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A dynamic force in broadcast television for over forty years, Larry Gelbart is popularly known for his work producing and writing for the innovative and socially aware series, M*A*S*H. Having also written for film (Tootsie) and stage (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Gelbart returns to the theatre to collaborate with Craig Wright on Better Late, a brand-new play written expressly for Northlight. Recently, Gelbart took time out during re-writes to quip a bit with Artistic Director BJ Jones.
BJ Jones: Tell us about your Chicago connection.
Larry Gelbart: Born on the northwest side on Crystal Avenue. Went to Bryant Grammar School and Marshall High. Learned to play the clarinet at Lyon & Healy on Wabash Avenue, learned everything else at Woolf's Barber Shop on 12th and Lawndale, where my father cut off more hair than Henry the Eighth.
BJ: Where did the idea come from for Better Late?
LG: Situation happened to some people I know. I told Craig. The rest is hopefully history.
BJ: When you sit down to write nowadays, what comes first – the idea, a burning desire to say something, a structure or style you want to explore, or have you achieved the treasured time in a career when you actually create for fun again?
LG: I've always created for fun. You do it for only the money, and you don't have to wait until the next morning to hate yourself. A burning desire to say something is good. Being angry about something is even better. Structure and style are automatic; they're emotion-free.
BJ: If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
LG: I’d get older a hell of a lot slower.
BJ: Who are you voting for next November?
LG: Adlai Stevenson. I can't stop. |
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This play is the recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays
Award and the Selma Melvoin Playwriting Award. The Elizabeth F.
Cheney Foundation provided additional support.
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