Get to know celebrated director Ben Rimalower, who makes his debut as both playwright and performer in his Patti LuPone-focused solo show, Patti Issues.
By Brandon Voss
1. What turns you on, creatively or otherwise?
Ben Rimalower: I’m turned on by larger-than-live theatricality.
2. What’s a good tip for someone who wants to be you for Halloween?
Boot-cut pants.
3. Which celebrity’s hair do you covet most?
Patrick Dempsey, for like a dream ballet version of my hair. My ultimate hair fantasy would be some Asian with silky smoothness.
4. What would your death-row last meal be?
All dessert. Just dozens of homemade milk chocolate chip cookies covered in ice cream and caramel sauce.
5. What’s your juiciest vice or guiltiest pleasure?
See #4.
6. What extravagant purchase should probably make you feel guiltier?
I just spent $225 on my hair and I basically still look the same.
7. When’s the last time you wanted to slap someone?
A woman on the subway was proselytizing about the sanctity of marriage. I was trying to listen to Liza!
8. What most likely made that stain on your outfit?
Ha. Salad dressing!
9. Describe your favorite undergarment.
2(x)ist briefs with the seam up the center — keeps everything in a good place and prevents male camel-toe.
10. What’s a lie you’ve told more than once?
That I saw Tyne Daly in Gypsy.
BONUS: Where do you see yourself in five minutes?
Still at my desk.
DLNQNT, August 2012.