1. How is this show different from the other shows?
Personally I believe this show is completely different than any other Paradoja before. This show has a psychological drama part too it. Before the show was all comedy. With this show there are new actors who truly have great talent. But, of course comedy is a part of our shows and we love to make people laugh. This shows scene ideas actually come from real life experiences of Mike and George. Overall the show is just AWESOME!
2. What are the "ingredients" that make a show a Paradoja show?
There are several different "ingredients" making a show, a Paradoja show. It all starts with the ideas. This show is ALL original work so performing Mike and George's work is an honor. Many shows have a specific time frame of when and where rehearsals are. Unlike those shows Mike, George and Coonan work around everyone’s conflicts, so when a majority of us are available that's when rehearsals are. Where we rehearse is also different, our rehearsals all take place in Mike's house. Last, but not least, the sick twisted but awesome ideas and work put into the show. Throughout each show themes are presented what are they you ask? That's for us too know and for you; the audience to find out!. There is no other show like Paradoja!!
3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
I truly love this shows cast and crew. Everyone in this show has a special talent, everyone contributes amazing effort. When we combine these talents we have, we get a mixture of ideas. The cast and crew of this show are some of my closest friends and mentors. If it wasn't for some of them I honestly don't know where I would be today. These people have completely inspired me to never give up. There is no doubt about it, this cast and crew is truly one of a kind.
4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
Paradoja comes from the word "paradox". Paradoja most definitely contradicts several views and ideas. Paradoja is an expression that makes you think whether or not you truly believe in something. Its almost like asking the question "do you believe in god"? Your going to receive several different answers because the statement contradicts itself. In the show you will hear statements and you’re going to say to yourself "do I or do I not", simply like the TV series "Deal or No Deal" except much more complicated.
5. When you first joined Paradoja what was your reaction?
Honestly when I first joined Paradoja, I said to myself what the fuck am I getting myself in to?" I had no idea what the heck was going on. When I first joined I was a member of crew and now I'm an actor in the show. Still to this day I say to myself "what the fuck" almost every time I step foot into a Paradoja rehearsal.
6. Why do Mike, George and Coonan work well together?
There are several factors that come in play that explain why these 3 great people work together. They always are open to each other’s ideas and have a very strong relationship. They are constantly talking and working on what needs to be done next. They each have something special they bring with them when it comes to Paradoja. I always think of them as the 3 musketeers. They are such great people and never give up on what they want to achieve.
7. What do you think is the Paradoja "sense of humor"? Is there even a "sense of humor"?
I believe the sense of humor in Paradoja is simple. You’re going to laugh. There is not one time when were on stage or at rehearsal that there is humor not "in the air". The sense of humor in Paradoja is truly what your opinion of something said is. I can say "pudding" and I can guarantee someone will laugh. HUMOR IS ALWAYS AROUND YOU!
8. What famous comedians, artists, writers, etc. do you think inspired Paradoja and why? What's the connection? Who inspires you?
I think Rodney Dangerfield and Jerry Seinfeld truly had an inspiration to some of the work in Paradoja. I believe this to be true because not only do I know Mike likes these 2, but because the way they perform is what I hope to see the actors of Paradoja performing in the future. Dangerfield and Seinfeld are also 2 of my inspirations. I think the overall connection is the way the scripts are written in this show. That's the only way I can describe it. :)
9. What do you think of Mike P. Both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
There is so much that I learned from such a great actor like Michael Pagano. He is just so talented and I know he an do anything. He is very mature and quite the comedian. Michael loves what he does and will never stop. He has so much support from his friends its unbelievable. Mike has become not only one of my best friends and a brother from another mother, but he inspires me so much. I've learned several things from working with Mike. He has taught me to always follow my dreams, when things are going wrong they will always get better. He has supported me and has had such the influence on me. He is currently helping me with some basic stand - up comedy techniques. I hope to be just like him one day.
