many people don’t know is he
not only has an MFA in playwriting, but originally came to New
York City to be a playwright. In
fact, Charles Durning, who became a father figure for Lauria,
helped him get his first production mounted on Off-Broadway in
just a few years. The experience
helped him land an agent and his
acting career took off. It’s one
that has landed him roles in films,
television and even Broadway. So,
why is he holding the world premiere of his play at the tiny playhouse in Long Branch, NJ?
It’s because the theater shares
the same mission as he does.
“It feels great to be here with
Gabe and SuzAnne Barabas,” said
Lauria. “Gabe’s one of the few
people who ever listened to me. I
told him years ago when they first
got started that no theater ever
made a name by doing a revival
and 99% of the plays he produces
are originals… For me, it feels
great to be here… to be able to
literally have a place where you
can try and fail, and go back and
try again, until you get the play to
where you want it to be.
“In the first public reading [of
“Dinner With The Boys”], Peter
wasn’t there and I read his part,
but we read it again at Peter’s
house for a very limited audience
Why is Dan Lauria holding the world premiere of
his play at the tiny playhouse in Long Branch?
Because they share the same mission.?
New Jersey Stage
September 2014
pg 16