Experiences as a Ridgefield teen inspired Stroili's show

By Chesley Plemmons THEATER CRITIC
Article Last Updated: 04/04/2008

Paul Stroili is a bi-coastal actor/writer with deep Connecticut roots. Raised in Ridgefield, he graduated from high school in 1982, listing among his accomplishments the words for what stood as the school song for 20 years. Now appearing in his one-man show, "Straight Up With a Twist" ­-- at the off-Broadway Players Theatre in New York City ­-- he's incorporated his teenage experiences into the autobiographical work. It's a very funny self portrait of what he calls a "renaissance geek."

I sat down with him in his dressing room after the matinee last Sunday. Though Stroili is now a resident of Los Angeles, he remembers his Ridgefield days with affection.

"I didn't know what I had in Connecticut until I left," he says. "As a teenager you're always, like wanting more or thinking everything is boring or too quiet. But now I realize that I grew up in a Currier and Ives place and I didn't know it.

"Especially around the holidays I cannot be anywhere else -- I have to come back. I average about two Christmases in Ridgefield to every one we spend in Chicago with my wife Monica's family."

Stroili's stage appearances began in high school and included "probably 20 shows at the Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts" (now the Ridgefield Theater Barn). "Grease," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" are among his credits.

He also remembers working "at probably every restaurant Ridgefield had in those days -- including Touchstone, Scrimshaws and Entre Vous."

Six years ago he set foot on a Ridgefield stage again when "Twist" played two back-to-back performances at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

"We were sold out even with six inches of snow." He also did a benefit performance at the theater barn and was delighted to hear about the extensive renovations going forward there.

He brings his family to life in "Twist," playing seven different characters: his mother Charlotte, his brother John, his father Bruno, his drama teacher Kendall Jackson and his shrink Dr. Weaver and, of course, himself -- a straight guy with a queer eye.

"Everything you will see tonight," he advises his audiences, "is true." While his family portraits are presented warts and all, they are lovable characterizations to which no one objects.

"Great" and "funny" said his mother when I spoke to her about his portrayal of her as a chronic chain smoker -- "It's true," she said, "but I did quit. I also liked a little drink every now and then. I didn't quit that," she said with a laugh.

When asked what her reactions had been to her son's sensitive nature as a teenager, and whether she had fears he might be gay, she replied:

"I was never homophobic so that possibility didn't bother me. We went through that period with long hair and earrings and the like, and I knew that was not the person they were underneath, so I was quite comfortable with Paul's identity search."

Stroili is very proud of his mother and the hard work she did when he was growing up. She was at one point the principal day shift clerk in the emergency room at Danbury Hospital. That had its drawbacks for a teenager without wheels. "After seeing accidents all day long," he remembers, "just try getting her to lend you the car!"

Between shows Sunday he was on his way to join his mother, wife and sister at Monte's ­-- a venerable local restaurant. Though he eats only soup between performances (he had another show at 7 p.m.), he almost salivated describing one of the restaurant's signature dishes, something his wife describes as "macaroni and cheese made by God." It's green and white pasta served with a light cheese sauce and caramelized bits of pancetta -- "just need to wheel the defibrillator right up to the table," he said.

The Connecticut connection remains strong for this versatile artist. His brother lives in Danbury, his sister in Sandy Hook/Newtown, his mother and grandmother in Southbury, and his father ­-- though he spends much of his time in Arizona ­-- regularly visits his side of the family in Monroe.

Stroili would be eager to bring "Twist" back to Ridgefield -- "it's just a matter of whether someone invites us."

"Straight Up With a Twist" is playing at the Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, New York City. For tickets, call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.