By Vicky Mejia
Robert Falls, former artistic director of The Goodman, returns to the Albert Theatre to direct a fresh new take on Holiday. The sparkling contemporary adaptation brings together new and familiar actors just like Jessie Fisher (SUSAN FELD) and Erik Hellman (SETON CRAM) who are also a couple in real life! From starring in a show together that they co-created, to working together in a Goodman production, Erik and Jessie dish on their favorite parts of being together on stage and what keeps them grounded in their professional lives.
Goodman Theatre: Tell us about your role in Holiday?
Erik Hellman: I play Seton Cram. Greenberg describes him as “Bluff and not really bearable.” I can’t really do better than that.
Jessie Fisher: And I play Susan Feld, married to Nikka Washburn (played by Christiana Clark). The couple has been updated for this adaptation and they represent what a successful, happy marriage can look like. Which is easy when Christiana plays your wife.
Photo by Jordan Lage.
GT: This is your Goodman debut! What is it like to be a part of this production?
JF: It’s very exciting and I feel so proud to be a part of this production. I love when I get to check boxes on my artistic dreams list. Work on a world premiere by a beloved playwright: check. Work at The Goodman: check. Work with Robert Falls: check.
GT: What is it like returning to The Goodman for Holiday?
EH: Very familiar; my last show was another new play directed by Bob. I love his way of working; he’s wonderful at building ensemble. In that show I played another obnoxious character. I usually play nice guys and romantic parts, but Bob sees past that to my vexatious core.
Photo courtesy of “Erik and Jessie and Everyone You Know.”
GT: Both of you are creators of “Erik and Jessie and Everyone You Know” variety show. Who came up with the title/idea? What is it like working together in the show?
JF: I can’t remember who came up with the name but I know we wanted it to feel like an invitation to your favorite party, whether we know you or not.
EH: Well, until Holiday, that has been our only experience working together. It’s a fantastic outlet and a great way for us to stay in discussion with our community and artistic values.
GT: In Holiday, although Linda Seton and Julia Seton are sisters, both have different personalities. Do you think personality traits play a role in both romantic and professional matchmaking?
EH: Interesting. I feel like the romantic matchmaking in Holiday is less about personality type and more about shared values. In our relationship I feel like having very different but complementary personalities are a great match to having similar values and opinions.
JF: Of course. In art and life, who you are influences how you behave. And that defines a collaboration.
Photo by Todd Rosenberg.
GT: What should audiences expect when watching this play?
JF: I think they should expect to be delightfully on their toes. Richard Greenberg creates such satisfying relationships that still manage to be complicated and surprising. His language rewards you for staying present with these lovely characters.
JF: It’s an old school play in many ways; we don’t see a lot of thoughtful living room comedies anymore. It’s a familiar structure, but the wit of it is very sharp and modern. It also sneaks up on you emotionally, which I think is always true of Greenberg’s work.
GT: Holiday asks the question: work to live or live to work? How would you describe your work-life balance?
EH: Merged. We have none. But it’s easier when you like your job. I think it’s OK to bring your work home with you when you are also allowed to bring so much of your actual self to work.
GT: What is the best Valentine’s gift you’ve received?
EH: We got to do an “Everyone You Know” show for Valentine’s Day at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC. It’s such an amazing, historic venue, all the way back to when it was The Village Gate; a bunch of amazing albums were recorded there over the years. It was one of my favorite shows we’ve done.
JF: Oh yeah, can’t top that. I always prefer experiences over gifts. We used to have a tradition of watching a movie the other person has never seen before. Some favorites include Bringing Up Baby and Alien.
GT: If you could go on a “holiday” right now, where would you pick?
JF: In this play, “holiday” refers to taking time out from work by choice. And although most of my work “holidays” are rarely by choice as an actor, I do make the most of my time between jobs. Lots of travel and visiting friends who are spread out all over the world. Those times end up reminding me of who I am and what matters to me the most.
EH: Portugal is calling my name. Some seaside seafood, afternoon napping, and time away from this country would hit pretty hard right now.
Vicky Mejia is the Digital Marketing Associate at Goodman Theatre
