In Edward Albee’s Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?,” Martin Gray falls in love with a goat, much to the chagrin of his family and friends. In Theatre Downtown’s upcoming production (June 13-28), Nick Crawford plays Martin. He’s directed by his wife, Kelsey Crawford, who has a cast that also includes Holly Dikeman, Jonathan Sweatt and Romeo Garrison. Crawford has appeared in a wide array of shows in Birmingham, proving himself to be among Birmingham’s most versatile performers. Here, he talks about his work, including “The Goat,” and what it’s like to be directed by his wife.
Tell me a little about yourself.
Born in Birmingham and now I live here with my beautiful wife, Kelsey, and three cats, Rory, Fig and Phinney. I graduated from the University of Montevallo and now work in advertising.
What’s your first memory of being on stage?
I’m not sure, but one of my most vivid memories of being on stage was at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre for an acting showcase. I remember because I screwed it up. I was around 12? Don’t remember the age, but the failure sticks out!
Did you know then you were going to continue the acting thing? When did that happen?
It was always an off and on thing when I was growing up, but I guess I decided to become “serious” about performance in college.
Tell me about your Birmingham theater history. You’ve performed a lot, both in standard shows and improv.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some great folk in Birmingham! I became disenchanted with theater after college – mostly the hustle of continuous auditions and searching them out. I love performing, but I don’t like “selling” myself. So, I wasn’t auditioning or attending much theater at the time. Arik Sokol roped me into an improv audition for ETC, and I met a lot of people, which eventually led to my getting back in theater. Since then, I’ve been steady with acting gigs. I don’t get to improv as much as I used to because of my theater work!
How did you meet Kelsey?
Through the improv group, ETC, I did “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with a group called Muse of Fire. They brought the improvisors in to play the rude mechanicals, and Kelsey was playing Titania. We met the first night of rehearsals and flirted throughout the show. We started dating right after!
Has she directed you before?
Yes, Kelsey directed “Wonderland Wives,” in which I played Alice Liddell. That was straight-up comedy, so quite different from “The Goat.” We work well together. She is one of my favorite directors because she is well-organized and we have similar taste in plays … sometimes.
How did “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?” come up for you? Have you done the show before?
I have not done the show before but fell in love with it after reading it years ago. Kelsey was the same way.
How do you describe the show and your character to folks?
All I can say is that it is a very intense experience for me and for the audience. The reason why I love this play is because of the intensity and the energy you expend telling the story. The stakes are very high.
Can you tell me more about the production?
The play is high-energy and full of strong emotions. I think every actor in it gets a physical and mental workout. Kelsey has done a great job in getting all of us invested in the play, and I think we are all passionate about telling this story. The cast is a dream – I’ve had the pleasure of working with Holly and Jonathan several times and was excited to do so again. This is my first time working with Romeo Garrison, but I hope it isn’t the last. He gels with everyone and hits the role perfectly.
You perform a lot, but you manage not to get pigeon-holed. Is that something you consciously plan, or has it just happened that way?
That is the challenge that keeps bringing me back – to see if I can play a character that is unlike anything I’ve done before.
What’s your favorite role you’ve played or show you’ve been in?
Thenardier, Sancho Panza, Scrooge, God, Alfie Doolittle, Steve Rubell … Martin in The Goat. I really have enjoyed most every play in which I was cast!
Who is your favorite composer?
All of ‘em. Twist my arm and I’d say Irving Berlin.
Who is your favorite playwright?
I couldn’t pick just one! I love Anthony Nielsen, Georges Feydeau and Moliere.
Do you have a favorite song from a show?
“Pretty Little Picture” from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
What is a role you wish you will or could have played?
Pseudolus from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Not sure if modern audience goers would be tolerant so probably a pipe dream!
Tell me something people might be surprised to know about you.
I’m a huge pro wrestling fan. Maybe that wouldn’t surprise people, I don’t know.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re not performing?
I would love to say all music, but no, I don’t like “Sludge Metal,” and I’m not afraid to admit it.
What’s the last book you read?
“Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins.
What’s the last TV series you binged?
“The Righteous Gemstones.”
What’s next for you?
After we wrap up “The Goat,” I will be moving on down the “Big River” at VST!
“The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?,” at Theatre Downtown June 13-28.
