THIS BOY IS ON FIRE— MICHAEL CYRIL CREIGHTON Interview + Photo BRADLEY HAWKS This month, Playwrights Horizons offers the New York Premiere of an original play, Stage Kiss, written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Rebecca Taichman. The play stars Dominic Fumusa (Kevin Peyton on Nurse Jackie), Tony-nominated Jessica Hecht, and an al around brilliant cast of actors that includes Astoria’s very own, Michael Cyril Creighton. Beyond the fact that Sarah Ruhl is arguably one of our most brilliant living playwrights—and the show itself is an awkward, realistic, touching, hilarious, and poignant portrayal of the complexity of kissing on stage, in real life, and when the two are the same—as well as a commentary on our views on love and romance and how our fantasies rarely (and maybe shouldn’t) look like our realities— the cast is a gathering of some downright sickening talent. ‰e New York Times recently featured a story about Michael Cyril Creighton under the heading, ‘Talent You Won’t Forget.’ Prior to Stage Kiss, he won a Writers Guild Award for his web series, Jack in a Box, and has appeared on television shows such as Orange is the New Black, Louie, 30 Rock, Person of Interest, and an upcoming episode of Nurse Jackie. We caught up with the extremely talented rising star at Il Bambino just to get to know him a little better, and –nd out what he likes about Astoria. BH: When did you –rst know this was something you really wanted to do? MCC: It was in high school, but it wasn’t until college when I realized there really is a place for an actor like me. I was always told character actors won’t really work until their thirties or older. And I really didn’t start working or have the con–dence I needed to do the kind of work I am doing until I turned thirty. ‰ey call it ‘growing into your type.’ BH: You were working in the box ošce at the theater when you were cast. Do you think that helped you get the part, or at least get seen? Or was it tough to break type in real life and be seen as an actor rather than a box ošce manager? MCC: (laughs) Yes. ‰e artistic director said, ‘we didn’t even –ght for you—you were their choice.’ Although my cast mates do always ask me about comp policies and how to get discount tickets. BH: How long have you lived in Astoria? MCC: Ten years… I used to live down by the beer garden. I have watched it change so much. I feel like I put so much time in, and now I feel like I can’t leave. ‰ere are so many great restaurants. BH: Where is your favorite coœee? MCC: Here Il Bambino at 34-08 31st Ave I really enjoy Queens Kickshaw 40-17 Broadway. ‰ey had an amazing Christmas Eve brunch this year that was out of control. Oh wait, ‰e Queens Kickshaw has the best coœee… but this is a close second. BH: What do you like to do on the weekends? MCC: Have you ever been to the pork store? We will walk to Queens Comfort for brunch and then go to the pork store. It’s so good. Sorriso Italian Pork Store at 44-16 30th Ave. We go there and buy cheese and meat, and then make mac and cheese with all of the leftovers with fennel crackers as the bread crumbs. BH: Will you call me next time you make that!? Are there any other Astoria spots you frequent? MCC: I really just do brunch. I don’t really go out at night. I will always love Vesta. It has always been one of my favorite spots. I had my 30th birthday there. I feel like Vesta was the –rst restaurant that really marked the change in Astoria restaurants. I also enjoy going to P.S. 1 (momaps1.org). And my favorite thing is that a lot of things shoot here. I –lmed an episode of Nurse Jackie coming out later this year, and I was home ten minutes after. BH: You did Milk Milk Lemonade at the Astoria Performing Arts Center (APACNY.ORG). How do you feel about the APAC? MCC: I love Tom. ‰ey are taking a lot of chances. ‰ey are really smart there. ‰ey mix their season with something crowd-pleasing and something that is new not just to their audience, but to any audience. It is so smart, and brave. And I loved doing a show literally around the corner from my home. Find out more about Micheal Cyril Creighton at www.michaelcyrilcreighton.com visit www.playwrightshorizons.org to get tickets for Stage Kiss through March 23 MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 33
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