Actor Dan Amboyer chatted bout his new Off-Broadway show “Maybe Tomorrow,” where he stars opposite Tony nominated-actress Elizabeth A. Davis.
The play was written by Max Mondi and directed by Chad Austin. It is presented by the Abingdon Theatre Company, and performed at A.R.T. New York Theatres — Mezzanine Theatre.
‘Maybe Tomorrow’ play
“I am thrilled to be part of the Off-Broadway premiere of ‘Maybe Tomorrow’,” he said. “It is an intimate study of a relationship in flux–when a child comes into their lives, everything between a couple is new and must be re-negotiated.”
“As a parent, this connects to something I learned. At a certain point, you must re-discover who you are, and who you are as a couple, through the lens of being a parent. And that can come with major growing pains,” he elaborated.
“The majority of the play is set in a mobile home bathroom, but at the same time, the play feels refreshingly theatrical and expansive. In ways I don’t want to give away. And there’s so much humor throughout,” he added.
Working with Elizabeth A. Davis
On getting to work with Elizabeth A. Davis, he said, “We start rehearsals next week, and I can’t wait to get to work with Elizabeth! We’ve exchanged messages and voice notes so far and you could hear our kiddos in the background on either end, so we’ve got that in common. She is going to be fantastic in this role.”
“To be honest, I first saw her onstage in ‘Once’ on Broadway (for which she was nominated for a Tony Award), and I was smitten by her talent and charisma. I feel like we’re going to make a great team, which is incredibly important when it’s a two-person play,” he explained.
“So much trust between actors,” he admitted. “We only have each other out there. I am also thrilled to reunite with our director, Chad Austin. Chad and I first worked on another play, as fellow actors, years ago.”
“Since then, I’ve gotten to rediscover Chad as a director–and his instincts and tastes are top-notch. I am savoring the chance to collaborate with him on this play,” he added.
‘Channing/Tatum’ show at The Green Room 42
Most recently, Amboyer played Channing Tatum in a public reading of Adam Overett’s new musical “Channing/Tatum,” which was directed by Ty Blue, the director of “Titanique.”
“It is a musical fantastia which asks the question, what if the ghost of Carol Channing and Channing Tatum teamed up to breathe fresh life into Broadway? And can Channing Tatum even do Broadway at all?” he said.
“Think Terrence McNally’s Master Class meets Magic Mike. It was a ton of fun, also a ton of heart, and the shows sold out before we even started rehearsing,” he said. “The audiences seemed to have a great time. A smart and catchy idea for a musical. And I can’t speak highly enough of Nina West (of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame) and her true talent.”
“She played Carol Channing, and gave a star-turn performance. And that performance came from a mystically alive place from the moment she opened her mouth at the first rehearsal. I hope it finds a full commercial run soon,” he added.
‘Lone Star’ Off-Broadway show
Amboyer also opened up about playing the role of Ray in “Lone Star,” where he starred opposite Matt de Rogatis (directed by Joe Rosario).
“I loved playing Ray,” he exclaimed. “I had been looking for an opportunity to step outside of some similiar-ish roles that were coming my way. Playing a grungy small town Texan mechanic with simple tastes and an enormous heart was a great opportunity to reveal a different side of myself.”
“I relished the chance to find freedom and a sense of danger onstage. ‘Lone Star’ challenged me to create a sense of unpredictability and the palpable vulnerability that Ray lead with,” he added.
Best advice he has ever been given
Amboyer went on to share the best advice that he has ever been given: “Fortune favors the brave.”
Balancing acting career with a family life
On balancing an acting career with a family life, he noted that it is a “huge challenge.”
“My priorities have sharpened, and if I am going to be away from my family, the opportunity must be worthwhile. At the same time, I think being a parent has only made me stronger as an artist,” he said.
“My well feels deeper, and if I have committed to a job, its because I really want to be there. I will give it my all, because I need the sacrifice to be worth it. Practically, I try to keep life as normal as possible with the children’s schedules,” he elaborated.
“I maintain my usual activities and responsibilities with them whenever I can. When I leave town to film or do a play, I come back to be with them on any days off. It’s a lot, but I’ll rest when I’m old,” he explained.
‘Yahoo Finance’ feature with his husband Eric P. Berger
Amboyer discussed being featured in Yahoo Finance along with husband, financial advisor Eric P. Berger.
“That was an unusual experience,” he noted. “Eric and I have never done an interview together. He’s been interviewed for his work in finance, as well as for his work with LGBTQ+ social impact organizations, but he doesn’t usually field personal questions.”
“It was a fun moment for us,” he admitted. “At first, I thought I would be there more to chime in with a one-line zinger here and there, but it ended up being much more personal to us than I imagined.”
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, he said, “To pursue your goals without abandon. Study. Intern, if you’re able to make it work. Learn all parts of the craft. Backstage, off camera, whatever. Be humble. Be kind. Be curious. When you’re starting, say ‘yes’ to everything that you possibly can say ‘yes’ to.”
“When you get in the room with seasoned artists, listen and watch closely. You will learn from good experiences, you’ll also learn from challenging experiences. Support your fellow artists, raise them up,” he elaborated.
“The people you come up with will be your artistic family and your support system. Their success will become your success, their joy will become your joy,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Amboyer said, “Success means to do meaningful work, work that finds people and connects with their hearts and minds. To have quality time and adventures with my family, and to pay the bills.”
Closing thoughts on ‘Maybe Tomorrow’
For fans and viewers, he remarked, “This is a play that feels tailored for the ‘now’ we live in, and reflects something that many people are feeling. The world today can feel overwhelming.”
“At some point, does it all become too much? On your worst day, what gets you out of bed? How do you harness your power and what are you willing to sacrifice for your truth?” he said.
“The play is intensely intimate and true to the complex relationships within a growing family, but also reflective of a chapter many of us are moving through as people in this country,” he elaborated.
“I am looking forward to getting into rehearsals and diving into all of these questions, and creating something thrillingly alive and immediate onstage,” he concluded.
For more information on “Maybe Tomorrow,” visit its theater’s official website.
To learn more about Dan Amboyer, follow him on Instagram, and check out his official website.
