me means a love of working with friends. Our productions make people question things in life, and they have made me question so much throughout the years. I love working with everyone and I would never give it up for the world. People that I had just started working with only about a year ago have become some of my closest friends. We all love working together to see the final product, and to see the way it makes people in our audience question. I had never done theater before Paradoja, but because of them I will never give it up now.

5. When you first joined Paradoja, what was your reaction?
I had only joined Paradoja about a year ago, I was part of the last show "IDK". I had never done theater before Paradoja, and I absolutely love it now. At first, I found all of the casts antics and quirks to be extrememly strange. But, I realized we all have our own little quirks and soon embraced mine. They all quickly accepted me into the family we have built up and I would honestly never give it up for the world. The Paradoja cast and crew, and its amazing writers, are all insanely welcoming and such amazing people. Everyone makes you feel welcome, and they make you feel like they have known you for years within the first few minutes of meeting them. It's really awesome.

6. Why do you think that Mike, George, and Coonan work well together?
All of them are so dedicated to theater, it is really amazing to experience. Mike and George are absolutely amazing writers. They put all their heart, soul, and mind into their productions. Coonan, there isn't a single thing someone wouldn't like about him. There isn't anything people could dislike about any of them. I have known Coonan since he worked at our high school, and although I never had him he was one of my favorite teachers there. Mike and George are insanely welcoming and will give anyone a chance to try anything with the productions. This year, I am acting for the first time ever. I am insanely excited about it. I really hope that more people will get the chance to work with them. Their true dedication to theater and their outlooks on life really make them work together perfectly. All of them have the perfect mind for theater.

7. What do you think is the Paradoja "sense of humor"? Is there even a "sense of humor"?
Paradoja will always have a sense of humor to all of the sketches. Its the type of humor that makes you think. That is the best kind of humor in my mind. When someone can make you laugh at something that seems absolutely ridiculous, but when you think about it you see that they were actually showing us something in our society that people actually live by. What happens when you realize that things we have grown up doing, actually seem morally wrong when really thought about. Paradojas humor is pure and definitely something to experience. Paradoja isn't just something to go see for a good laugh, even though it is absolutely guaranteed. It is something that will really make you think when you leave the performance.

8. What do you think of Mike Pagano. Both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
Mike Pagano is an absolutely amazing guy. When I first met him, he made me feel truly welcome in his house. He didn't know me at all, yet he welcomed me into the family he had created with Paradoja. He has such a wonderful personality. People just gravitate toward him, he is someone worth getting to know. Artistically he is abolutely amazing. He writes straight from the heart and his views of what happens in his own life. That is a true writer. A true writer builds an expression of their own thoughts and feelings and puts it out in the world for other people to see. I have learned over the past year that no matter what someone can go through in life, there is always a way to help yourself through it. Some form of expression that can relieve you of the thoughts that tie you down. Something that can make you smile once it’s finally complete.

9. What do you think of John Ortiz personally?
John Ortiz has been one of my best friends for years. I knew him before he had gotten into theater. Once he discovered it, he really became his true self. He found something to be passionate about. He is such a great friend to have. Whenever you spend time with him, he will always take a minute to make you laugh. John still has a childish heart, which makes him so welcoming. He accepts people for who they are and he is constantly questioning. He constantly questions life and he finds a way to show people what he means when describing it. He is a friend that I will never want to lose.

10. What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja?
I would definitely like to see Paradoja get a bigger audience and more in the cast and crew. My hopes for Paradoja are expanding more. I want to see many more performances and hundreds more questions asked. I plan on staying with Paradoja for as long as I can and be a part of many more performances. I am very excited to see what happens with this amazing group in the future. I know that it will be great.

11. What do you think about Act 1 compared to Act 2?
I feel that Act 1 is definitely more of the classic Paradoja humor. It still makes people question, but the humor is much more powerful. By the end of Act 1 and within all of Act 2, we see a newer side of Paradoja. We see a side that questions personal morals, the morals we were all raised upon. The sketches get much more in depth and really make you think about the lives we live. It is wonderful to see a change like this. The humor is still there, and it always will be. Yet, I love how much they present to the audience to think about. It is an absolutely amazing show and I can not wait to see the ones in the future.  

1. How is this show different from the last Paradoja shows?
This show is different from the last show "Paradoja: The Exodus Event" by more of its scenes making you think about everyday problems and incidents that everybody else just lets flash by them.

