Eric Wiegand
Quick note from Kat: Imagine you're in a small cast with SJP and Matthew Broderick. It's the day before the first preview of your first Broadway show, and then... Broadway shuts down.
That's what's going on in the life of our friend, Eric. I've gotten to meet him a few times as the partner one of my clients and great friends. Every time, Eric has struck me as kind, humble, and presumably, extremely talented. In the face of something that would be devastating for most, Eric is remaining grateful and shifting his energy out to others. So get out of your PJ's and grab a slice of pie, Eric has a great perspective for coping with Coronavirus.
What were you looking forward to that you lost because of COVID-19?
I’m in the company of PLAZA SUITE at the Hudson Theatre, and we got news that Broadway was shutting down on the day before our first preview here in New York. The confusion leading up to and around the shutdown was wild, but I’m extraordinarily fortunate in that I got to perform with the show for a month in Boston, and everyone involved is trying to make sure that we do get the chance to perform here when it becomes possible again. I realize that so many people in our profession have lost similar opportunities due to COVID-19 and many productions have had to shut down completely, so I count myself extremely lucky.
What is something (a thought, a family member, a hope, a piece of art, a meme, a song, ANYTHING) that is getting you through?
I’m surrounded by really wonderful people in my apartment, which makes things a lot easier. We’re trying to make solid schedules to follow day to day, with things to look forward to like Pie Day Friday and Movie Night Saturday. We’ve also put in plenty of hours on Animal Crossing. Our island’s come a long way.
What do you think has an opportunity to change as a result of this time to reset?
I hope that some of the positives to come out of this are that we see what sort of collective action we’re capable of as a country and as a planet. When it comes to climate change or the already pervasive inequality that’s being exacerbated by the virus fallout, we need to think as big as we can.
On a person to person level, even though we’re self-isolating, I hope we end up feeling more connected to each other than ever, and more galvanized to lift each other up. I think it’s impossible to pretend that this time is anything less than terribly sad, but I hope that’s a reason for people to open up their hearts rather than close them off.
Anything else you’d like our readers to know during this time?
It’s a wildly tough time where we have to take care of ourselves, but if you have the means and capability it’s a great time for us to look out for groups to support, like Feeding America and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Otherwise I’ll say: Baking is no joke. It’s super fun and satisfying. I know all your friends on social media are baking, give in to the peer pressure, make a nice pie for yourself.
Quarantine Quickly:
Favorite snack: Increasingly, pie.
Home workout routine (you know, if you’re into that): I try and keep a consistent running schedule.
What are you watching: Sex Education on Netflix is the absolute best.
What you are reading: Mostly short stories! Right now Jhumpa Lahiri.
Yes or no… Out of pajamas before noon?: Yes, yes, yes!! Otherwise, I will feel…not good.