Meet John Paul Karliak
Writer/Performer, Donna/Madonna

$5 tickets to Donna/Madonna at FringeNYC

What’s next on your Netflix queue?
Season 2 of “Misfits” (BBC show… amazing)

What’s playing on your  iPod right now?
Studio Killers, “Ode to the Bouncer”

Last good book you read was…?
Tina Fey’s Bossypants

Your favorite restaurant in the city is…?
ChikaLicious Dessert Bar… all dessert… all the time

All-time, hands-down favorite piece of theater:
Guys & Dolls… it was my first Broadway show, and Nathan Lane is my hero

What’s the best thing about FringeNYC?
Being introduced to so many incredible shows and people in such a short period of time.  Not only am I thrilled to be able to support some friends, but I’m dying to see some really bizarre-sounding new pieces!  I mean, there’s a musical about YEAST!  WHAT!?

What’s the #1 reason people should come see your show?
To be reminded why you love your mom.  Or to remember how much.  Or because you love the SpiceGirls as much as I do.  Those all tie for #1.

Do you have any opening-night rituals?
ThroatCoat!  And gossiping with my stage manager, Chris.

What are the craziest performance conditions you’ve had to work under?
I do a one-man show with no set of its own, so many times I have to perform on whatever set is already on the stage.  Try doing a musical comedy about your two quirky mothers on the set of a war-torn Baghdad prison compound.  I dare ya.

How did you get involved with the arts?
Against all odds.  I grew up in a very non-artsy small town, but thanks to “Sesame Street” and really great art teachers, I grew to love drawing, then music, then theatre, and before you know it, I couldn’t be stopped!  It’s why arts education is so important: even the smallest creative inspiration can lead to a world of art you might never have discovered otherwise.