2. What are the ingredients that make a show a "Paradoja" show?
Sodomy and necromancy. No i'm just kidding but, the real ingredients are Mike Pagano, George Morrish, Dave Coonan, (The founding fathers) and every single Paradoja cast and crew member. Together we make Paradoja and Paradoja makes us.

3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
Everything, but most of all has to be how close we all get to each other. We can all joke around, and share our ideas with the ability to know that everyone else has my back with either negative or positive feedback.

4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
Paradoja means to me a way to escape all the trouble of my life and have fun with some of the great new people Iv'e met.

5. When you joined Paradoja what was your reaction and if your new what did you expect and do you still feel that way?
What I expected from Paradoja was really exactly what it is, cool, understanding, individuals that I knew I would fit in with one way or another.

6. Why do Coonan, Mike and George work well together?
Why I think that all these men work so well together is that each has a different talent that they bring to the table. Mike has spontaneous ideas that just pop into his head. George is a man of many words and basically every action he performs just hits my funny bone. And then there is Coonan, he is the man that keeps what little sanity we have left and makes us get real work done when it needs to be done.

7. What do you think is the "Paradoja" sense of humor? or is there even a "Paradoja" sense of humor?
What i think Paradoja's sense of humor is, is a few mixtures of common sense with funny topics.

8. What do you think of Mike Pagano both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
What I think of Mike Pagano is that he is always thanking people and appreciates every little thing you do. Also he is very talented and funny as and actor and comedian.

9. What do you think of Coonan both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
From the short work I have don with Coonan I have found him to be a very reasonable man that is funny all the time besides when he needs to be a responsible adult.

10. What do you think of Ortiz both artistically and personally?
Ortiz is one of the closest people to me in this cast. I have known Ortiz since the first day of high school where he became my friend. Ortiz is a kind and sarcastic mother fucker that likes trains a little too much.

11. What do you think of George both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
George is a very open guy that is easy to make friends with, also hes jealous because i'm better then him at Halo. But George is also a very talented performer as well as being unpredictable. 

1. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
  I love the cast and crew. Every one works so well together. They are all amazing people. Also we try to keep all the other drama out of the show which helps us really focus on the show.

2. What does Paradoja mean to you?
  I have only been part of Paradoja for a month and it means a lot to me because I get to work with people that when I was in middle school never got to work with. So now that I get to means a lot.

3. When you first joined Paradoja what was your reaction?
 When I joined Paradoja I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew that there were people in the cast and crew that I have met before and never go to work with and when I did get to work with them and get to know them I knew that this was a very special place and every time I come to rehearsals I know I don’t want to be anywhere else. I have so much fun!

4. Why do Mike, George and Coonan work well together?
   Coonan, Mike, and George work amazingly together because they are all so similar yet different. They feed off each other, which means these scenes and this show all together so amazing.

5. What do you think is the Paradoja "sense of humor"? Is there even a "sense of humor"?
  I feel Paradoja has a humor that not to many people have and what I love most about their humor is they are not afraid to say anything, which makes it so funny.

6. What do you think of Mike Pagano both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
  I never got to work with Mike and I never got see just how funny he is. I only got to see him on stage in the high school shows and now that I had a chance to work with him I just think he is an amazing person and comedian. I only knew the person on stage and now that I have worked with him I know a lot more about him and who he is.

7. What do you think of Coonan both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
 Coonan is an amazing director. I don’t think he knows how much it means to me to be listened to and told that I am a good actress because I don’t get it in school. So I want to thank him for giving me that chance.

8. What do you think of John Ortiz artistically and personally?
I love John. John is there for me with a lot. John is the one who brought me to Paradoja. He is an amazing friend and I love working with him. 


9. What do you think of George both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
 George is a person that if you got stuck in an elevator with you will be entertained for hours. He is an amazing actor. He is not just a hysterical comedian but he is amazing in dramas.

10. What do you think of James Weippert both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
 James is sooo good. He is a person you always want to be around. I like that we can talk about shows and compare them. James has worked so hard on this show, I give him a lot of credit.

1. How is this show different from the last Paradoja shows?
  In the past, our shows have been strictly comedy, most of which is based on pop culture and politics. Vice Versa takes the old Paradoja shows and adds a hint of sadness and a splash of drama. This is like nothing we have done before.

2. What are the ingredients that make a show a "Paradoja" show?
Paradoja is comprised of so many different things. There are the actors, the sketches, the crew, and the advertising, but what really makes a show a "Paradoja" show, is the connections. The connections between the actors, the timing of lines and actions are all of great importance creating a cohesive Paradoja show.

