Margot Rose
This week, we’re On The Couch with writer and performer Margot Rose, whose deeply personal new play, Unconditional, a musical memoir, is currently enjoying a limited run at La MaMa. Six years in the making, the production represents the fulfillment of a promise Margot made to her daughter. Some of her previous credits include the original Off-Broadway production of I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “The West Wing”, and “Desperate Housewives”. When she’s not creating work for the stage, you’ll likely find her walking her dog Heifer or dreaming up her next creative project with her son, Will. Margot shares the humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom in everything she creates. Read our full interview here.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Loyalty and oppositional defiance
What was your proudest moment?
When my play was finally cooked after six years plus & I knew I’d kept the promise I made to my daughter
What is your favorite drink?
COFFEEEEEE (also bubble water & super frigid Diet Coke)
What is your favorite food?
Perfectly cooked salmon (also white nectarines in season & Acai)
What is your favorite condiment?
Veganese
What is your current obsession?
My dog Heifer. Podcasts.
Walking my dog Heifer while listening to podcasts.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Self-centeredness. Maybe Acai if you really pushed me.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
To keep performing UNCONDITIONAL and continue creating art in collaboration with my son Will until I trip off the line.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Squeaky toys and double dirty almond Chai Lattes.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Attending to unnecessary minutiae.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Grief and genetic architecture
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Lifelong belief in and the defense of justice (and a little bit of magic).
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Mom: victimhood & martyrdom. Dad: more is more
What in the world most thrills you?
Telling stories & making songs
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
The unapologetic devastation of empathy and civil discourse as demonstrated by reality TV.
What was the most embarrassing moment you have ever experienced on the job?
Running sound when I was 14 at the Dunes Summer Theatre, Northern Indiana.
On opening night during the final scene of The Crucible, I cued the wrong sound – a mooing cow- instead of tolling bells, thus nearly trashing the play’s ending and Elizabeth Paxton’s closing speech accompanied as it was by a wave of chuckles and a few outright guffaws from the house. Elizabeth was played by Sally Black, a large, formidable woman, a pro out of Chicago. As the curtain fell, she bellowed my name. Positively bellowed it, stomping across the stage, livid & looking. I did not respond to her. I ducked down and stayed hidden in the crow’s nest sound booth until the theatre completely cleared. Dunno what happened the next night. I blocked it out.
What is your favorite place in the world?
A beach in Monterey CA; Venice, Italy; a treehouse in Washington state.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A what? (Cue laughter)
In truth, Kindness, humor, smarts & cuteness.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs but during my kids’ childhood I was affectionately called St. Francis of Hesby Street – all animals are welcome!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Already had it.
What is your personal motto?
Don’t waste what you’ve been granted. Love more.