‘Moonlight Eddie’ director gained insight from writer

Youngstown native Jack LoGiudice's drama opens Friday at the Oakland.

By MILAN PAURICH

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

“In the Moonlight Eddie,” a play written by Youngstown native Jack LoGiudice, was originally slated to open in November at the Oakland Center for the Arts.

Because of a scheduling snafu, the production was pushed back two months and is opening Friday.

In a recent interview with The Vindicator, the show’s director (Christopher Fidram) discussed the play as well as the area community theater scene in general.

Q. How did you become involved with the production?

A. Another director was slated to direct “In the Moonlight Eddie,” but ended up moving out of town. I was just finishing “The Runner Stumbles,” and offered to direct “Eddie” on the condition that it be moved to January. Plus, there were three Christmas shows already planned for December, so I knew the Oakland would be a busy place anyway. The board graciously agreed to switch dates.

Q. Tell us a little about Jack LoGiudice and the background of the play itself. Was it ever staged in New York?

A. “In the Moonlight Eddie” began as a spoken theatrical piece for NPR. It later premiered on the West Coast. Notable actors who’ve appeared in various productions have included Robert Forster, Charles Durning, Rita Moreno and Bill Macy.

Jack (LoGiudice) is a fantastic guy. We first began talking on the phone in November. He’s a professional writer whose credits include episodes of “7th Heaven,” “Resurrection Blvd.” and various shows for HBO. Jack is very generous with stories and information about “Eddie.” After all these years, it’s evident that the play’s characters are still very dear to him. Although it’s not autobiographical, Jack told me that the characters are “somewhat” based on people whom he knew and grew up around. The agent, the writer, the leading lady — these are people who influenced and shaped his life. How many opportunities do I get to speak to the author of a play I’m directing? I was impressed by Jack’s openness and his generous spirit. Anytime someone in the business takes time to share their knowledge, offer feedback and give advice, it’s a gift.

Q. What’s the storyline?

A. Gil Landau is finally experiencing success on Broadway after a 15-year drought and a string of disasters. This time Gil’s play is a comedy, and an opening night hit. But excitement quickly turns to speculation as it becomes clear that the play is just too good to have been written by an unfunny playwright. Adding to the turmoil is a boozy leading lady, a scheming agent and Gil’s sensitive son who’s recovering from a nervous breakdown. We soon begin to wonder if Gil really wrote the play, or if he stole it from somebody else. For me, “In the Moonlight Eddie” is an homage to the Broadway of yesteryear. It takes place in 1966 — a turbulent time in America as well as on Broadway — when traditional theater began giving way to more experimental works. The play feels like it’s on the cusp of an era when folks still wore tuxes and gowns to the theater and could actually afford Broadway tickets. “Eddie” takes place somewhere between those two eras. It starts off as a smart and familiar comedy, but then becomes poignant and deeper. I respect Jack for not limiting his play by aiming too far in either direction. It’s funny, and yet the characters are vulnerable and human. I think those are the types of plays most people like to see.

Q. Who’s in it?

A. The cast includes Tom O’Donnell as Gil, David Waldman, Denise Sculli, Joyce Jones, John Wolbert and Eric McCrea in the title role. I’ve worked with all of them before, and they’re warm, wonderful people. I couldn’t ask to work with a nicer, more dedicated group of actors.

Q. You’ve been heralded as one of the finest directors of actresses in the area. Have you ever considered directing an all-female cast?

A. I don’t direct actors any differently than actresses. If anything, perhaps I’m more sensitive about choosing plays with strong roles for actresses. There are many excellent actresses in this area, but not enough great roles to go around. I’m more apt to choose a show that nobody knows or has never seen performed onstage before. I encourage actors to step out of their comfort zones and rely on their instincts. Good actresses welcome that opportunity and all the hard work that goes with it. There aren’t a lot of newer ‘all-female’ plays with great roles for women. Most new plays still follow the “Golden Girls” format: You have your outspoken, promiscuous character; your silly, but good-hearted character; and your boring, logical one. Women are much more complicated and interesting than that. You rarely get to see women onstage breaking away from those stereotypes to reveal their rawness and complexities. When you do see that, you remember it.

Q.. What’s next? Would you consider directing a show at a local venue besides the Oakland?

A. After “Eddie” I’m taking a break for a year. Last year I studied acting in New York on weekends, and I’d like to get back to that. I wish there was more of a learning environment in Youngstown for acting, directing and stagecraft. Several community theaters have approached me about directing. Timing is usually the factor, though. We forget how lucky we are to have so many community theaters thriving in this small area. At last count I think it was 12. Most areas this size are lucky to have one or two. I began acting 28 years ago when getting a role was very competitive. But you were grateful for the experience, the discipline and the chance to learn. And if you didn’t get the part, you either worked on or watched the show. But you were always learning. I’m fortunate to have been introduced to theater at that time. If you came onstage with any ego and inhibitions, the director immediately slapped them out of you.

Q. Down the road, which play are you most looking forward to tackling? (This could be a wish list kind of thing.)

A. I would love to direct an updated version of “The Country Girl.” Didn’t Grace Kelly win the Oscar for that? Now that would be a great role for an actress.