3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
  I don't. I hate everyone, especially Dave Coonan.

4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
  Paradoja: (noun) A group of non-blood-related family members who come together for the sole purpose of making people not only laugh, but think. 

5. When you joined paradoja what was your reaction and if your new what did you expect and do you still feel that way?
My first reaction was "John, what the HELL are you getting yourself into." To this day, I do not regret joining the Paradoja crew because of the experiences I've had, the friends I've made and the comedy that I love performing. 

6. Why do Coonan, Mike and George work well together?
I feel like Coonan, Mike, and George work well together because they are close not only on a professional level, but on a personal level. It's the meshing of business and pleasure that causes such an amazing outcome. 

7. What do you think is the "Paradoja" sense of humor? Or is there even a "Paradoja" sense of humor?
  There is no "Paradoja" sense of humor. To say there was a "Paradoja" sense of humor would be to say that every sketch is written the same way, every sketch has the same ideas and plot points, and most importantly, every sketch has the same jokes. That is the farthest from the truth.

8. What famous comedians, artist, writers, etc., do you think inspired Paradoja and why, what’s the connection? Who inspires you?
 Hands down, the most influential and inspiring comedians are George Carlin, Bill Maher, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. These men bring different styles of comedy to the table and all of them know what is really fucked up about this world.

9. What do you think of Mike P both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
 Artistically, I look at Mike Pagano and think "Wow, I could be just as great a comedian if I just applied myself. He also happens to be one of the best friends I could have. He's a great performer and an even better friend. From Mike, I've learned that great things can come out of negative events and emotions.

10. What do you think of Coonan both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
 He's a hack.

11. What do you think of Ortiz both artistically and personally?
Artistically, he's a goddamn genius. Personally, I think he's a giant tool.

12. What do you think of George both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
George is a fantastic writer. I've had the pleasure of reading not only his scripts, but also some of his personal work as well. It's amazing what a mind can do. On a personal level, George is one of the most fun-loving and crazy guys I've ever met. I'm so glad that I get to perform with him as a friend and colleague. 

13. What do you think of James Weippert both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with him?
James brings a lot to the Paradoja table. He can be anything or anyone you tell him to be. If I told him to be a tree, he'd start growing bark. That's how good he is. I'm glad to call him a good friend of mine.
 (basically that question you can answer about anyone in the show, lol, you get my point)

14. What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja?
 I want to see many more shows and many new faces in the Paradoja family.

15. Where do you feel the ideas come from?
 All of the ideas come from pop culture, politics, opinion and emotion. Without these, there would be no "Soul" to Paradoja.

1. How is this show different from the other shows? 
  Well, the theme is a bit different but the lovable craziness is there. It still consists of incredible sketches and I guess just the characters are different. My makeup is crazier for this show and my costumes are simpler but the element of things being not what they seem to be is still present. I am extremely proud to be part of another Paradoja show. Thanks guys!

2. What are the "ingredients" that make a show a Paradoja show?
 Courage, creativity, energy, dedication, teamwork, insight, and a sense of humor, so as not to take things so seriously. In other words, just DO it!!

3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
 The fact that we are one big family. Everyone works incredibly well together. Also, the Paradoja family is always so full of passion for what we do and have such an amazing creative spirit.

4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
 Creativity. Expression. Inspiration. Courage. Family.

5. When you first joined Paradoja what was your reaction?
 When I first joined Paradoja, I just kept hoping that I would fit in. I was worried that I would do horribly and all of that unpleasant stuff. But, I then I realized that this group is a warm family, constantly with open arms.

6. Why do Mike, George and Coonan work well together?
 Mike, George, and Coonan share the same sense of humor and see things the same but always make room for creativity. All three of them are so dedicated to Paradoja and have such a fire that they inspire me, the cast, crew, and each other to continue to do what we love. It's because of them that I am still doing theatre and am given such amazing opportunities to perform. They have given endless courage and drive to everyone to showcase his or her talents. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything. I couldn't be happier and more proud of this production. I love you all!!

7. What do you think is the Paradoja "sense of humor"? Is there even a "sense of humor"?
 I think the main element of a "Paradoja" sense of humor is to never take yourself too seriously and to remember that courage is a main ingredient in comedy. I don't really think there's really a "Paradoja" sense of humor. I think it's just a matter of one letting go, expressing his or herself without any fear, and nothing holding him or her back, so their inner creativity can easily flow.

