Jason Alexander and Scooter Pietsch at The Rep
Yes, you’ve seen his photos and heard his name in your newsfeeds in the last few days, and you just can’t help but get excited. Neither can we.
Jason Alexander of “Seinfeld” fame hung out in Little Rock this weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. As director, Alexander, playwright Scooter Pietsch and producer John Yonover make up the creative team behind “Windfall,” the play that will host its upcoming world premiere at The Rep in June.
On Saturday, Jan. 9, the team held a discussion and Q&A at The Rep, covering the ins and outs of the new play—a dark comedy that follows a group of coworkers in their plight to win the lottery. It’s this very story that drew producing artistic director Bob Hupp’s attention.
“We are doing it to tell great stories, not to bring in famous people,” Hupp said. “The story has to be first, the play has to be first.”
The creative team agrees. Alexander fell in love with it on the first reading, and Yonover claims it has a “uniquely American” quality.
When asked why they chose Little Rock for the world premiere of “Windfall,” Alexander replied with what might be our four favorite words ever:
“Why not Little Rock?” he said. “[The Rep’s] a phenomenally beautiful theater with great resources, financial and physical, and clearly an audience that wants to go. The Rep is very diverse, and we want a real theater’s audience reaction.”
And that’s exactly what they’ll get in Little Rock, which the team enjoyed on their visit.
“What I love about places like Little Rock is that the quality of life is based on communities of people,” Alexander said. “It’s a joy to come in and be a part of it for any length of time.”
“I’m a Yankee, but I love southern hospitality,” Yonover said, “and coming down here I really feel it.”
“Windfall” premieres on Friday, June 10. For showtimes and more information about the play, or to purchase tickets online, visit The Rep’s website. You can also call (501) 378-0405 or stop by the theater’s box office downtown at 601 Main St., Little Rock.
And trust us on this one; you’re going to want to get your tickets fast. Alexander’s final words on the play?
“I defy you not to get engaged.”