This past week, I had the good fortune of being asked by Lisa Rothe to read in a new play called "Wake Me Up" by Amy Wheeler. It is an absolutely fascinating story drawn from the playwright's own personal experience. I played Caleb, a high functioning adolescent with autism: about eight years old emotionally, but views himself as a grown man. It was a ball diving in to such a challenging role, especially in such good company, playing with renowned actresses Deirdre Lovejoy (The Wire) and Mary Bacon. It is an intriguing story, and I look forward to seeing how the script develops.

This is the second time Lisa asked me to participate in the Lark Play Development Center, and both times I have found the experience wholly gratifying. For an actor, there is nothing quite like being in the room and actively listening and responding to a playwright's words for the first time. I always imagine what it must have been like for Shakespeare's company of actors reading "The quality of mercy is not strained...." or "Conscience doth make cowards of us all" for the very first time! The sheer rush of ecstasy!

In other news, the Animals Out of Paper cast and design team are all in place! We found a tremendously gifted young actor, Maneesh Sasikumar, to play Suresh, and my co-producer Nairoby Otero is pleased to inform the world that the entire design team is comprised of women. That wasn't intentional...they are just the right people for the job. Tickets will go on sale in the beginning of January!