Actor Paul Stroili, a resident member of the Purple Rose Theatre Company, is returning to Farmers Alley Theatre as a playwright/director to stage A Jukebox for the Algonquin, opening April 3. He joins Cara Lieurance for a conversation about his original play, along with actor Elizabeth Terrel (Annie) and Farmers Alley Theatre artistic and managing director Jeremy Koch.
Koch shares his personal experience watching the play, saying, "When I saw it at its world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, along with our production manager, Kathy Mulay, she and I just laughed our heads off, and we laughed so hard we cried."
For A Jukebox for the Algonquin, Stroili says he drew inspiration from an early job working at a senior living facility. "I just fell in love with the people there. They were fascinating, they were vital, they were not old people, they were just people who had lived longer, and there's a difference."
The play tells the story of residents who embark on a mission to acquire a classic Wurlitzer 1015 jukebox. "They're tired of looking at the fish tank," Stroili explained. Elizabeth Terrel, who plays Annie in the production, is enthusiastic about the the play and her character: "I can unabashedly say that this is my favorite play. I'm a fan." She's also a fan of performing in the round, saying this style offers a "communal experience."
Farmers Alley Theatre will present A Jukebox for the Algonquin through April 20. For tickets and more information visit the theater's website.
