Patrons of Middleton Players Theatre’s 2024 season will recognize Zak from his roles as Will in Big Fish and Dirty Bob in Lumberjacks in Love. Now Zak takes on the passionate and diligent Charley Kringas, a playwright who doesn’t always want things to change.
Merrily We Roll Along moves back through the memories of three friends. What do you hope the audience will remember from this production?
The pure joy that comes from passionate people working together. And with that, I want them to remember the relationships of these characters, and how we tell their stories.
What makes having OLD friends so meaningful?
My oldest friend Connor means and always will mean the world to me. No matter how much time there is between us seeing each other, it’s like nothing has changed. He’s been with me through everything and knows me like no one else.
What’s the best thing about making NEW friends?
Specifically as I’ve grown older, I’ve found that I’d rather enjoy time with a few close friends, rather than a need to be friends with as many as possible. With that, new friends have common interests and share special, more fresh memories in my life.
What’s your favorite line or lyric from Merrily We Roll Along? Why?
“Our dream, coming true
Me and you pal, me and you”
In my opinion, there is nothing more fulfilling than making art with your friends. That feeling of invigoration to achieve your dreams with those closest to you is unmatchable. And Sondheim captures it perfectly in this line.
As you’ve been rehearsing this story about creative people, how have you reflected on your own creative process?
It’s easy to get caught up in the success and critique that comes with the industry. What’s most important is to do the work. I find myself most creative when I care about the project and those working on it, over the outside voices and opinions.
Charley, Frank, and Mary all have big dreams. What was your big dream when you were younger?
Shockingly, my big dream was to be on Broadway. I wanted my life to be theatre. I wanted to be an actor.
What is your big dream now?
To grow the theatre community in Madison. I care deeply about the performers, companies, artists, and audiences in this city. I want to be part of what makes the artistic community in Madison so special.
Don’t miss Zak onstage in Merrily We Roll Along May 9-18! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.