Following a recent performance of Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day,” the full ensemble joined Broadway News executive editor Ruthie Fierberg for a post-show discussion. The talkback was presented in collaboration between producer Manhattan Theatre Club and the arts and culture nonprofit the 92nd Street Y.
Though “Eureka Day” has been circulating the regionals since its debut at the Aurora Theatre Company in 2018, this production marks the comedy’s Broadway debut. Directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, the play follows the parent executive committee of Eureka Day school in Berkeley, California. The group’s policy is to make all decisions by consensus, modeling progressive values for their children. But when there is a mumps outbreak at school, the committee is forced to make difficult decisions about how to move forward. The play’s cast features Amber Gray as Carina (a new mom to the school), Jessica Hecht as Suzanne (president of the committee), Bill Irwin as Don (head of school), Thomas Middleditch as Eli (a full-time father) and Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz as Meiko (a single parent).
Below are excerpts from the Jan. 9 conversation — which does include spoilers.
Broadway News: During press day, I asked each of you what drew you to the play. Now, I’m curious: What drew you to your character? Is that a quality you’re still drawn to?
Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz: That feeling of distrusting what you’re being sold. That everything is for sale and [how] that can almost paralyze you from doing anything. [Meiko’s] questioning is something I empathize with.
Thomas Middleditch: In some ways I identify with where Eli’s at in life — and also [his tendency to] confidently and slightly naively put his foot in his mouth. That I know. But [this role] explores some things I can grasp and things that are new to me, which is always a good challenge.
Amber Gray: It wasn’t Carina, specifically, that attracted me to it. But what I am having fun with, at the moment, is the arc — of being really nice to these people and then getting to actually assert myself. That is super fun to play.
Bill Irwin: The guy I play, I am fond of. One of the sort of contemporary Chekhovian angles that the writer has given him is that [Don] has dedicated his life to education and school administration, but that he still thinks there might be room in his life to have a mime career.
There is a small section in the script where Don tells Suzanne that he has always considered a career as a mime. You, Bill, are known for your clowning and miming. Was that section added during rehearsals because Bill Irwin is playing the role?
