We just saw Joshua Schiffman on stage as Trekkie Monster, and this fall he graces the MPT stage for the fifth time in Sondheim on Sondheim. Keep reading to learn more about Joshua!
What brought you to the Madison area?
My wife and I were both in grad school at the same time doing the long-distance thing, me in Buffalo, NY, and her here at UW. I finished first, so I moved here.
What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric?
My favorite show is Sweeney Todd. My favorite lyric, however, is probably from Sunday in the Park: "I chose, and my world was shaken - so what? The choice may have been mistaken, the choosing was not." As someone prone to beating himself up when things don't turn out as I might have hoped, I take this lyric as a reminder that at the moment we make a choice, it can be the right thing to do, even if it doesn't work out in the end.
If you could spend one day with Stephen Sondheim, what would you do?
I would love first to solve a crossword puzzle with him, and then construct one with him. I enjoy crosswords, and I know he did, too, but more than that I think it would be a really interesting way to see his mind in action.
Any funny stories about a Sondheim experience?
I played keyboards for ...Forum while in highschool. Twice, actually. One was a community theater production done in the round, with the band just off to the side. For fun, all of us in the band chose to wear togas and bow ties.
If there were a biographical revue about your life (either film or stage), what would the title be? Who would you want to play you?
I think I'd call it, "That Reminds Me..." because it's just about impossible for me to get through a conversation without hearing something that reminds me of a song lyric, and all too often I'll just start singing the song. (My friends and family are very patient!) As for who should play me, I'll say Jessie Tyler Ferguson; he has a lovely voice for all those songs in my head, plus he does bear a certain resemblance.
Don’t miss Joshua onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.