A dramatic yet romantic comedy sounds great for Dreamcatcher’s audience. What was it about Shooting Star that piqued your interest in directing it?

David: I always enjoy the challenge of a two character play and this one seemed so charming. The idea of two people meeting up accidentally after many years, dealing with how they have changed (or not changed) appealed to me.

Shooting Star has a cast of just two, both of whom you have worked with previously. How is that experience of directing two actors who you know very well?

David: I was thrilled to be working with both Harry and Laura again. I’ve done two plays at Dreamcatcher with Laura, last year’s This and Wonder of the World (which I acted in). Harry was also in both of those plays, but I’ve known him for many years. I first directed (and acted) with him in The Fantasticks in 1985. Of course I’ve seen both these splendid actors in innumerous plays over the years. As I expected, they were a joy to work with again.

	David on the set of Shooting Star

Were there any challenges in adapting the play to Dreamcatcher’s intimate black box theater?

David: This play was less challenging than other plays (This comes to mind) because it is one set. I think it fits beautifully in this intimate venue, which is always my favorite kind of theater to work in.

The playwright’s name sounds familiar; has he written any other plays that we might know?

David: Steven Dietz has a thriving career, mostly in regional theatre. The Bickford in Morristown recently did Fiction and NJ Rep in Long Branch did Yankee Tavern in 2010.

Is Shooting Star appropriate for kids? What ages?

David: It’s certainly appropriate as far as language and content is concerned. I’d wonder however if the subject would really interest most children.

You directed Dreamcatcher’s critically acclaimed production of This in autumn 2010. And you’re also an actor, even having performed on the Dreamcatcher stage in Wonder of the World. Do you prefer directing over acting? And where else can we see your work?

David: That’s a good question—one I’ve asked myself many times. Over the years I’ve done lots of both, and each have their pleasures. I love the rehearsal process when I’m a director, but once the play is up, my job is done and all I can do is watch. However, when I’m an actor the rehearsal process can be grueling (learning all those lines), but once the play is rolling I can have a wonderful time playing with the audience and my fellow actors. I do much more directing now that I am older, as the roles aren’t as plentiful. Anyway, to answer your question: I love acting and directing, both. I will be directing the play The Temperamentals for Alliance Repertory Theater this March at Edison Valley Playhouse.