Theater News

Quick Wit: Robert Schrock

The director of the Off-Broadway hit Naked Boys Singing reveals much to Christina D’Angelo.

Bob Schrock
Bob Schrock

I recently caught up with Robert Schrock, the creator, author, and director of the hilarious revue Naked Boys Singing. Yes, just as the title would suggest, all the boys are naked and singing–and on top of that, the show is both witty and poignant.

Schrock himself is no stranger to less-than-fig-leafing-it: He went naked in Tom Eyen’s The Dirtiest Show In Town, once upon a time. He also played The Mute in The Fantasticks at the Sullivan Street Playhouse. Currently, Schrock devotes the majority of his talents to his work as the Producing Artistic Director of the Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles, where he has mounted some 40 productions, including the original productions of Men on the Verge of a His-Panic Breakdown and A Language of Their Own. He has also directed End of the World, Party, The Ballad of Little Mikey, and Too Old for the Chorus, which he is currently planning to bring to the New York stage. His myriad accolades include Ovation, Garland, GLAAD, and L.A. Weekly Awards, plus seven Drama-Logue awards. Perhaps Schrock greatest laurel wreath, however, is his charming demeanor, likable personality, and yes, quick wit.

What are your three favorite films?

Some Like it Hot, Cinema Paradiso, and Auntie Mame.

Who is your favorite character from a novel?

Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye.

If you were a shade of lipstick what would you be called?

Pucker.

If I put a gun to your head, would you watch Touched by an Angel?

No. I’d take the bullet.

Besides kicking my teeth in, what would you most love to do?

Succeed.

Who are your favorite Broadway actors?

Zero Mostel, Angela Lansbury, and Zoe Caldwell.

What foreign language would you most love to study?

Italian.

Who would you consider the most important film director ever?

George Cukor.

And the most important theatrical director?

I’d have to say Hal Prince, because he’s so advanced the art.

Who are your favorite singers and/or songs?

The opera singer Montserrat Caballe, the aria “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and all five and a half hours of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung.

What is the first thing your reach for in the morning?

One of my cats.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Vanilla.

What is the most important thing about Easter?

Cadbury Eggs.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My lover, Peter.

What is your favorite libation?

Beer.

What is your favorite piece of furniture?

My bed.

If you could exhume any Hollywood actor and go on a date with him, who would that be?

Gary Cooper.

Who is your favorite designer?

Frank Lloyd Wright.

Bonus Question: Name three Renaissance masters known for painting and/or sculpting nudes.

Rubens, Botticelli, and Michelangelo.

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Naked Boys Singing!

Closed: January 28, 2012