The Interview

Michael Thomas Glore arrived just a few minutes late for our interview, looking devilishly handsome in his two-day stubble. He appeared slightly worn-out from working his day job, from which he hopes to retire when he hits the entertainment big-time. He accepted a beer when I offered drinks and we got right to the interview.

Glores Around The Parks: You've recently been cast as Willy Wonka in the Lighthouse Repertory Theater's production. How does it feel to be thrust into such an important role on such a large stage at this point in your acting career?

Michael Thomas Glore: Well, I've gotta tell ya, A. BTW, can I call you "A?" It's

GATP: Well, I'd rather...

MTG: It's just something we do in the "biz" to save some time. You know, we just need to really concentrate on our art, which is to give ourselves fully to the written word in a script; some words, like names, just really aren't as important. I'm not saying that you're not important or worth my or our time, but as an artist I really have to make some important decisions for the sake of my ancient craft. I also sometimes make other important decisions, too. Like the time when I decided to pull-over off the highway and help deliver a baby, or when I stopped a hot chick from being mugged. You've probably heard about those, right?

GATP: Um, no, actually. Can we get back to...

MTG: You know, that's so embarrassing to me when that stuff gets leaked. I don't do it for "the press." Actually, both those things have happened a lot of times, but it's just not in my nature to boast about my many accomplishments. I'll let you guys do that, A—the press, the paparazzi. Man, you guys are always in my face [chuckles]. I'll let other people like you talk about me or label me, but I'm just not into that. I don't believe in labels. You guys can try to figure me out, but I know who I am... Anyhow, A, I just want to focus on my craft in this interview, 'cause that's what's really important—or should be—for you and your readers. So, I'll call you "A" and use the word "biz," which is short for "showbiz" or "show business," cause I just want you to understand my world. The world of art. And acting. That's my world. Welcome.

GATP: Thanks. I think. Getting back to the LRT's production of Willy Wonka, how does it feel to be part of this community theater?

MTG: It feels great to be able to support the local theater. It's not like it's Broadway or anything (though I've been there, BTW), but that's what's so special about it to me. I grew-up in this environment, it's where I mastered my craft--I guess you could call it the theater of hard knocks. The streets. I would get in a lot of fights with other kids. [chuckles] I don't wanna brag, I busted a few noses when I had to, but I took some licks of my own, too. Sometimes I would get a black eye and look like Rocky in the movies. In fact, that's what they called me for a little while, "Rocky Balboa." It was kind of a gang name. It had double meaning, too, cause Stallone is a good actor, too. Actually, some might say he's one of the greatest. But I'm not a fighter anymore. I just fought because I had to do to survive. Today, I'm much more of a pacificist. I know people are misled when they see me on the street on in the media. They're generally intimidated by my looks and accomplishments. And my studded leather jacket. But what they don't know is that I spent some time in India with the Dalai Lama, where I learned how to be a peaceful warrior; to meditate; and, to became an expert at martial arts. I sure I hope I never have to use the latter [chuckles]! The point is, it may be a storm outside, but inside this fortress [points to head], inner-peace rules. 

GATP: And how does that relate to LRT?

MTG: It's great to be at LRT. It's great to be down among the people, where I'm most comfortable. Honestly, I don't feel right amongst all the glitz and glamour. Sometimes I'll stare out the window of my house on a rainy day and I'll cry—a solitary tear will roll down my stubbly cheek. Because out there—out HERE—is where I belong. I need this. But it's not about me. It's about the people. So, I'll play Willy Wonka since they practically begged me. I haven't asked to be paid for it either. This isn't about the money. It's about the art. And what's right for me. And the people.

Does that answer your question?

GATP: Maybe. But let's move on. I didn't realize that you'd been in the "biz" for so long or with so many accomplishments under your belt. Could you talk—briefly—about your earliest experiences in musical theater?

MTG: Time is so relative. And does it even matter, really? It's actually kinda discriminatory and rude, isn't it? I don't ask you how old you are. And even if I did, I wouldn't judge you or make generalizations about your oldness. I'm sure other, less sensitive people might (bigots), but I never would. Anyhow, I would never ask an actor how long he (or SHE--see how important equal rights is to me? I don't even see gender. You know what I think about God? I believe SHE is great...)--anyhow, I'd never ask about length of time in the biz. It's just inappropriate, A, and kinda shows a little bit of inexperience on your part. But I won't judge you. I am a little embarrassed for you though.

GATP: I appreciate your candor, but I wasn't trying to be rude. I'm asking the questions the people want asked. They want to know all about you. Where you've been, what you've done, what has brought you to the stage.

