In the Broadway premiere of David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre, Patrick Stewart and T.R. Knight play two thespians at different stages in their careers. The play describes life in the footlights from an actor’s point of view, and focuses on the relationship between the two gentlemen. Robert (Stewart) is an older, experienced performer who has no trouble dispensing advice at every twist and turn. John (Knight), is a relative newcomer to the stage. At first John soaks up Robert’s advice, but as the play progresses it is clear that Robert’s mentoring is not so much wanted or needed. Mamet, who has worked closely with director Neil Pepe for many years, was inspired to write A Life in the Theatre by what he observed backstage, as well as by his own experiences in his early career. Although Mamet’s material is famous for brass, quick language, A Life in the Theatre is more humorous than any of the plays that New Yorkers have seen in recent years (Race, Speed-the-Plow, Oleanna). Pepe, Stewart and Knight recently joined The Improper as they interviewed one another about A Life in the Theatre.
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