Questions & Answers with...

Mary Testa starred from 8 Dec 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 in Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron's Love, Loss, and What I Wore playing Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre.

Birthday
June 4th.

Place of birth?
Abington, PA.

You now live in?
The Meatpacking District / West Village.

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
I majored in theatre at the University of Rhode Island.

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, TV or film?
I like mixing it up - I like it all... and concert work, as well.

Your first stage performance was?
In college.

Career highlight to date?
Having my picture taken with Dame Edna Everage!!

What roles would you most like to play?
Kate in Taming of the Shrew... and I like working on new things.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
From director Andrei Belgrader - he said "you try too hard to be good....just be bad."

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
I was a swing in my first Broadway show, Barnum, and I had to wear leotards and a tutu. Not my best look

What is the most annoying part about your job?
Always looking for work, and the financial insecurity.

Briefly tell us how you become involved with Love, Loss and What I Wore?
I was asked to be a part of it.

Briefly tell us about the character(s) you play in Love, Loss and What I Wore?
Well, I play a lot of different characters, actually. wonderful monologues.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I would have been a lawyer.

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
I think everyone I know is fabulous, everyone has genius in them.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
Oh god, that's a hard one. I have to think about that one.

Favorite after-show haunts?
West Bank Cafe, my couch.

Which shows have you seen on Broadway recently?
I recently saw Mary Poppins because my friend Jonathan Freeman is in it.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favorite authors?
The last book I read was "Don't Sing at the Table" written by my friend Adriana Trigiani, who is also one of my favorite authors. I am also reading a book by John O'Donohue called "Anam Cara" and a collection of short stories called "Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules,” with a foreword by David Sedaris.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favorite movies?
I love The Ruling Class and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie. Also, Clockwork Orange. However, the last movie I saw was Conviction.

Favorite TV programs?
I am afraid I am stupid and shallow, because I love all of the “Housewife” reality series (except New Jersey) and medical programs.

Favorite holiday destinations?
Home with my family.

Do you have any hobbies?
I would like to say archery, but I've only done it once. However, I love it!

Do you have any superstitions?
I never put shoes on the table.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
My dog, my boyfriend and some makeup.

What are your future plans?
I want a house and a television series. not necessarily in that order.