8.  What famous comedians, artists, writers, etc. do you think inspired Paradoja and why?  What's the connection?  Who inspires you?
 I think George Carlin, Sacha Baron Cohen, the cast of Monty Python, the Three Stooges, the Marx Brothers, and so many other amazing comedians inspired Paradoja because they dared to defy any norm and freely expressed themselves. They have such an incredible stage presence. I'm using present tense even though unfortunately, those mentioned above, except Sacha Baron Cohen and few members of Monty Python, passed away but their comedy lives on and they are always with us. In terms of artists, I think Salvador Dali was an inspiration because he really used his imagination to create his incredible works of art. He saw things in a way no one did. Like Señor Dali, the cast and crew of Paradoja sees things in a whole new light and dares to redefine "normal, everyday things". People who inspire me are Carol Burnett, Groucho Marx, Robin Williams, Madeline Kahn, George Carlin, Gilda Radner, John Leguizamo, Seth MacFarlene, and Betty White. Each performer had or has such an energy and bravery that made me proud  and inspired me to keep acting. Like I said before, a comedian may leave us but their comedy never will.

9. What do you think of your cast mates? What have you learned from them?
   Everyone in the cast and crew are absolute sweethearts and are all incredibly talented. I am eternally blessed to once again work with my Paradoja family and for those who are making their Paradoja debut, it has been a great pleasure working with you and welcome to the family! To the writers and creators of Paradoja, Mike, George, and Coonan: artistically, you three are absolute geniuses and truly are talented beyond words. I can't thank you enough for casting me in another Paradoja show. It means the world to me. Personally, Mike, George, and Coonan: you constantly inspire me to be myself, to take chances, and to just go with it. You are three of the sweetest guys and I have ever met and I am beyond thrilled to call you my dearest friends. Thank you once again for never giving up on me. You are incredible role models, actors, friends, and mentors and I love you guys so so much!!! By the way, Mike- it has been an absolute pleasure being married to you for the third time in a show. We are such a cute stage couple!! Matty Waldman- I love being your mother for the second time in a show and I am honored. To the Paradoja family- I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! BREAK A LEG!!!! SO PROUD OF THIS SHOW AND THE CAST AND CREW!!!!! Xoxo

 10.  What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja?
 Regarding the future of Paradoja, I would like us to play bigger theaters, become even more well known, and have more people join and become fans of the productions. Otherwise, our dreams have come true so far, in terms of letting our voices be heard and inspiring others to do so as well. Working with Paradoja has already made a huge dream of mine come true. I wish the best of luck to the production and everyone involved with it. See you at the next show!!!

11. Where do the ideas for Paradoja come from?
 The ideas I feel come from...you know, I really don't know. But I would have to say it comes from pure genius combined with utter madness, and I love every minute of it. I guess also it just comes from simply making observations about things that are happening in the world and the causes and effects of it, and then, finding the irony or paradox of it and exposing it. This leaves the audience and even those involved with the show to look at things in a different way and pondering things in terms of what they really are and what they appear to be. Also, in a way, we  try to create some sort of pathos for those who wondering why things are the way they are and us saying "I don't know but I'm asking those questions too" in a sort way to reassure them that yes, it is true that some things that affect us everyday are not fair and unfortunately, can not be explained. Questions have answers and vice versa.

12. What do you think about Act 1 compared to Act 2?
 Act I is a comedy, whereas Act II is of a dramatic nature. The first act makes you laugh and the second act makes you think about the world you live in. Both acts are amazing works of art and send out the same message: things are not always as they appear to be.

1. How is this show different from the last Paradoja shows?
Paradoja: The Exodus Event was more of an opinion bases show. It showed comical thoughts on the government, religion, and other things going on in the world. Paradoja: Vice Versa is more of a show about life in general. I think more people will be able to relate to it.

2. What are the ingredients that make a show a "Paradoja" show?
A Paradoja show is made up of originally, courage to say what we want, and well, profanity. This is what makes us, us. 

 3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
I love how we are such a close group of people. Everyone is always accepted into the Paradoja family, whether you joined from the start or last week. I also love that everyone gets to have their input and were never afraid to speak our minds with one another.

4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
To me, Paradoja is freedom, an escape, and family. It is as simple as that.

