Right Now
Posted by Tim Rock on 12/27/2007Hey-o. Tim Rock here. (My apologies go out to all of you who were probably hoping for some more witty words from Sean Cooper.) I play Justin Simmons in Good Boys and True. And I want to share something with you.
On the first day of rehearsal, our playwright, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, brought up an Edward Albee anecdote. This is relevant for a few reasons, but let me first recount the story as I remember it. (I’m bastardizing it. Sorry, Roberto!) At some discussion with the playwright, someone asked Albee when the best time of his life was. Mr. Albee replied, “Right now. Always right now.”
Here’s why it’s relevant: 1. Our director, Pam MacKinnon, recently directed Albee’s updated version of The Zoo Story in NYC, retitled Peter and Jerry. 2. Mr. Albee came to see a run through during tech. (I’ll never live that down. Especially the part where I forgot a line and, as a result, screamed my way through a scene. Thus banning myself from any future projects with which Mr. Albee is directly involved, I’m sure.) 3. For me, I’ve realized, it’s true.
Here’s something you probably don’t know: this is my dream. This. Right now. I’m living my dream. How bananas is that?! I mean, how often, if ever, does this happen? You see, I moved to Chicago after attending the School at Steppenwolf, with the expressed dream of working at this theater. It’s been three years, I don’t know how many auditions later, and here I am. And now I can’t help but wondering why. Am I more talented than anyone else who wants to be on this stage? Probably not. Do I work harder than anyone else? I don’t know. I hope I work hard. I try to. Am I better looking? Nope. Did I deserve it more? I don’t think so, though my mother would probably fist fight anyone who says differently. I mean, who am I to be working on this stage?
No clue.
I’m probably less intelligent than the women, probably shorter than the men, but beyond that, I’m just a dude. But, here’s the thing, it happened. I am working at Steppenwolf, one of the WORLD’S preeminent theaters, on a world-premiere of a damn fine play that, more than being good, I think is important, by a playwright who is, as the kids say, blowing up, directed by a woman who is also, well, blowing up. And, I mean, come on, you guys, I get to be in a play with MARTHA LAVEY!
WHAT?!
So, here’s what I want to say to all the actors and non-actors reading this: if you want to work at this theater, if you want to be in the movies, if it’s TV, if it’s a promotion, if it’s a baby, if it’s a spouse, if it’s love, if it’s money, if it’s health you want, don’t give up hope. Keep trying. Keep working hard. Keep a dream. Because I swear to you, it can happen. I don’t know when, I don’t know how, but, you guys, I did it. Me. Little ol’ Tim Rock from Newton, Iowa. I did it. If I can, then most surely so can you.
I want to share that with you. I want everyone to experience this feeling. I don’t know when I’ll be in this situation again, but for now, I’m grateful and happy and I want you to share in this.
So. That said, come see our play. I hope you like it. If you want, stick around afterwards and feel free to ask, “Hey, Tim, when’s the best time of your life?”
Right now.
Right now.
(Deep breath, huge smile)
Right NOW.
December 27th, 2007 at 10:22 am
We saw the play last Saturday, Tim, and you were the most solid, credible, and most interesting actor on the stage. No kidding. That, and I must say that the post-play discussion about “the (working) privileged” and the effects of “the institution” missed the Elephant in the Room: the unseen father’s raw sociopathy. Without that, there is no story here. The effect of this father’s assault on his rival years before and his bullying his son into a mirror-image assault on the girl had toxic repercussions on all of the characters. You brought this home most clearly, and we wish to thank you and encourage you not to be over-awed by the “greatness” around you. You have what is essential to acting…call it integrity, clarity, or simply the ability to avoid over-analyzing your character into a state of stiffness or worse, self-conscious over-acting. You were, in short, true to the playwright’s words. Keep it going, man. Live it and love it.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
tim. my brother, my friend, my colleague! this is all SO bananas. i can’t wait to see you in this. i know you’re going to be fantastic. you’re fantastic in everything else you do. a big fat HEY-O for you. it’s so miramar.
ps., way to muck it up for Albee. (zing). woops. you better have slipped him one of my plays. you’re famous now. i need your help.
December 28th, 2007 at 2:13 am
what’s up world.
tim rock is awesome.
get used to it.
miramar all the WAY.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:04 am
Right now. A good thought as we start a new year, Mr. Rock. (Good thing your parents named you Tim and not Hard or Schoolhouse.)
Although I’ve been to Chicago many times and enjoy the theatre, “Good Boys and True” was my first-ever Steppenwolf experience. I live in Toronto, Canada, and had always wanted to take in a production at the famed theatre.
I was very impressed with the overall experience: pre, post, and the play itself. That Steppenwolf has a comprehensive website, with info, photos, trailers, interviews and articles, is very informative and useful for out-of-town patrons. Due to my flight to Chicago being cancelled I had to change my ticket from Friday to Saturday night, which was done by the helpful box office people. And the post-performance discussion was a total delight. As I was seeing the play solo, I had no one to discuss it with. That Steppenwolf routinely hosts post play discussions (which was well moderated by a fellow whose name I’ve forgotten–sorry) allowed me to take in some other peoples’ opinions (opening up some new ideas and levels of meaning) and voice some of my own. Loved it!
I thought the play was a bit uneven, effective and compelling at times, but familiar and too on-the-nose at others. The performances were solid. And overall it was an enjoyable evening.
Continue the good work Steppenwolf!