Actress and performer Linda Purl chatted about her forthcoming show at The Green Room 42 on November 10th in New York City.
Can you tell us about your upcoming show at The Green Room 42… what can we expect?
Over the past 16 or so years, I’ve been oh so lucky to have the extreme talents of Musical Director Tedd Firth and writer Deborah Grace Winer as the team to build our shows.
I generally come into the room with an idea for a theme. Then we each start to pile songs into the mix that align.
With their encyclopedic minds and exquisite taste we dig into the pile to toss, add more, mix and match a bit and very eventually we land on a running order.
This year there has been so much on our hearts and minds about our changing world. Many questions arose for us in the room. Do we ignore all that? Do we face it head on? Is there a role as artists to offer coping mechanisms?
Well, there is a bit of all of that in our show. Mostly I would say the latter. So, what to expect? Let’s see. Some kick ass arrangements because they’ll be Tedd’s.
A healthy dose of humor, a dollop of facing what we’re all dealing with and a whole bunch of hope and fun.
Loved you in Season 3 (final season) of “After Forever”… How was that for you? What was it like working with Emmy winner Kevin Spirtas?
Kevin has been a pal for 25 years. We met doing the musical Camille by Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan and have remained fast pals ever since…sometimes as cabaret partners doing a show on the road. Loads of fun.
I am so filled with admiration for what he and his colleagues created in After Forever. Talk about facing life head on.
Among other qualities that brought that about were intense honesty, artistic insistence and die hard resilience to get it made. I was thrilled to have been a part of it. I can’t wait for Kevin’s next achievement.
I also loved you in the pilot of “The High Life”… How was that for you?
Oh goodness! With apologies, that was so long ago now sure I’ve conflated a few other shows in memory of having been a part of that show.
It was fun – I can say that much and again, came about through a team of artists’ drive to get it done.
What inspires you each day as an actress and performer?
That there is always something new to learn. Always. The journey is never ever finished.
What do your plans for the future include?
Thanks for asking. I have a book coming out on Amazon Nov 18 called A Peek Behind the Curtain – An Actress’ Life on the Road. It’s a journal account of a six month UK theatre tour my partner Patrick Duffy and I got to do.
Together with their merry band of actors we bounced across the English countryside to perform eight shows a week in over 20 of the most beautiful venues the UK has to offer.
Covid drop outs, hurricanes be damned, the show must and did go on, even and especially when hilarity ensued. It was a fairy tale adventure.
What is your advice for young and emerging artists, actors and performers?
Where to begin? Read a lot, see as much theatre as you possible can. Say “Yes” to opportunities…there is something to learn from every outing. Build a village of pals and a solid private life.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Staying healthy. Holding to a spiritual practice. Loving.
What would you like to say to your fans about your upcoming Green Room 42 show… What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it?
First and foremost I hope people can join us on November 10th. There is nothing like the energy of a full house…it makes for a great party.
I, for one, at this time find it important to gather with pals and strangers alike in order to experience the recharging good of time together.
It helps remind me that there is real power in good people coming together. Hope to see you there!
For more information on her show at The Green Room 42, click here.
To learn more about award-winning actress and performer Linda Purl, follow her on Instagram and visit her official homepage.
