Read what actresses Anne Thibault (Matt), Laura Rikard (Ben) and director Angie Flynn McIver have to say about their journey with Matt&Ben. Get your tickets to spend and evening with them during the run of Matt&Ben: May17- June11, 2017.
Why two women?
Angie: The play explores the question of how friendship can be altered by fame, or even the potential of fame. That’s the primary theme, and of course the play uses the friendship of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to look at that question, in a kind of surreal and playful way. If Matt and Ben were played by men, the audience would have to spend a bunch of time deciding whether the actors were “like” Matt and Ben, and how good a job they were doing impersonating the famous actors. With them being played by women, we understand instinctively that the play is simply borrowing the idea of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to look at much more universal questions.
Anne: I would add that Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers wrote this script because they looked at the landscape of women’s roles at the time and didn’t feel they were satisfactory, so they started writing their own work. I think it’s a commentary on that to have them play two young men who were living seemingly charmed lives.
So the play needs a fight choreographer?
Angie: Yes, our good friend Bill Munoz choreographed the fights for us. It’s a very physical play! We really use the whole stage.
Anne: The play needs a fight choreographer because sometimes Ben is not as in control of his emotions as he should be. Also, some might say Matt is a bit of a wimp.
Laura: Because sometimes Ben forgets that Matt is “littler” than he is
What’s your favorite moment?
Angie: It’s hard to answer this without giving things away! Let’s just say, there are two cameos in the show that I find very funny.
Anne: Laura and I have been friends for 20 years, so I love the moments of friendship being put to the test that we have been through and survived.
Laura: Let’s just say “I do impressions mostly.”
Who is cooler Matt or Ben?
Angie: Ben. No question.
Anne: If by “who is cooler?” you mean “Who is more careless, obnoxious, and oblivious to the point of being dangerous?,” then yes, Ben is cooler.
Laura: Well the one you want to sleep with of course…..Ben.
