Dayton Playhouse Presents ‘God of Carnage!’
For Tim Rezash, there is no place like home….and that means Dayton and its fabulous Playhouse! His next big directing project is ‘God of Carnage’ which will take the stage in March! I was lucky enough to gather info from the Daytonian about his love of theater, desire to direct and connection to DPH.
JS: So Tim, let’s hear a little about you….and your connection to the Dayton Playhouse.
TR: I have been affiliated with DPH for over 30 years, though in two separate periods of time. I first moved to Dayton in 1984, following graduate school, and auditioned for Company at the former DPH building on Third Street. I was cast, and stayed with DPH until moving from the area in 1992, mostly acting but a couple directing things thrown in. I returned about eight years ago and was able to “rehome” myself with the group, serving on the board, various committees, acting, and directing what will soon be five plays since coming back.
JS: And your return to DPH has been celebrated! I know in talking with a few of the cast members for your upcoming ‘God of Carnage’ they are thrilled to be working with you….and they speak highly of your directing style. Why did you choose ‘God of Carnage?’
TR: I have been in love with this play since I first saw it in New York. It was with the first replacement cast and they, and the play, were riveting. It’s one of those plays where you know that things are “going to end badly,” as one of the characters says toward the end of the play, but the ride is so fun that you can just strap yourself in and enjoy! Each character takes their own journey, the stakes are high, and the dialogue is fast paced and exciting.
Cast of ‘Carnage’ preparing for the show!
JS: Ok, so now my interest is piqued! What can I, actually the audience in general….what can they expect from this revered play?
TR: A lot of laughs, the ability to empathize with each character (at least for a while, until they say something to ruin it for you), and some interesting thoughts about how people view the world and the masks they put on. The play’s slug line is “A comedy of manners. . .without the manners.” Sort of says it all. . .
JS: Who doesn’t need to laugh? So you have had quite a lot of theater experience. What are some of the highlights in your background?
TR: I have bachelor’s degrees in both acting and directing, as well as a few advanced degrees in the social sciences. For about eight years, beginning in my mid-thirties, I was a professional actor and director in the Chicago area, including an almost two year stint in “Shear Madness,” one of the longest running plays in many cities across the country. While performing in the Charlotte, NC area, I was twice the recipient of the Metrolina Theatre Association’s Best Actor Award for performances in Glengarry Glen Ross and Doubt. Since returning to Dayton, I have been a four-time recipient of the DPH Blackburn Award for Excellence in Directing, as well as a two-time recipient of Blackburn Awards for Excellence in Acting for performances in 1776 and The Man of LaMancha.
Rezash’s Strong performance in ‘Man of La Mancha!’
JS: To have a director in any theater with that kind of talent and experience is just a huge WOW! With that in mind and knowing your great love of acting…what pulls you toward directing ‘Carnage’?
TR: I find it fascinating to have the opportunity to read a play and to later have the chance to help breathe life into it on the stage. I’m sure there’s a little bit of control freak in me, but I do enjoy the collaborative process of working with so many people to make a performance happen. I love directing ‘God of Carnage.’ and I would say what I would love to direct is whatever is next!
JS: Thank you Tim! Don’t miss this Dayton!
You can catch ‘God of Carnage’ weekends from March 10-19.
Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00; Sundays at 2:00.
