There’s a whole lot of comedy going on right now at South City Theatre in Pelham. The theater is doing a comedy, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” about a comedy, the fictional “Max Prince Show.” Written by Neil Simon, it’s based on the writers of Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows” – Simon was one of them. Shawn Reese plays Val Skolsky, based on the writer Mel Tolkin, a Ukrainian emigrant. Here, Reese talks about the show, his character and how he got into theater in the first place.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up in the small town of Pell City in the 1980s and was always into athletics, art and reading. Funnily enough, theater wasn’t even on my radar because at the time there was none in the town. So, my teenage years were spent playing football and tennis in the day and drawing and painting at night. My introduction to theater came about when I got a work-study job at the University of Alabama in the scene shop working under Charlie Dennis. Even then, though, I never imagined myself on stage. That came a few years after I graduated and became interested due to a friend.
What’s your first memory of being on stage?
My first play was a toy soldier in a 6th grade school production. My first adult play, though, was the musical “Oklahoma!,” playing the fun-loving cowboy Will Parker. I was instantly smitten with a love for being on stage and bringing laughter to an audience.
How did “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” come up?
My good friend Clay Boyce, the director, mentioned it to me at the start of the year and encouraged me to audition for the show. He and I have collaborated on many shows over the years, and I always love working with him because he is highly creative, has a clear idea of what he wants and gives an actor the freedom to build a character. His infectious laughter is also a big plus.
Can you tell me about the show and your character?
I play Val Skolsky, the head writer of the fictional “Max Prince Show.” The character was based on the real-life writer Mel Tolkin, who immigrated with his family to Canada from Ukraine when he was a boy. Val is the most serious of the writers in the room, so he’s the straight man to the other characters’ wisecracking personalities. He’s very fun to play, though, because of his Russian accent and his deadpan delivery.
Anything else you’d like to say about the production?
This show is extremely well written, with dynamic characters who are all different and funny in their own unique ways. So, in a word, it’s a typical Neil Simon play with lots of fast-paced dialogue and witty comments. It will have the audience laughing all night as we take them back to the Golden Age of television and the 1950s.
You’ve done both comedy and drama. Do you find one genre more difficult than the other?
I approach both comedy and drama in the same way. As an actor, you breathe life into a character that only exists on the written page. To do that in a way that connects to an audience, you have to take your understanding of human nature and apply it to your character. So, let’s say your character is a jealous husband. We’ve all experienced jealousy in some manner, so you take that experience and you let it guide your delivery of the lines to portray it. You use this type of character motivation in both genres, but the difference between them is in the way you deliver it. In a comedy you can use more exaggerated expressions and body language. The real difference, though, is the timing of the line delivery. If it’s meant to be funny, there’s a certain rhythm that must be present to make it funny, otherwise it’s just words being spoken. There’s a fine line with timing, and it really can’t be taught. I love both genres, but if I had to choose between them, I would go with comedy because you just can’t beat hearing an audience’s laughter.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this show?
I would like for our audiences to leave with a smile on their face and a chuckle in their heart. This play is all about a nostalgic age in America’s history that many of us look at fondly, but it also reminds us of how wonderful it is to be part of something special.
What’s your favorite role you’ve played or show you’ve been in?
That’s a difficult question because I have had the opportunity to play many great ones over the years. In the musical genre, I would say it was Will Rogers in “Will Rogers’ Follies.” It was very challenging to learn how to do rope tricks while singing and acting, but also very memorable because after one performance I had an audience member approach me to say that he vividly remembered listening to Will Rogers give the same radio address that I spoke in the play, and he said that I nailed it. That was a special feeling for me. My favorite role in a play would be Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice.” It was such a great experience to work with such a fine cast and director while playing a beloved character. A bonus was walking through simulated rain to be soaking wet onstage!
Who is your favorite composer?
Stephen Sondheim is my favorite musical composer because his music is so complex and beautiful. I also like Frank Wildhorn’s work very much.
Who is your favorite playwright?
Martin McDonagh.
Do you have a favorite show?
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” (musical), “The Cripple of Inishmaan” (play).
Do you have a favorite song from a show?
“This is the Moment” (“Jekyll & Hyde”).
What’s a performance (on stage or screen) that sticks out to you as an audience member?
Joel Grey in “Chicago.”
What is a role you wish you will or could have played?
Billy Flynn (“Chicago”).
Any great advice you’ve been given by a director or anyone else about being on stage?
A true artist burns his ego to ashes.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I always say a prayer to ask God to help me to deliver my lines, remember my blocking, support my fellow actors and bring joy to the audience and glory to Him.
Tell me about a time something went wrong on stage.
I once did a production of “West Side Story” playing the role of Tony. I was also the set designer and builder, and on opening night I had to make some kind of repair before we opened. The delay caused me to rush and be late on all of my pre-show preparation. So, when the time came for my first big song, I sang the first verse and then … completely forgot what came next. I ended up singing the same verse again before I could remember the rest of the song. Needless to say, even since then I have been hyper-focused on always being prepared!
Tell me something people might be surprised to know about you.
I’m a competitive tennis player and enjoy playing video games.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re not performing?
1970s funk.
What’s the last book you read?
“The Silmarillion.”
What podcasts do you listen to?
Oh, it’s usually something tennis or video game related. Lately, it’s “Andy Roddick’s Served Media” or “My Name is Byf.”
What’s the last TV series you binged?
Actually, I’m binging two now: “Killing Eve” and “Dept Q.” I highly recommend them both!
What’s next for you?
The weekend after the show I’m headed to Auburn to play in the USTA sectionals. Wish me luck!
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” at South City Theatre through June 21.
