Interview: Director Michael Matthews Vel-comes You To His CABARET & Much More

The Celebration Theatre will be presenting their third and final show of their successful 2017-18 season - Kander & Ebb's CABARET, beginning previews on May 25 and opening on June 1. I managed to get Celebration Theatre's co-artistic director and CABARET's director Michael Matthews to take a short break from his uber-busy schedule to answer a few of our inquisitive queries.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy, busy calendar for this interview, Michael.

Thank you for having me!

What productions of CABARET have you already had the opportunity to see?

I have only seen one production of CABARET. I saw it on Broadway in 1998 with most of the original revival cast. It is the only production I have ever seen of it.

In dealing with a classic piece like CABARET (that most theatre aficionados know by heart), at what point do you make the conscious decision to totally be faithful to the script or to totally breathe a new take into it? I believe most of the 'classic' shows I've seen at Celebration have a new twist to them.

Our job is to tell the story and tell it well. CABARET could have been written yesterday. There is a horrifying relevancy to the script, almost a mirror to our current political landscape. I plan on illuminating that landscape, shining a light on the similarities. And, yes, there are a few "twists."

Your directing resume just in Los Angeles alone would be impressive for anyone else's lifetime resume. You've worked with hundreds, no, thousands of actors. Who in this production of CABARET have you worked with before?

Well, I don't know about that! But, thank you. I have worked with a few of the actors in CABARET: Chris Maikish, June Lomena, Matthew Henerson, John Colella.

The person handling your daily appointment book must have his hands full. When was the last time you took time off for yourself? Does your down time include seeing more theatre? Or getting totally away to an island or a jungle?

HA! I get a little time here and there and relish every second of it. I try to see as much theatre as I possibly can, sometimes it is just impossible. The idea of an island though sound pretty damn good and I might have to give that a try!

In the last three years, you have directed and/or executive produced at least a dozen shows just in Los Angeles (and Laguna Beach), including: FAILURE; A LOVE STORY at Burbank's Grove Theatre Center and as part of Center Theatre Group's BLOCK PARTY at the Kirk Douglas Theatre; THE GRADUATE, BILLY & RAY and TWELVE ANGRY MEN at the Laguna Playhouse; and at The Celebration - PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL, BOOTY CANDY, THE BOY FROM OZ, DREAM BOY. I'm sure the chance to work with certain talents in the theatre whet your interest. But what aspect of a script initially attracts you to commit your time and creative energies to it?

It usually comes down to if I can relate to the piece or not, and if I have something to say with it. I need to have a personal point of view. I am drawn to plays that have a staging theatricality to them, something where you have to use your imagination. I have had a wonderful time with so many shows that I have directed and there have been times that I have completely failed miserably. I am still learning and plan to keep learning every day.

I see in your resumé, productions you've directed in Chicago. You must have kept some connections from your college years at Columbia getting your B.A. in directing.

I have kept in touch with quite a few of them. In my mind, even if they are still not in the business, they have still certainly made it. I miss them quite a lot.

What inspired you to sit in the director's chair, as opposed to traipsing the stage?

I can barely talk in front of people and have horrific anxiety when I am forced to. So, no stage time for me, please.

You've deservedly won at least one of each of Los Angeles theatre awards (Ovation, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics, NAACP) for your directing, as well as, producing. Are you saving room on your shelves for a possible Antoinette Perry?

That is very kind. The L.A. theatre community has been very gracious and wonderfully supportive. The fact that I get to play here makes me super happy.

Any immediate or future plans to direct on Broadway?

If you hire me, I will totally say, "Yes."

In my 2016 interview with your co-artistic director Michael A. Shepperd, he told me you two play "rock/paper/vodkas" in deciding which Celebration show to helm. Can you elaborate on that?

We discuss passion projects throughout the year. We go back and forth a lot, on pretty much everything. And then we land on it and look at each other, say, "Cheers," and pretty much decide on what we are doing! It normally involves a few vodka sodas...

He also paid you a compliment saying that when in doubt, ask, "WWMMD (What would Michael Matthews do)?" Want to take this opportunity to get back, I mean, pay him back?

He is my work husband. I might have to plead the fifth on this one...

When did you first come to Los Angeles?

August 2004. Then back to Chicago to finish up two shows. And then, here permanently July 2005.

Tell us the first good experience that happened to you in when you arrived to L.A.?

Going to the Pacific Coast for the first time and seeing the ocean. I went almost every day when I got here. It helped me acclimate to being in L.A.

As one sitting at the auditioner's side of the casting table, what advice would you give to budding auditionees?

My number one thing is "book the room." Even if you are not right for the role, be amazing and make us remember you. Be solid and prepared, and let us see who you are.

CABARET's the last show of your current season. Can you give us any hints on next season's shows?

We are in the middle of season planning and hope to reveal it on opening night.

What 'classic' show would you still like to tackle?

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES, NOT ABOUT NIGHTINGALES, STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

What's the next project for Michael Matthews after coming to the CABARET?

Laguna Playhouse is transferring END OF THE RAINBOW, the play I directed at La Mirada last season, and opening late summer at Laguna. I will also be directing THE SEAFARER for Laguna right after RAINBOW ends.

What would you love the Celebration audience to leave with after CABARET's curtain call?

The want to be active. The desire to resist.

Again, danke, Michael! Auf wiedersehen, Herr Matthews.

THANK YOU!!!!

To see the Celebration transform into Kander & Ebb's Kit Kat Klub through July 15, 2018; log onto www.celebrationtheatre.com for ticket availability.