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.
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.