5-4 Debra Monk - Part 1

What is it that makes one a star? Is it talent? Is it perseverance? Or is it just plain hard work? Perhaps it’s all three. We’ll discuss this and much, much more in this episode’s conversation with Debra Monk.

When I was studying Theater in College at what is now Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD. Our Acting teacher, Dr David Press, would give us acting exercises to perform. Often, he would hold up the example of how Debra Monk, or Deb, as he called her, performed a particular exercise as the best example of how to perform that exercise. Debra was a senior then when I was just a freshman, so our paths did not cross very much when we were there. 

Over the years, I heard of her success, first on TV getting an Emmy for her performance as Andy Sipowicz’s wife in NYPD Blue. Then, while visiting Dr. Press, he told me of her shows on Broadway. I looked her up and told her I was coming to see her in the play Curtains on Broadway. She met me after the show and graciously gave me a backstage tour. Later, while she was performing Laughing Wild, a two person show with Christopher Durang in Boston, I met her for lunch and to talk about old times. 

 Two years ago, for Episode 3-6, I asked if she wanted to contribute a message to my acting mentor and our mutual teacher, Dr. David Press. She sent me a glowing tribute which was just wonderful. So, earlier this year I contacted her about an interview, and she agreed to sit with me.

I’m Tim Rose and this is the Tim Tunes podcast. In this episode, part 1 of 2 of our interview with Debra Monk, we cover multiple topics: from how she got into the business, how she approaches her work, and stories from her career. So, assume your favorite podcast listening position as we delve into the life and times of a true American Treasure.

Debra has asked for donations to her favorite charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Just click on the link to find out more and make a donation.

Transcript

5-5 Debra Monk – Part 1

[Intro]
[Intro Theme – Motor]

What is it that makes one a star? Is it talent? Is it perseverance? Or is it just plain hard work? Perhaps it’s all three. We’ll discuss this and much, much more in this episode’s conversation with Debra Monk.

When I was studying Theater in College at what is now Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD. Our Acting teacher, Dr David Press, would give us acting exercises to perform. Often, he would hold up the example of how Debra Monk, or Deb, as he called her, performed a particular exercise as the best example of how to perform that exercise. Debra was a senior then when I was just a freshman, so our paths did not cross very much when we were there.

Over the years, I heard of her success, first on TV getting an Emmy for her performance as Andy Sipowicz’s wife in NYPD Blue. Then, while visiting Dr. Press, he told me of her shows on Broadway. I looked her up and told her I was coming to see her in the play Curtains on Broadway. She met me after the show and graciously gave me a backstage tour. Later, while she was performing Laughing Wild, a two person show with Christopher Durang in Boston, I met her for lunch and to talk about old times.

Two years ago, for Episode 3-6, I asked if she wanted to contribute a message to my acting mentor and our mutual teacher, Dr. David Press. She sent me a glowing tribute which was just wonderful. So, earlier this year I contacted her about an interview, and she agreed to sit with me.

[Pod Lick]

Hi. I’m Tim Rose and this is the Tim Tunes pod cast. In this episode, part 1 of 2 of our interview with Debra Monk, we cover multiple topics: from how she got into the business, how she approaches her work, and stories from her career. So, assume your favorite podcast listening position as we delve into the life and times of a true American Treasure.

[Pod Lick – Big D]

[Intro and Getting Roles]

Earlier, in 2024, Debra invited me to her lovely Upper West Side condo, in Manhattan, for our interview. We sat at her dining table and got to work.

{Intro - Clip}

[Podlick – Rockabilly Guitar]

[Getting Started]

Next we moved on to how Debra got started in acting.

[Learning the craft and moving to NYC]

Now that she was accepted in graduate school at SMU Debra had to scramble to catch up to the other students as she came so late to Acting. Let’s listen in as she talks about the value of her education and what she learned at SMU.

[Origin Story, Pump Boys and Dinettes]

[Play Song-Highway 57]

{Writing songs for Pump Boys and Dinettes}

[Play Song – Menu Song]

{Writing songs for Pump Boys and Dinettes}

[Play Song – Tips]

We’ve just been listening to selections from the 1988 original cast album of Debra Monk’s Tony Nominated hit, Pump Boys and Dinettes. The show was written and conceived by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann. We heard the opening song “Highway 57” written by Jim Wann and performed by the cast, as well as “The Menu Song” written by Cass Morgan and Debra Monk featuring the two on vocals, and, finally, “Tips” Written by Debra Monk and Cass Morgan featuring the two of them.

Now, let’s return to our interview as Debra discusses her other songwriting accomplishments.

{Writing Songs for Oil City Symphony}

{Beehive Polka}

{Mrs. Reeves}

{Ohio Afternoon}

We’ve just been listening to some of the excerpts from the music from Oil City Symphony by Mike Craver, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, and Mary Murfitt. First, we listened to the Beehive Polka, a little call back to Lawrence Welk, then an excerpt from Mrs. Reeves and finally Debra is featured on the lovely ballad called Ohio Afternoon.

Now let’s jump ahead to 1990 when Debra was working on Assassins by Stephen Sondheim as she tells as a little about her process and how she approached the show.

{Shows Don't Get Recognition On Premiere – Sondheim – Clip}

During this time Debra was also working on Broadway in the romantic comedy Prelude to a Kiss as Mrs. Boyle. She also premiered the musical Nick and Nora as Lily Conners. Let’s listen to her sing “People Get Hurt” from Nick and Nora. Written by Charles Strouse and Richard Maltby, Jr.

{Play – People get hurt}

In 1993 Debra was awarded a Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance as Geneva Riordan in Lanford Wilson’s drama Redwood Curtain.

After that she played Rosemary Sydney in the 1994 revival of the William Inge drama, Picnic. Debra was nominated for a Tony for best featured actress in a play for that role.

In 1997 Debra appeared on Broadway in the Kander and Ebb musical Steel Pier. Now, in full disclosure I was aware of this show before this, but I hadn’t heard the music and really didn’t understand what it was about.

I’ll let you look it up to find out the plot. But Debra’s character Shelby Stevens sings a terrific song called “Everybody’s Girl”. Now, if you are a fan of this podcast, then you’ve heard my song, Dottie Lou, and you may have even listened to my interview with the real, live Dottie Lou back in season 3 episode 5. I think that this song embodies what the character of Dottie Lou in the song, would have sung. Maybe that’s why I like this song so much. In any event, here is Debra Monk singing “Everybody’s Girl” from Kander and Ebb’s production of Steel Pier.

{Play – Everybody’s Girl}

We’ll that’s it for part one of our conversation with Debra Monk. We’ll be releasing part two in the next few weeks so keep checking back to see if it’s been released. 

In the next episode we’ll continue our conversation of Debra’s broadway career as we discuss the Show Curtains. Then, we’ll take a look at Debra’s Film and TV work. Finally, we’ll end up with Debra’s advice to actors. 

We ask all of our interviewees if they hve a charity that they would like to ask you to donate to. Debra has asked that you send your donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. You can do so at broadwaycares.org.

As always you can reach me at timtunespodcast@gmail.com or on the timtunespodcast group on facebook.  I look forward to your comments on this and any other episode.

If you’d like to support the podcast you can do so by subscribing to patreon.com/timtunes or by sending donations on Venmo @rimtoes that’s r i m t o e s, it’s an anagram of tim rose.

I wish everyone good health and happiness until next time. Soooooooo Long!