Willie Repoley has been onstage at the Rock in numerous shows. But, perhaps he is better known as the Producing Director of Immediate Theatre Project, a Partner Company in Residence at North Carolina Stage Company.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading the Arts and Science sections of the New York Times. Also, playing music, experimenting with video and sound editing, and the occasional baseball game.
What is your nickname and what is the story behind it?
I think my parents planned to call me William, but once I was born they couldn’t see such a serious name on a baby, so I’ve always been Willie.
What is your favorite: Play? Musical? Movie? Book?
I love The Winters Tale. Favorite play I’ve seen recently is Peter and the Starcatcher. I don’t mind lumping musical, movie, and book together and admitting The Wizard of Oz.
Funniest mishap behind-the-scenes or onstage?
Mishaps aren’t funny! Mostly.
Name one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
The first – and last – time I wanted a tattoo, it would have been the logo of The Redundant Theatre Company Theatre (which I co-founded) during our first show in 2004.
What was your favorite toy (or game) as a child, and why?
My sister! Because so long as I let her set the rules of whatever story we were acting out, I got to play most of the parts.
What is your favorite role so far and why?
Every ten years of so Angles in America cycles back in to my life as a major theatrical and life event– it was the play that made we want to spend my life in theatre when I first saw it, a reason I attended Guilford College and took the classes I did, and when I played Louis my last year at Guilford, it was a hugely important experience in many ways (not the least of which was that it is how I met my wife!). The most recent re-visiting of the play was last season’s production at North Carolina Stage Company, where I had the role of my life as Prior Walter. He is almost terrifyingly open and generous, and I hope those qualities remain rooted in me, fiercely and forever.
If you could remake any movie with yourself in the lead, what would it be?
Maybe Star Trek? OK, so I’m no Leonard Nimoy, but I bet I could give Zachary Quinto a run for his money (although we have both played Louis Ironson, and I have to admit he sailed right past me on that one!).
What is the one food that you would never give up?
Pasta.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Well, I always liked the Disederata by Max Ehrmann, which was hanging in my grandparents’ house when I was a kid. My grandmother gave me their copy when I graduated college. It’s far too long to quote here, but it begins with, “Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. “
