Meet Andrew Marco ’15, mastermind behind the stingingly funny musical Friday the 13th. You might recognize him from last fall’s show Four Dead in Ohio: Antigone at Kent State or from Wig & Candle’s latest production, his own original comedy. Part horror story, part teenage drama, and all hilarious satire, Friday the 13th encompasses everything you’d ever want in a musical…and more! Read more below to find out how Andrew got the idea and where he thinks he’s headed next.
Hometown: Simsbury, CT
Majors: Theater and Music
Extracurricular activities: Friday the 13th, working on Theater Department shows, writer for The College Voice, Concert Band, writing/composing songs, singing loudly in my room
You wrote an entire musical! How much work was that?
It was something around 3 and a half years of work! The show was inspired by my love of musicals and horror films, and arose initially out of boredom. As inspiration struck, I wrote. Eventually the show took shape. This show couldn’t have happened without the support of my friends and family, and the cast and crew (specifically directors Alex Marz and Grant Jacoby) who made this show come alive on stage.
Friday the 13 The Musical debuted last year at Connecticut College. How different is this year’s production from the original piece? What changed in a year’s time?
Last year’s production was a staged reading in every sense, but it showed us that the show had legs and a future. Soon after the performance, I talked with Alex and Grant about what worked, what didn’t, and what should change. From there, I went to work rewriting. This year’s show had a few new songs as well as new sequences and character development, but it’s largely the same show it was before. Just sharper and more fun, hopefully.
How has the Conn community shaped the final Friday the 13th?
Friday the 13th is a college musical through-and-through. Conn has been the perfect audience for me to gage what works about this show. The positive reaction from the community has encouraged me to keep doing what I love, which is writing musicals.
Favorite line?
“That’s the most ridiculous, yet logical thing I’ve ever heard.”
Kind of sums up the show for me.
Tell us about your experiences with the theater department.
I came to Conn knowing I wanted to major in theater. The department was very welcoming from the start. I’ve worn various hats in shows and classes, and it’s really helped me to become a more well-rounded theater person. I’ve especially enjoyed my Directing class and doing student theater through Wig & Candle.
What makes a good joke?
If I knew, I’d tell you. As I’ve learned from writing, a joke’s about more than just a punch line. There’s got to be some truth in it for people to connect with and find funny. Or it can be so farfetched that you can’t help but laugh.
Rumor has it you’re a movie buff…who is taking home the Oscar for Best Picture this year?
My favorite movie this year was Silver Linings Playbook, so I’d like to see it win, but my money’s on Argo. It’s been unstoppable this awards season. Speaking as a James Bond fanatic, I think Skyfall was robbed!
Will we see Friday the 13th again next year? Or can we expect a new project from Andrew Marco?
Friday the 13th is going to go on hiatus for a while, though I’m sure its journey is far from over. The entire process has been amazing, but it’s time to take a break, recharge, and start work on something new. Right now, I’m brainstorming some new ideas, ranging from an musical adaptation of the novel/film Election to a POPera about Pope John XII (look him up, it’s quite the story). I hope to have something in workshop form by next spring.