Robert Horn, Tony award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and producer, chatted about his latest endeavors.
How does it feel to have “Shucked” opening at the Regents Park Open Air Theater in London? (What can we expect)
We could not have imagined a better fit for the show to make its London debut! It’s the perfect setting and I think the themes and comedy will play even bigger in a setting that feels so organic to the story.
Also, it never rains in London, right? The Regent Park team has been SO welcoming and excited and has made us feel like it’s a home even before we get there. And the cast we’ve assembles is spectacular.
I can’t wait! You can expect to laugh, to delight in that spectacular score, and to leave feeling a little better about the world. In fact, don’t leave. Just stay and see it again.
In June, you will have “Hercules” opening at the Royal Druly Lane (what can we expect about that)?
Hercules has been the most amazing journey! Herculean, if I may. It’s going to be everything Disney does well, and then some.
It’s big and splashy and that amazing score rips the ceiling off the place, but we’ve also dug into the themes of what it means to belong, what it means to be part of community, and what heroism really means in a changing culture.
Also, it’s really funny, and working with Kwame has been one of the joys of my career. He’s just not threatened at all by how much better looking I am than him.
What motivates you each day as a playwright?
Rent, food, and idealism. To be cliche about it, I’m one of those sappy hashtag annoying people who truly is grateful that I get to wake up every day and do what I love, tell stories, create worlds, find the humor in the challenging and often painful, collaborate with people who are so inspiring and know their craft in a way I only pretend to.
Writing can be a lonely, internal experience and you often have to make yourself do it. But more often than not, there’s just a story you need to tell, and you can’t rest until you do.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
I’m not sure I’m a very big part of it. I definitely see how it’s changed our industry as well as the potential it has, both good and scary.
I do think that how you market entertainment has completely changed with social media, I think how you sell product and – as an artist, how you get recognized and show the world your art or talent has opened up in a way that was not available to people just a generation ago.
It has made all art more accessible and personal, but also blurred the lines between civility and intrusion. Everyone has a platform now to express their opinions, which is good, and sometimes not. Like so many things, it can be used to weaponize, but also to embrace and include.
I don’t think we’ve even begun to see where it all is going. And I’ve yet to take my shirt off on it.
What do your plans for the future include?
I’ll keep working as long as they keep watching and buying and hiring. I’m off to London for 3 months starting April, then I come back and dive into my next 4 shows I have lined up.
I also just finally moved back to NY from LA and I’m going to take advantage of all this insane city has to offer!
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Well, birth. I mean, that pretty much started everything. I think seeing my first musical, a Kander and Ebb show called 70 Girls 70 hit me like a gay glowstick. I knew at that moment I loved theater, I loved boys, I loved musicals, I loved this community.
Even at that young age, I felt something and knew it defined me. In my career, I think with each failure, or success, you learn where you want to go next.
As writers, I suppose as any artist, you are constantly redefining as the world around us changes. What you want to say and how to say it is what keeps us motivated as writers.
What is your advice for young and emerging playwrights?
Stay young as long as you can and keep emerging! Write what feels right, intake is as important as output, don’t worry about structure or format at first, just write!
Know what you want to say and why it is so unique coming from the prism of your pen. Ask questions, be curious, don’t be precious, take advice but also trust your instincts!
How did it feel winning a Tony Award?
Well, do you want the truth or the truth you want? Truth… it was a bucket list moment for me. It meant I was actually accepted into this community. It meant years and years and then more years of struggle and determination finally was recognized.
We spend so much time doubting ourselves, a moment like that just gives you a confidence that keeps you going. Also, seeing myself on TV convinced me to go on Ozempic.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success is a meeting of opportunity and ability. Preparation and persistence. Success is not really a tangible thing. It’s constantly changing, as are we. You hit a goal and then strive for a new one.
It rarely comes the way you think it will. It’s a satisfaction you have with the work you’ve done whether or not anyone ever sees it. I hope I’ve successfully answered all these questions.
To learn more about Robert Horn, follow him on Instagram.
