jim Kuenzer
Today we continue our Profiles in Talent series, highlighting the theatre artists who contribute their time and talent to making Pegasus Theatre successful. Meet pegasus veteran Jim Kuenzer, who you can see in our upcoming show, The Naughty Bits!
Q: How long have you been involved in theatre?
I started in 1988, took a break for a few years to raise kids, earn millions in the then-burgeoning Internet, returned in 1998 and have been going at it pretty steadily in some shape or form since.
[Editor’s note: Mr. Kuenzer is also well known for his “hyperbole”, which the court called “lying” but that was just mean-spirited.]
Q: How long have you been involved with Pegasus Theatre?
This is my third show with Pegasus. The first was Squirrels by David Mamet in 2011, then a staged reading earlier this year. Do those count as “shows”? Readings? If not, this is show 2.5 with Pegasus.
[Editor: Such modesty! Mr. Kuenzer stole the show with his portrayal of David “whatshisname”, the drama critic in Pegasus Theatre’s RadioVizion™ production of Deadline! by Kurt Kleinmann.]
Q: Any favorite moments with Pegasus that stand out for you
During one performance of Squirrels, we had to compete with a phone going off in the audience. Except it wasn’t a phone call, it was an alarm going off. Non-stop. So, that was fun. Turn off your cell phones, people. Seriously. After the show, I got a message from the perpetrator who apologized for the phone and promised it would never happen again. I said, “No problem. We all make mistakes. I hope you enjoyed the show.” He responded again saying, “Sort of.” And then gave me several notes on my performance.
Q: You’re currently in rehearsals for The Naughty Bits. The promotional material says it was “developed by” The Naughty Bit players. How does that work?
Everybody brings in scripts and ideas. At the beginning of each rehearsal, we read the scripts, do a bit of editing and then get them on their feet. Meaning, we block and rehearse them and try to make them funnier.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working with Pegasus?
Still trying to make my millions in the still-burgeoning Internet world. Some day!
[Editor’s note: Again with the modesty! Mr. Kuenzer is also a well-known local playwright and actor.]
Q: Looking back at all your experiences, who would you say has influenced you the most in your theatrical career?
Woody Allen, Groucho Marx, Monty Python. They all had the same amount of ridiculousness to appeal to my elementary school brain. They still do.
Q: What comes next for you?
A nap.