Jack O’Brien
Jack O’Brian Director of the Old Globe Theatre from 1981 till 2007 and received an Olivier nomination for Hairspray in London. His career has spanned far and wide across the decades, and by this point, he’s a piece of the Broadway furniture.
Did you watch his acceptance speech at The Tony Awards on Sunday? If not, I implore you to. Infact, to save you the effort, you can watch it here.
He reminds the audience that, among other things, most folks in the world of theatre are discouraged from pursuing performing as a career; that they’re actively told “don’t do it!”.
We’ll, Mr. O’Brien, we’re sure glad you did. Congratulations, Sir!en Three-time Tony Award Winner for his direction of Hairspray, Henry IV and The Coast of Utopia, and most recently, the recipient of one of the 2024 Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement, Jack O’Brien, joins us On The Couch this week.
Other Broadway credits include Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, Carousel, The Front Page, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, It’s Only a Play, Macbeth, The Nance, Dead Accounts, Catch Me If You Can, Impressionism, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), Imaginary Friends, The Invention of Love (Tony nomination and Drama Desk winner), The Full Monty (Tony nomination), More to Love, Getting Away with Murder, The Little Foxes, Damn Yankees, Two Shakespearean Actors (Tony nomination), and Porgy and Bess (Tony nomination). O’Brien was also the Artistic D
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Patience
What was your proudest moment?
I’m not sure it wasn’t last Sunday at the Tony’s
What is your favorite drink?
I like cold water and a Mojito made with tequila, not necessarily in that order
What is your favorite food?
Cheeseburgers and caviar, not necessarily in that order
What is your favorite condiment?
Dijon mustard
What is your current obsession?
Acupuncture
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
You
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A successful club act, but I nearly mastered that 10 years ago.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Expensive bed linens
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Answering emails immediately
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Ice cream
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Manners. I think they’re invaluable.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Caring too much what others think
What in the world most thrills you?
Bach
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you
Keeping up with it
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Do you actually think I’m going to answer that?
What is your favorite place in the world?
It used to be Paris… Now it’s Venice.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Staying awake
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I don’t know many cats. Dogs and I are on a first name basis.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
I have to confess, that is a daily occurrence with me.
What is your personal motto?
Did the Uber come yet?