Griffin Matthews (Dromio of Ephesus)

Originally from: Pittsburgh

What is your favorite aspect of working on the show?

The show is great, and I would say it’s probably the most strenuous show that I’ve done, physically. It’s really tough because we start, and we don’t stop. Once that curtain goes up, it’s show time. We play all different characters, and I have costume changes that literally take place in three seconds. I walk off stage as a boy and come on stage as a girl in three seconds.

Are there any other projects you’re working on?

Right now I am hosting a segment on People.com for ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ The show is called ‘I (Heart) DWTS.’ So on my days off, I go back to New York City, watch ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in the studio, and then film a two-minute commentary on it for the Web site.

Which rapper do you respect the most?

I’ve always liked Lauryn Hill stuff. And of course, undeniably Kanye West has great lyrics and great flow. I’m really into music – I sing – so when I rap, I try to make it musical.

What is your favorite Shakespeare production?

I’ll say ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ I think it’s a great show. It’s a great love story. I would love to actually do it.

If Shakespeare were still alive, who do you think his favorite rapper would be?

I think that he would like Kanye. I think Kanye does a lot of political messages, and he’s controversial and he’s really writing songs for the people.

Jason Babinsky (Antipholus of Syracuse)

Originally from: Chicago

What is your favorite aspect of working on the show?

I love this show because I’ve been primarily cast in musicals, and I guess this is sort of a musical. But I grew up on hip hop, so it’s a nice return for me because in high school I had a hip hop groove. So it’s almost a nostalgic turn. And it’s a different type of energy you need for this versus a musical.

Are there any other projects you’re working on?

Following the show, I’m back in musical theater land. I’m going to the Huntington Theatre in Boston and doing ‘She Loves Me,’ and then it’s transferring to the Williamstown Theatre Festival in upstate Massachusetts.

Which rapper do you respect the most?

I’d have to go with the Hieroglyphics, primarily Del. They blew my mind when I was in high school, and I still think they’re some of the most complex lyricists in the game.

What is your favorite Shakespeare production?

I’m a big fan of ‘Taming of the Shrew.’

If Shakespeare were still alive, who do you think his favorite rapper would be?

Maybe Biggie. It’d have to be someone with lyrical complexity and storytelling. I’d go with a Biggie or a Jay-Z or a Nas, like somebody who is a storyteller with just ridiculous, complex rhyme schemes.

Darian Dauchan (Dromio of Syracuse)

Originally from: San Francisco

What is your favorite aspect of working on the show?

I really dig it because I’m a spoken word artist, so I do a lot of slams in the New York scene. So I’ve been diving into that world for the last two years. I’m an NYU grad, so I was able to spend some time in London and do a Shakespeare intensive with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. So this piece is a good combination of both those worlds.

Are there any other projects you’re working on?

I’ve assembled a bunch of New York poets. We’re meeting monthly and responding to news articles that we collect for each month. And we’re going to develop a kind of year-in-review show in regard to responding to all the different news things that are happening, in order to speak about it from a poet’s perspective.

Which rapper do you respect the most?

I lean more toward a lot of socially conscious political stuff. I’m definitely a KRS1 and a Mos Def fan. A lot of the rappers who really bring a solid message and have something poignant to say.

What is your favorite Shakespeare production?

I would lean toward ‘Macbeth.’ I really like a lot of dark pieces and tragedies.

If Shakespeare were still alive, who do you think his favorite rapper would be?

I would put Mos Def on there in terms of having something poignant to say, but then also being whimsical and being able to have a sense of humor.

James Barry (Antipholus of Ephesus)

Originally from: Northeastern Connecticut

What is your favorite aspect of working on the show?

It just keeps evolving; finding ways to keep the storytelling accurate and true and still work on new angles with the humor. I really like seeing this one evolve, and I get a kick out of doing the 10:30 high school matinees. It’s pretty wild.

Are there any other projects you’re working on?

I’m in a rock band back in Brooklyn, N.Y. We’re called Grand Army Arrows, you can find us on MySpace and be our electronic friend if you want. We’re getting ready for a show in April when I come back, and then I’m leaving again to do a play called ‘The Caretaker’ at the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Mass.

Which rapper do you respect the most?

My favorite rapper is MF DOOM. He’s really abstract and clever, and I’m just fascinated by his wordplay.

What is your favorite Shakespeare production?

‘King Lear’ – you got the eye-gouging scene, betrayal, humor – it’s got everything.

If Shakespeare were still alive, who do you think his favorite rapper would be?

The GZA. He’s just so imagistic.

Kheedim Oh (DJ O)

Originally from: Lower East Side

What is your favorite aspect of working on the show?

I enjoy being able to expose kids to theater in a way that’s enjoyable and more relevant to their upbringing.

Are there any other projects you’re working on?

I got a band, we’re called the Beatards, and we’re doing a show at the Mercury Lounge in the City on April 20. And so basically, I’ve just been working on that.

Which rapper do you respect the most?

I would say the Rappin’ Duke, because he’s kind of first comedic rapper, and that paved the way for this whole thing.

What is your favorite Shakespeare production?

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’

If Shakespeare were still alive, who do you think his favorite rapper would be?

Luke Campbell, from 2 Live Crew. Because Shakespeare himself, he was kind of a raunchy guy. When people think Shakespeare, they think he’s a very high-minded guy. But he’s really not, he’s pretty gutter.

shmelike@syr.edu

Published on March 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm