By Charles Baran
Life in the theater can be exciting and not just for the performers on stage. I recently had the opportunity to speak with John Murdock, the new Production Stage Manager at Slow Burn Theatre Company who gave me a behind-the-scenes peek at one the of the top theater companies in South Florida and his important job of “running the show!”
Charles Baran: Hello John! Tell me a bit about yourself.
John Murdock: Well, I’m originally from Des Moines, but grew up in Naples. I went to Baylor University in Texas where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Stage Management. Right after graduation, I went to New York, where for ten years, I was an Assistant Stage Manager on several Broadway shows, including Finian’s Rainbow with Cheyanne Jackson and A Little Night Music with Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones and then with Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters.
Charles Baran: Wow. That’s some pedigree. Slow Burn must be glad to have you.
John Murdock: I have to say I am truly grateful to Patrick and Matthew for bringing me on board as the PSM for this exciting season. I moved back to Florida in 2013. I had been working in the social media and advertising world, but theater is my first, and really, only true love. So, I couldn’t be happier to be back in this field.
Charles Baran: PSM, that’s short for Production Stage Manager. For those of us who might not know what a PSM does, explain the position.
John Murdock: A Production Stage Manager is the glue that holds the show together. Nothing happens, lights, scenery changes, everything, without the Stage Manager saying “GO!” The goal is to deliver a flawless show each performance. It takes a high level of detail, patience and energy.
Charles Baran: Looking at your Instagram, I can see you are someone that lives and breathes theater. What is your favorite musical of all time?
John Murdock: It’s a tie between Ragtime and A Little Night Music. Night Music is a stunning show and of course the beautiful Sondheim score. We just closed Into the Woods at Slow Burn and listening to those magnificent Sondheim tunes every day made my job even more enjoyable.
Charles Baran: What are the shows that are coming up at Slow Burn?
John Murdock: Next is The Little Mermaid and I couldn’t be happier. When I was a kid, my sister Jessica and I would fight over who was going to be Ariel. We played the VHS tape so often that we wore it out. Our mom replaced it three times! Then in March we’re doing The Prom which I really want everyone in Wilton Manors to see. I love the generational aspect of the show and telling of the different LGBTQ experiences. It’s an important musical and sends a great message.
Charles Baran: Thank you, John, for this amazing interview.
John Murdock: You’re welcome! I look forward to seeing you at The Little Mermaid!