10. What do you think of Coonan both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
Coonan is such an awesome guy. Artistically, Coonan is very talented. He is a great writer and director. The notes he gives truly help and he gives great advice in times of need. Personally, Coonan is hilarious. I personally love the odd wardrobe that he owns. I always look forward to seeing him and the crazy, but awesome outfit he is wearing that day. Coonan is one of the most helpful, nicest, and caring people I have ever met. Having the chance to work on a show with him, is something I truly am lucky to have.
11. What do you think of John Ortiz artistically and personally?
Not only is John one of my best friends, but he is also another inspiration of mine. Attending school with him on a daily basis is interesting. Let's just say he can be a little crazy. Ortiz is always cracking jokes, but when it comes down to it his favorite is the "That's what she said" which after hearing that 5-6 times a day it gets irritating, but hey the kids awesome so I let it slide. I truly see John on Broadway one day or performing at a comedy club.
12. What do you think of George both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
George is also another talented fellow. Although sometimes he scares me. George is not only an actor, but also he is not the one to get into a debate with. When it comes to debates George will win! George personally is a little bit of a nut case so to say. Don't get me wrong he's a great friend, but sometimes he can get on my nerves, which is okay because I know he doesn’t mean it. Should George take his acting and debate skills and combine them I can see him becoming a lawyer.
13. What do you think of James Weippert both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
James is one brave and strong guy. Ever since losing his little sister to cancer, I think theatre has taken a big part of his life. I personally think he is an amazing actor and after what he has been through he has taught me to always stay strong and never give up hope on anything. James is such a talented, funny guy and I know he will go far.
14. What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja?
I hope that eventually we can have our own theatre company. It would mean a lot if we had an awesome studio where we could rehearse and perform our shows. Unfortunately, the chances are slim, but like I said I've been taught to never give up and dream big!
15. What do you think about Act 1 compared to Act 2?
Personally I think Act 1 is going to be where all the laughing will be happening considering the 1st act is mostly a continued version of the other shows we have performed. Act 2 is more drama and this act will make the audience use their brains and think about the thoughts and ideas that are presented to them.
Personally I believe this show is completely different than any other Paradoja before. This show has a psychological drama part too it. Before the show was all comedy. With this show there are new actors who truly have great talent. But, of course comedy is a part of our shows and we love to make people laugh. This shows scene ideas actually come from real life experiences of Mike and George. Overall the show is just AWESOME!
2. What are the "ingredients" that make a show a Paradoja show?
There are several different "ingredients" making a show, a Paradoja show. It all starts with the ideas. This show is ALL original work so performing Mike and George's work is an honor. Many shows have a specific time frame of when and where rehearsals are. Unlike those shows Mike, George and Coonan work around everyone’s conflicts, so when a majority of us are available that's when rehearsals are. Where we rehearse is also different, our rehearsals all take place in Mike's house. Last, but not least, the sick twisted but awesome ideas and work put into the show. Throughout each show themes are presented what are they you ask? That's for us too know and for you; the audience to find out!. There is no other show like Paradoja!!
3. What do you like about the Paradoja cast and crew?
I truly love this shows cast and crew. Everyone in this show has a special talent, everyone contributes amazing effort. When we combine these talents we have, we get a mixture of ideas. The cast and crew of this show are some of my closest friends and mentors. If it wasn't for some of them I honestly don't know where I would be today. These people have completely inspired me to never give up. There is no doubt about it, this cast and crew is truly one of a kind.
4. What does Paradoja mean to you?
Paradoja comes from the word "paradox". Paradoja most definitely contradicts several views and ideas. Paradoja is an expression that makes you think whether or not you truly believe in something. Its almost like asking the question "do you believe in god"? Your going to receive several different answers because the statement contradicts itself. In the show you will hear statements and you’re going to say to yourself "do I or do I not", simply like the TV series "Deal or No Deal" except much more complicated.
5. When you first joined Paradoja what was your reaction?
Honestly when I first joined Paradoja, I said to myself what the fuck am I getting myself in to?" I had no idea what the heck was going on. When I first joined I was a member of crew and now I'm an actor in the show. Still to this day I say to myself "what the fuck" almost every time I step foot into a Paradoja rehearsal.
