Willy Appelman is a Pipeline ensemble member and has appeared in our productions of Clown Bar, Felix and the Diligence, and Shakespeare the Dead. This February, he’ll be playing the role of the “Tsar” in Beardo. In addition to his work with Pipeline, Willy appears regularly at the Magnet Theater, is a 2-time Moth StorySLAM winner, and has been featured on The Today Show, Mashable, The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan and NPR’s All Things Considered. Learn more about Willy in our interview below, and catch him in action in Beardo this February. Get your tickets now and take advantage of our discounted pre-sale rate.
Pipeline Theatre Company: What attracted you to Beardo? What made you want to work on this project?
Willy Appelman: The story of Rasputin blows my mind and has always held my interest. That combined with Pipeline’s involvement caught my attention and obviously made me want to be a part of the magic.
PTC: Where do you see yourself in your character?
WA: I am playing the Tsar and I see myself in the indecisive but seemingly bold nature of the character. I love playing high status characters who really are low status. The idea that the Tsar has all this power and is losing it as the play progresses is very fun for me. It’s being the big fish in the pond and having the new kid come in, and not knowing what to do. That’s scary and tragic but relatable and ultimately very funny.
PTC: If you ruled the world, what would you be remembered for?
WA: If I ruled the world I’d be remember for my delicious coffee, the fact that I can roll my stomach, and for teaching the masses how to dance WELL.
PTC: Tell me two truths and a lie.
WA: I had breakfast with Hillary Clinton in 4th grade, I met Magic Johnson in 7th, and in high school I took a limo with the Dalai Lama.
PTC: If you could create a tagline for this show, what would it be?
WA: “No matter what mood you’re in, it’s time for some sex!”