MTG: Fine, fine. Let's see, earliest experiences in musical theater... I'd have to say the first musical I ever tried out for was pretty memorable. [chuckles] I basically auditioned for every part! Hard to believe now, I know, but I'm not one of those cocky Hollywood types. So, imagine my surprise when I got the lead role! Looking back, it probably wasn't a surprise to everyone. After the audition, every one kept coming up to me, saying things like, "You're the best," or "I got into acting because of you," or "You're the best actor since Marlon Brando." I think someone else told me I was "better than Shakespeare." 

GATP: As a playwright??

MTG: Anyhow, I don't put much stock into those sorts of things but at the time, it did have a big impact on me. Totally memorable. I remember about a week after the cast was announced, we had our first read-through at the theater. Basically, no one had even heard of me then (unlike now, of course!). Anyhow, we were to meet at the theater and I walked-in with my head down, a little shy and embarrassed. I could tell that all the other actors were already there in the seats--I didn't look up, really, but it's just a sixth sense or something. I've always had that. I'm also really good at tracking in the wild; used to be a survivalist, but that's another story [chuckles], but it probably does help explain my acting "instincts." Anyhow, I start walking  up the aisle and a man suddenly gets up from his seat and stands in my way. I don't look up, but I can tell by his acid-washed jeans that he's the other "big actor" that I beat out for the lead role. So, it's a bit awkward and I'm more than a little nervous. But then I hear clapping. Soft at first, but then loudly. I look up, and this man is clapping. He's looking at me with tears in his eyes, nodding his head. Soon, clapping erupts all around the theater. I look around and everyone--the whole cast--is on their feet, applauding and hollering. Anyhow, I just wanna sit down and get to my craft, so after a minute or so I smile and put my hands-up, like I'm gonna give a speech--it's clearly what they wanted. As the clapping FINALLY dies down, I'm about to open my mouth when I hear a young woman in the back yell, "You're the 'Zeus of acting!'" Then, the whole place erupted in cheers again. Anyhow, I remember that like it was yesterday... And that nickname has stuck ever since.

GATP: I'm sorry. This sounds very much like what happened YESTERDAY. Are you saying that you have no previous acting experience before you were cast as Willy Wonka? And what does the "Zeus of acting" mean, anyway?


MTG: I've been acting my whole life. And what if I was to tell you—which I'm not—that I had no previous acting experience? You're not sure what the truth is now, are you? See? It's 'cause I'm such a good actor. Maybe I've intentionally blurred the boundaries between real life and fantasy (I've done it before, if you know what I mean... Just kidding! Or am I?). But that's the heart of my ancient craft. Anyhow, I've always been acting. In my youth, I starred in One Good Cop II (limited release)...

GATP: One Good Cop II? You mean that six-minute home-video detective story you and your brothers made when you were barely a teenager? 


MTG: As well as Outtakes from One Good Cop II among others. Also, there was Family Vacation to Chicago and Camping Trip in Yosemite.


As for that whole "Zeus of acting" nickname: Again, if other people wanna label me, that's fine. It's really not important to me. What do you think it means? All I know is that Zeus was a god and was really tan, and that he ruled the oceans and had a trident and was awesome at martial arts and was Ariel's dad n' stuff. 

GATP: I think you have your ancient gods confused.

MTG: Whatever. Does some of that ring true about me, but with acting instead of the sea? Maybe. Probably. Some people clearly think so. But I don't have a mermaid daughter or anything. The point is, I would never label myself as such. And in my master classes, my young actors almost never hear me talk about myself. It's not about me and all my nicknames. It's about them. And the craft. And what insight I can provide into the craft based on my own truly unique experiences and stories.


GATP: I don't think I can even bear to ask about your master classes, so we'll just skip that. What do you think you'll bring to the role of Willy Wonka that will make it unique? How will you make it your own?


MTG: I'll just do what Gene Wilder did. Even Johnny Depp couldn't do that.


GATP: Wow. Ok, Mr. Zeus of acting. I guess we'll all have to wait until March to judge your success for ourselves. Best of luck in the preparations. I hope this interview has gotten a lot of this -- whatever this is -- out of your system. 


And that's it, fans! You now know next to nothing about Michael Thomas Glore than you did before reading this interview. Congratulations -- this is ten or fifteen minutes of your life that you will never get back. Stay tuned for more coverage of the lead-up to Opening Night for Willy Wonka. I'll bring you up-to-date breaking stories of Michael's rise to fame and fortune as it happens.











Please. Help me escape. Take pity.