6. Why do Mike, George and Coonan work well together?
There are several factors that come in play that explain why these 3 great people work together. They always are open to each other’s ideas and have a very strong relationship. They are constantly talking and working on what needs to be done next. They each have something special they bring with them when it comes to Paradoja. I always think of them as the 3 musketeers. They are such great people and never give up on what they want to achieve.
7. What do you think is the Paradoja "sense of humor"? Is there even a "sense of humor"?
I believe the sense of humor in Paradoja is simple. You’re going to laugh. There is not one time when were on stage or at rehearsal that there is humor not "in the air". The sense of humor in Paradoja is truly what your opinion of something said is. I can say "pudding" and I can guarantee someone will laugh. HUMOR IS ALWAYS AROUND YOU!
8. What famous comedians, artists, writers, etc. do you think inspired Paradoja and why? What's the connection? Who inspires you?
I think Rodney Dangerfield and Jerry Seinfeld truly had an inspiration to some of the work in Paradoja. I believe this to be true because not only do I know Mike likes these 2, but because the way they perform is what I hope to see the actors of Paradoja performing in the future. Dangerfield and Seinfeld are also 2 of my inspirations. I think the overall connection is the way the scripts are written in this show. That's the only way I can describe it. :)
9. What do you think of Mike P. Both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
There is so much that I learned from such a great actor like Michael Pagano. He is just so talented and I know he an do anything. He is very mature and quite the comedian. Michael loves what he does and will never stop. He has so much support from his friends its unbelievable. Mike has become not only one of my best friends and a brother from another mother, but he inspires me so much. I've learned several things from working with Mike. He has taught me to always follow my dreams, when things are going wrong they will always get better. He has supported me and has had such the influence on me. He is currently helping me with some basic stand - up comedy techniques. I hope to be just like him one day.
10. What do you think of Coonan both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
Coonan is such an awesome guy. Artistically, Coonan is very talented. He is a great writer and director. The notes he gives truly help and he gives great advice in times of need. Personally, Coonan is hilarious. I personally love the odd wardrobe that he owns. I always look forward to seeing him and the crazy, but awesome outfit he is wearing that day. Coonan is one of the most helpful, nicest, and caring people I have ever met. Having the chance to work on a show with him, is something I truly am lucky to have.
11. What do you think of John Ortiz artistically and personally?
Not only is John one of my best friends, but he is also another inspiration of mine. Attending school with him on a daily basis is interesting. Let's just say he can be a little crazy. Ortiz is always cracking jokes, but when it comes down to it his favorite is the "That's what she said" which after hearing that 5-6 times a day it gets irritating, but hey the kids awesome so I let it slide. I truly see John on Broadway one day or performing at a comedy club.
12. What do you think of George both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
George is also another talented fellow. Although sometimes he scares me. George is not only an actor, but also he is not the one to get into a debate with. When it comes to debates George will win! George personally is a little bit of a nut case so to say. Don't get me wrong he's a great friend, but sometimes he can get on my nerves, which is okay because I know he doesn’t mean it. Should George take his acting and debate skills and combine them I can see him becoming a lawyer.
13. What do you think of James Weippert both artistically and personally? What have you learned from working with him?
James is one brave and strong guy. Ever since losing his little sister to cancer, I think theatre has taken a big part of his life. I personally think he is an amazing actor and after what he has been through he has taught me to always stay strong and never give up hope on anything. James is such a talented, funny guy and I know he will go far.
14. What would you like or hope for in the future regarding Paradoja?
I hope that eventually we can have our own theatre company. It would mean a lot if we had an awesome studio where we could rehearse and perform our shows. Unfortunately, the chances are slim, but like I said I've been taught to never give up and dream big!
15. What do you think about Act 1 compared to Act 2?
Personally I think Act 1 is going to be where all the laughing will be happening considering the 1st act is mostly a continued version of the other shows we have performed. Act 2 is more drama and this act will make the audience use their brains and think about the thoughts and ideas that are presented to them.
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