10 Questions
Take Ten: MICHAEL WINDSOR
Whether mopping up his 5th Grade speech contest with a show tune, prepping for a suburban bake sale, or dreaming of a date with Liza Minnelli, MICHAEL WINDSOR brings a wealth of insight to his direction of Brooklyn the Musical, at Monumental Theatre Company through March 31. Get the scoop in this week’s Take Ten!
1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?
Definitely not the first show I ever saw, but the one I remember having the biggest impact at a young age, was my older sister’s middle school production of Annie. Before seeing the stage version, I was obsessed with the Carol Burnett film version. Seeing my favorite movie sung and danced right in front of me was absolutely incredible. It had such an impact that I, somehow, managed to convince my fifth-grade teacher to let me perform "Hard Knock Life" for an “inspirational speech” project. Everyone else in my class did famous speeches by MLK Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt and I showed up with a mop and pail and danced my way to that B+.
2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?
It was a church musical. I played Peter. For some reason he was a lifeguard(?) There’s an awful picture out there somewhere.
3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?
How in the world do you pick just one? I love everything from Fiddler on the Roof to The Glass Menagerie to The Last Five Years. Anything that makes you think and sparks a meaningful conversation as you leave the theater.
4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?
I have had many… including pizza delivery. But the most bizarre job was Personal Assistant to a busy suburban housewife. I helped decorate for Christmas, drove the minivan to the grocery store, baked cookies for a bake sale. Honestly, it was amazing.
5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?
I played the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress in high school. Turns out my tunic was a little too short… And I wore tights. And no one told me what a dance belt was until college.
6) What are you enjoying most about working on Brooklyn the Musical at Monumental Theatre Company?
I am loving the opportunity to tell this unconventional, beautiful story that hasn’t been produced in the DMV for many years. Also, having the opportunity to work with so many incredible talented artists, most of which are new to Monumental. The talent in this show is insane - I sure hope DC is ready.
7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?
Liza. Just thinking about a night out with Liza Minnelli gets my heart racing.
8) What is your dream role/job?
Co-Producing Artistic Director of Monumental Theatre, obviously. But the dream is to have a space with multiple venues all producing diverse, new, and socially significant theater.
9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?
Jimmy Mavrikes as Troy Bolton in High School Musical. Just kidding. There are so many… but the most recent is Ben Platt in Dear Evan Hansen. I [stupidly] missed it at Arena and didn’t feel like selling my left toe to see him on Broadway.
10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?
Go see shows! Anything and everything. And talk to people; pick their brains. You can learn from anyone.
MICHAEL WINDSOR is a freelance director in the DMV and serves as Co-Producing Artistic Director of Monumental Theatre Company. He is currently directing Brooklyn with Monumental, running March 15-31 in Alexandria, VA. Recently, he worked as Associate Director on Light Years at Signature Theatre. Other credits include: Signature Theatre: Titanic (Assistant Director), Summer Hummer V & VI (Production Assistant). Adventure Theatre MTC: James and the Giant Peach (Assistant Director). With Monumental, Michael has worked on The Talented Mr. Ripley, A Premarital Cabaret with Caroline Bowman & Austin Colby, Warm and Toasty: A Florrie Bagel Cabaret, Holidazed, Sex Swap: A Gender Bender Cabaret, and Day by Day: A Stephen Schwartz Revue. Other Directing Credits include: Dog Sees God, Seven Menus, 21A.
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