In the Wings: Daniel Alexander Jones and Dito van Reigersberg
The Kimmel Center’s Theatre Residency Program features five talented artists who have collaborated with both the Center and New York City’s famed Joe’s Pub for a summer workshop. The goal: develop new works in the heart of the Kimmel’s creative incubator, the SEI Studio. We had a chance to chat with the artists, and this week, we’ll be sharing their answers to our rapid-fire Q&A. Today, we’re featuring artists Daniel Alexander Jones and Philly favorite Dito van Reigersberg.
Daniel Alexander Jones
My name is… Daniel Alexander Jones.
I am a… Boss
When I get to opening night for this residency, I will… feel bittersweet, as the making is the magic at this point.
My favorite part of developing this show is… the alchemy with my extraordinary collaborator, Dr. Bobby Halvorson.
To get into character, I… don’t.
My first stage kiss… is something I’m still waiting for.
The first play I was in was… a fairy tale at summer camp. I was a Prince who blew a horn.
My dream role is… Doctor Who.
The worst costume I ever wore was… a hunchback’s cloak made of large and dusty pieces of carpet sewn together.
My surprising celebrity crush is… Helen Mirren.
The most famous person I’ve ever met was… Diana Ross.
The last thing I binge-watched was… Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown
To stay in shape I… do many things.
The last time I dined out in Philadelphia, I ate… vegetables.
The best show I saw in Philly recently…I haven’t seen anything since I’ve been here, as I’m focused on working.
The best things about this theatre residency project are… getting to meet the other artists, and having a chance for immersive process, in a supportive and motivated community of separate collaborative teams. It is a fantastic idea.
My name is… Dito van Reigersberg
Dito Van Reigersberg
I am a… hairy towering drag presence
When I get to opening night for this residency, I will… take a deep breath and jump
My favorite part of developing this show is… making something entirely new. The births of new songs vary in terms of pain and speed but when it all starts to tumble and flow it’s ecstatic
To get into character, I… put on my lashes and say lines from Sunset Boulevard.
My first stage kiss…was in Romeo and Juliet in high school.
The first play I was in was… Animal Farm. As a horse.
My dream role is… Evita.
The worst costume I ever wore was… a bad Shakespeare design with clothes made of upholstery cloth.
My surprising celebrity crush is… Patti LaBelle.
The most famous person I’ve ever met… Charlie Hunnam.
The last thing I binge-watched… Orange is the New Black.
To stay in shape I… take yoga at Practice Yoga
The last time I dined out in Philadelphia, I ate… at Brigantessa.
The best show I saw in Philly recently… Stevie Wonder.
The best thing about this theatre residency project is… the luxury of time and the other amazing collaborators.
