by Brian Suber, David Atlanta Magazine
Theater dervish Topher Payne discusses his latest stage creation, the challenges of comedy, and Joan Crawford worship.
TOPHER PAYNE HAS DONE MORE in his early 20s than most people twice his age. This Renaissance man lists actor, playwright, author, and coffee-slinger among his many credits. We caught up with Payne between rehearsals for his latest role in Eula Mae's Beauty, Bait, and Tackle, writing a musical, launching a play in New York, penning a book, and hawking coffee at Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse.
So, what brought you to Atlanta?
I was born in Mississippi and went to school in Connecticut and California. Later, I toured with a children's theater production of a puppet show. I was supposed to be in Atlanta for ten months. That was five years ago. This is the longest I've been in one place since I was 12 years old, and Atlanta is a great place to call home.
When did the acting bug first bite?
I was doing church plays when I was four. My first role was a sparrow, I had one line and I forgot it. I auditioned for The Client (the 1994 film role went to Brad Renfro) when I was 12 or 13 and haven't looked back since.
And now you play several roles, including women, in Eula Mae's Beauty, Bait, and Tackle. How did you prepare?
Carefully. I didn't want to play the character as a man in drag but as a woman. One of the characters I play is a mother in her 40s whose life has been for shit. A lot of playing the roles is a matter of logistics. I have to tap dance in high heels and deal with the weight of boobs. It's real eye-opening experience and completely different from anything I've ever done.
Eula Mae's sounds like a hoot. What will people see?
There are actually two stories going on: The first is Eula Mae, a rodeo rider who's been pursued by the same man for years. Every year he proposes, and every year she says "no." Then something happens that makes her think maybe she should accept the proposal. The second story is about Rita Mae, who is competing in the Miss Alabama Pageant for the ninth consecutive time. She is bound and determined to win, but every year she loses, and this is her last qualifying year. The great thing about the show is that three people play all the characters.
What did you learn from playing Rita Mae?
Rita Mae is by far the most optimistic character I've ever played. In a swimsuit competition, this woman would never have a chance of winning, but she has this dream and all she can control is the energy and effort she puts into it. I am very goal-oriented and have very clear steps toward what I want. With Rita Mae, what she gains has little to do with wins or losses, just the attempt.
Which is harder, comedy or drama?
For me, comedy. With drama, you pour your heart out on the stage and you don't know how the audience felt until curtain call. With comedy, you have to sell it right there immediately, and when you don't get that response there can be real terror.
Where can we see you next?
I will probably audition for five shows next year and will be blessed if I get one. (Laughs) I'm also working on a new play, Christina Darling, that is Mommie Dearest from Joan Crawford's point of view. There's a new book I'm working on with my sister called Cinema Shindig, on how to throw the ultimate movie party. We're having a lot of fun doing it, and I'm getting to know my sister as an adult in the process. Also I have my first show opening in New York in November as part of The Fall Collection Series.
Wait. Joan Crawford?
(Laughs) I have had two role models: My father and Joan Crawford. There's a common theme there, personal happiness as an ultimate goal. After working for 25 years, my father quit and went with my mother after the life he was supposed to be living. He never would have found happiness if he had not taken the risk. With Joan, it was a search for happiness that she never found. But you gotta look.
As an actor, what's your dream role?
Now I'm writing so much that I only do one or two shows per year, and try out for roles where I feel I can bring something new. For me, the greatest roles are not the typical Hamlet or Mercutio; I've seen that. I guess because I am the most uncoordinated human being- I'm 6'2" and move around like someone learning to walk- my dream would be to lead a show-stopping song and dance performance. But I can't carry a tune in a bucket.
I was delighted to see that a revival of Eula Mae's Beauty, Bait, and Tackle will be staged this month at Onstage Atlanta. Many moons ago (okay, over a decade), I was acting in a play running in repertory with one of the first incarnations of the show created by Frank Blocker and Chuck Richards. Frank and Chuck were playing all the characters (mostly female, and these guys do not make pretty ladies, trust me) and it was a riot. Since then, the comedy/musical/drag show has garnered acclaim from an off-Broadway run.