NTTW

Photo by Julia Gerace

Author, Paula Coco

PAULA COCO- Paula has worked as a stand-up comedian for 14 years in New York and the surrounding metropolitan areas. She has won various awards and recognition for her work. She founded and directed The West Hartford Improv Troupe, The WHIT, from 1999 to 2004, taught classes in both Improv and Stand-up at New England Academy of Theatre, and has directed several productions. In addition to Nipples To The Wind, Paula has written other plays, including Mattie Silks, Ann & Pam and Frankincense & Mirth. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, son, mother, and Lucy the Cat-who graciously allows humans to live with her.

A LETTER FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT:

Growing up in Texas was where I first heard the expression “nipples to the wind.” Southerners have always been big on euphemisms and frankly I think it is a much more colorful way to say, “head up, chin out.” I felt it was truly befitting every one of these characters.

Greetings From The Billings was written in 2003, Little League Moms has had several incarnations since 1993, and Suicide Hotline’s Flora was a character I first created back when my improv troupe The WHIT was still in existence. It wasn’t until the fall of 2004 that I began to think of them as part of a larger picture.

As a test run, I submitted I’m A Believer to the 2005 Short & NEAT One-Act Play Festival that is held every year during the New Haven Arts & Ideas Festival. I felt fortunate to have been one of the chosen submissions to be produced, but the true gift was to have my one-act directed by Reno Venturi himself and performed by the most incredibly talented Patty Shea as Melissa. I don’t think I can begin to describe the thrill I had seeing my words come to life on stage. The show received enthusiastic approval and was again chosen for another performance for The Long Wharf Theatre Guild’s annual season kick-off.

Having someone as talented as Reno on board to direct Nipples To The Wind has been beyond exciting for me. As I slip back and forth between the roles of Paula the actress who takes direction and Paula the playwright who can be a bit hard-headed, Reno has sat ringside to my manic behavior and yet always maintains his calm air of professionalism.

Rounding out my bliss has been the joy of working with Janye. Watching her approach to each character as she adds layer upon layer to their personalities is truly something to marvel at. I have delighted in working with her as a fellow performer, as my business partner and just having her as my aunt (Yep! She’s my Mom’s baby sister).

I hope Nipples To The Wind is as much fun for you as it has been for us. May it bring you many laughs and may these characters stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

Paula Coco