5. When you joined Paradoja what was your reaction and if you’re new what did you expect and do you still feel that way?
I joined Paradoja during the first show, Paradoja: at the Grindhouse. When I first joined, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it would be out there because, well I know Mike and George and nothing is normal with them. When I saw the sketches I was not all that surprised.

6.  Why do Coonan, Mike and George work well together?
I would say it’s because they have extremely similar views on life and the things happening in the world. Since that is what the show is about, it makes it effortless for them to put together an amazing show.

7. What do you think of Mike P, Coonan, and George both artistically and personally and what have you learned from working with them?
I think that all three are amazingly talented directors, actors, and writers. Working with them for so long has taught me that you should never be afraid to put yourself and your views out there, don’t be afraid to be judged.

 8. What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja?
I would love for us to be able to keep up these shows and expand and reach out to other groups. Hopefully, someday we can put these shows on in a space of our own. 

 9. Where do you feel the ideas come from?
  The ideas for the sketches come from real life. They come from experience and opinion.

10. What do you think about act 1 when compared to act 2?
 Act one of the show is more of what your use to with the Paradoja shows, what you expect. Act two takes a whole new direction, it’s more real.

1.   How is this show different from the other shows?   This show is different than the past Paradoja shows, in that it takes on much more of a definite structure than the others. The other shows were a lot of fun (don’t get me wrong, this one is too) but I think we can all tell this one comes from a more personal place, both in the writing and from all of the performances.

2. What are the "ingredients" that make a show a Paradoja show? A Paradoja show becomes a Paradoja show because of all the people that come into it. We’re not doing a show just for the sake of doing a show, we all do it for a reason. Different reasons from each person, yeah, but we all unite to perform these shows in
order to share different things, and just maybe we can have somebody look at their own life and realize something about themselves.

3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew? 
Everything! The Paradoja cast/crew is a family. We’ve picked up people as we’ve gone on, lost a few people as we’ve moved forward, but we all work really well together. There’s no hard feelings between anyone, and if there is, then they get worked out rather easily. We all enjoy what we’re doing.

4. What does Paradoja mean to you? 
To me, Paradoja is a nice release onstage. As an acting student, it’s fun to work withmaterial that is written by people I’m so close to. There are many different things that have been addressed in Paradoja shows, and it’s always a great experience to work with everyone. There are very few things that compare to the Paradoja experience.

5.  When you first joined Paradoja what was your reaction?  
I didn’t really have a reaction to joining Paradoja. I’d worked with Mike and George previously on school shows and on The Crat Pack (kind of the predecessor to Paradoja), so I knew what to expect most of the time. I knew it would be fun, and that it would be a great experience.

6. Why do Mike, George and Coonan work well together? 
They have such similar ideas/thought processes most of the time. Mike and I have worked on many things and gotten very close; Coonan and I have worked very closely on multiple projects; and the same thing for George. They’re three people who I consider very good friends, and I know that they’re able to balance each other out in a way that creates something fantastic.

7. What do you think is the Paradoja "sense of humor"?
Honestly, I don’t think there is a Paradoja sense of humor. We all laugh at different things and find inspiration from different things, and all of these different things come together into one huge amalgamation that is absolutely outrageous. In a good way.

8. What famous comedians, artists, writers, etc. do you think inspired Paradoja and why?  What's the connection?  Who inspires you? 
I think the clearest inspiration to Paradoja much of the time is George Carlin. I know he was a huge influence on Mike, in his ability to question everything and recognize what issues should be pushed. Personally, I’ve been greatly influenced by the works, sayings, etc. of Johnny Depp, Lewis Black, Tim Burton, and Walt Disney. Definitely a varied group, but all of whom have made huge impacts on me.

9. What do you think of Mike P. Both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?  
I think that Mike is incredibly talented at what he does. He has a passion for what he does. We’re all young, but there’s an experience there that you wouldn’t normally expect from someone our age. He can definitely do fantastic things, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

10.  What do you think of Coonan both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him? 
Working with Coonan has been one of the best things for me, artistically. He’s essentially a mentor to Mike, George, and myself, and the ideas that he brings up are always intriguing. I have no idea where Paradoja would be without him, and I definitely don’t want to know where I’d be without his help.

11.  What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja? 
 I think that Paradoja will continue to grow, in many ways. We’ll constantly have new people coming in. We will always have new things to write about/perform, because there are always new things going on in the world. I think we’ll constantly attract new people to the shows, and I think that it could become something much bigger in the future.

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