Matt de Rogatis chatted about producing and starring in the new Off-Broadway play “Lone Star,” which is about the veterans.
He also serves as Chairman and Creative Director of Ruth Stage. He previously starred as Brick in the Off-Broadway show “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
How did it feel to star as the male lead in “Lone Star”?
Well, I’ve been fortunate enough to play some great roles in the theatre. Many of the greatest actually. And of them all, Roy is my favorite character. ‘Lone Star’ is my favorite play. This will be the 4th time I’ve played Roy.
The success of our group, Ruth Stage, especially recently with our Cat on a Hot Tin Roof productions, has allowed us to now go back into the vault, open it up, pull out ‘Lone Star’ and give it another run.
I’m not going to say that this is the last time I will do this role and this play because it may turn out to be very successful where it would make sense to remount it again at some point.
There is a real chance that this will be the swan song for my favorite character that I’ve ever played. It’s shaping up to be a special production for me with the people involved.
I guess I feel like this is my love letter to Roy. Not only am I acting in this play, but I am producing it as well. I started playing him in 2010 and here we are now, 13 years later. It’s great to be able to bring Roy and ‘Lone Star’ to a legitimate Off-Broadway run. That was always the plan and to now be able to execute it is a great feeling.
What’s it like working with Joe Rosario as director?
Joe and I work very closely together on every aspect of Ruth Stage. It’s hard to think of working with him and only calling him a director because it is so much more. On that front though, this will be my 5th show working with Joe in that capacity.
I enjoy working with him as much as I’ve ever enjoyed working with anyone. We are very in sync, and he always provides me with an alternative way of delivering a line or playing a scene. He has only helped me in my journey as an actor and for certain Ruth Stage would not be where it is today without his influence.
Did this play teach you anything about yourself?
Well, I view acting very much as a learning experience. I feel as though I’ve learned more about myself and life through acting than I ever did in school – at any level. This particular character, Roy, he’s a Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD and just diving into that era has been very educational.
Also, as someone who has a degree in psychology, looking into the effects of PTSD and ascribing them to Roy is part of my whole creative experience.
I think if anything, this play and this character, like all the plays and characters I am involved with, has taught me that this is something that I truly enjoy and immerse myself in completely. There really isn’t anything else in my life that gives me this feeling. I enjoy many things – like psychology for example.
But acting and the deep character dives and producing these shows – it has taught me for sure that this is what I need to be doing. All of this has taught me that I’m on the right path.
How does it feel to be an actor and filmmaker in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
I started acting in the city towards the dawn of the 2010’s so to be honest, I don’t really know any other way. Yes, I do remember the days of the physical headshot and mailing it in to some casting office, but that’s all bullshit.
Believe me it is. If you want to do this, you must do it yourself. And I think that is the beauty of the digital age. We all have a much larger platform to showcase ourselves.
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?
Do it yourself if you have the stomach for it. If you don’t – do something else. No one is coming to save and discover you.
What are some of your favorite mottos to live by?
Many people walk around saying things like they don’t take things personally. I am the opposite. I take things personally. Now what do I mean by that? Does that mean that I think everyone is out to get me or that I’m some lunatic who is chasing down the guy on the Garden State Parkway who cut me off? No.
We all encounter people in our lives who say or do shitty things to us. Maybe they say something insulting, or belittle us, maybe they tell you that you aren’t good enough or betray you in some way.
So, what I’m saying is, use that – use that other person’s negativity – take it personally – because it was, it was a personal attack – and turn it into something really positive so that you can grow and reach a higher level than you even thought possible.
I’m not going to excuse someone’s horrible behavior by saying, “Oh well, I don’t take it personally, that’s their own issue, etc.” No, when it is warranted, I use it to try and become a better version of myself. It gives me that extra motivation that I need. In this business you need to find motivation. Find it in the negativity.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success is not having to wake up at 7 a.m. and go work for some jerk. It’s doing things on my own terms. Once that ends, poison me.
What would you like to say about “Lone Star”? (what’s the one thing you want people to get out of it)
Our group, Ruth Stage, is dedicated to helping others in the same way that we look to others to help us. In the past we have given grants to other theatre groups, families of fallen first responders, Vietnam vets, and students.
We have partnered with cancer organizations. With ‘Lone Star,’ even though we have not publicly announced it yet, we are using this production to honor veterans and raise awareness for PTSD that many of them still suffer from to this day.
I want people to know that when they buy a ticket or support our group that a portion of it is always going somewhere else. Somewhere good. And this time, with ‘Lone Star’ being a post-Vietnam play – it’s about the veterans.
Also, we are doing something really interesting with this production. I can’t spoil it too much but we have signed a contract with Legacy Comix in Brooklyn. Patrick Hickey Jr. and his staff are working on something really special for this production.
When you come to the show, not only are you going to see four great actors at work but you’re also going to see a comic book come to life. That’s all I can say for right now.
To learn more about the Off-Broadway show “Lone Star,” check out the official Ruth Stage website.
