| Feature | Sep. 22, 2008 | 11:59 pm |
The director of Not a Chance in Newark can’t write poetry but has unsymmetrical toes
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Each week, 20 Questions features a Northwestern student artist in a Q&A format.
This week: Communication junior Jen D’Angelo, the director of Not a Chance in Newark, fills us in about how bad Shanley Pavilion is, how great Chili’s is and why mother knows best.
If you’re wondering what to do this weekend and the prospect of being in a plane crash sounds appealing, check out Not a Chance in Newark. This show is part scripted, part improv and, perhaps most impressive of all, it was directed, written and produced by non-theater majors. It’s also interactive, though I’ve been told by cast member Chris Wade, a Communication senior, the worst thing that might happen to an unwitting audience member is being approached by Communication junior Tim McGovern in a fat suit.
It’s premiering this Thursday in Shanley Pavilion at 8 p.m., running through the weekend with a special “red-eye” show on Friday at midnight and two shows (8 p.m. and 11 p.m.) on Saturday. The flights cost $3, and, in about an hour, you’ll be back home in good old Evanston again.
What is Not a Chance in Newark?
It’s a hilarious, partially interactive comedy about a doomed flight to Newark.
What do you do in it?
I’m the director. I direct things.
Who’s the most annoying person on the cast?
I’ve been trying to think of a funny way to answer this question for about two minutes now, and I’ve got to tell you… I got nothing.
Who’s your favorite comedian?
I’m a big fan of Kristen Schaal, she’s so awkward and hilarious.
How depressing is Shanley Shack?
I actually love Shanley. I love that it’s small and dirty and quite possibly the worst place to do theater ever. I think it’s great because it gives you nothing, and people fill it with so much. I love seeing what people do with it, and how they put a terrible space to great use.
If you had to take someone in a fight, who would it be and why?
Probably no one. I am very small, and would most likely lose no matter who I was matched up against.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Evanston?
Chili’s. Seriously.
What do you think of classic rock?
It’s classic!
Would you rather get walked in on (having sex) by your mother or father?
I guess my Mom? She’d probably be really funny about it. She might not even notice what she walked in on.
What’s your worst addiction?
Coke. But, like, Coca-Cola Coke, not like “should we do something about this answer?” coke
Drink of choice?
I’d have to say margaritas. Which is why I like Chili’s! See? It all makes sense.
What do you hate about Northwestern?
I wish our football games were bigger news. I love tailgating and getting pumped up for football games. I wish we got more into it here.
What’s the weirdest thing about your body?
On one foot, my second toe is a little bit longer than my big toe. Ew.
Favorite pick-up line?
I can’t really think of any. Let me go hang out at Hundo for a bit and get back to you.
What’s your favorite form of facial hair?
Come see Not a Chance in Newark and you might see a little Foo-Man-Choo action.
Do you like to fly?
Sometimes.
What’s your weirdest phobia?
I have actually the most irrational fear of sharks. I will get scared of sharks in pools. I hate water-skiing, because I think I will be eaten by a shark even in a three-foot-deep bay in New Jersey. I watched Shark Week this summer though and I think it’s starting to desensitize me.
Which MTV reality show should you be on?
Can I expand this question to VH1 reality shows? I should be on I Love Money, because I could teach everyone what the word “alliance” means and then win.
How do you feel about nudity?
Depends. Whose nudity?
In a couplet, why should people go see Not a Chance?
I got a C+ in Reading and Writing Poetry. Just come see the show… it’s student-written, so it’s brand new and really funny!
