Jim Brochu -- The Stories Continue.

You might recall that Jim and Piper did a podcast with Joel Markowitz back when Zero Hour was playing in DC.

Part two of the podcast is now posted. Here is how Joel describes the interview:

When Jim Brochu was here with his solo show about the great Zero Mostel, he and his director Piper Laurie talked with Joel about creating Zero Hour.

There was more to the conversation which we’ve saved til now to celebrate Zero Hour’s opening Off-Broadway. So relax, and listen as Jim Brochu, surely one of the greatest storytellers ever, shares backstage stories about his encounters with Barbra Streisand, Katherine Hepburn, and the afternoons spent playing backgammon with Lucille Ball in the last year of her life which he later turned into a book “Lucy in the Afternoon”.

Joel had two stories he was dying to hear from Piper Laurie – how she began her flower diet, and her starring role in the movie “Carrie”, both of which she tells with great relish.

The interviews end on a high comic note as these two friends recall their worst moments on stage, and Piper shares her secret name.

Zero Hour plays through January 31st at St. Clement’s Theatre, 423 West 46th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues). For tickets, call 212 239-2969 or go to telecharge.com

Jim & Piper Get Podcasted at DC Theatre Scene

Piper Laurie and Jim Brochu get quizzed by the inimitable Joel Markowitz at DC Theatre Scene on a two-part podcast. Part one is up now, and part two is on its way. I was there for the taping, so I have this little preview for you where Piper talks about the ridiculous things they used to do to get her publicity in her early acting career.

And what was the silliness? Well, some publicist put out, onto the wires, that they had a starlet who "only ate flowers." Piper, being the dutiful employee, played along. But it would haunt her for years to come as reporter after reporter asked her about her geranium gestation.

Part 3 of Zero Hour Discussion with Piper Laurie & Jim Brochu

Part 2 of Zero Hour Discussion with Piper Laurie & Jim Brochu

Piper Loved My Acting Choice!

Today, we had a rehearsal of "Zero Hour" and I read my 10 lines. (Up until now, Piper was opposed to those lines even being in the play. She and Jim have tussled over it.)

Afterwards, she turned to me and said, "I love the way you read those lines as a total deadpan."

WHAT????!!!

Now, here's why that statement made me totally happy. You see, when the play was done earlier this year, the person who played this role -- the investigator of the House Un-American Activities Committee -- did it with this very deep voice, doing it in a very threatening dramatic way.

But I knew I couldn't replicate that.

A. I'm a tenor.

B. I can't scare anyone with my voice.

So, I thought to myself, "What is the scariest thing of all?"

And it hit me: A bored bureaucrat who is impervious to being charmed or led astray. I even pictured him sitting there reading off the questions in a very rote manner. Unmoved. Uncaring.

So, it was an acting choice! Me, the untrained actor made a choice and Piper Laurie loved it. She even said, "I like that you used that high, thin voice."

"Well," I responded, "that's pretty much the only voice I have."

Still, my great acting victory has been achieved!

Driving Miss Laurie.

Sometimes in life you get to do something or experience something really special.

Something your backwoods younger self would never have imagined or fantasized about.

Usually, it's so spontaneous, it's over before you realize it. Because you were too naive or inexperienced to understand at the time.

But this time it won't be that way. This time it sounds like a premise for an indie film: Two guys drive a famous Hollywood actress to San Diego. Laughter ensues.

Well, as Playbill has now announced, Zero Hour is being directed by a certain world class, endlessly respected actress who is adored by everyone she knows.

Today, they're going to rehearse.

And on Saturday, I get to drive down in the car to San Diego with Piper Laurie.

Two or three hours in a car with Piper Laurie.

I wish I could find the diary entry where Alexandra Billings completely falls apart in front of her.

Do you know that she giggles? Yes. Carrie' s mom giggles. And she got an Oscar nomination for making out with Paul Newman when he was as his hottest. And remember when Mel Gibson was hot? He did his first on-screen love scene with Piper.

I asked her about that once and the twinkle in her eye said it all. And yes, she really does have a twinkle in her eye.

I also know that when she played Carrie's mom, she couldn't crack the part until she made the decision to play it like a comedy. A comedy! I want to know whether that was her idea or Brian DePalma's idea. It's pretty genius because you can't do comedy unless you totally believe in it. And that is one weird character to have to believe in.

She has been with Zero Hour from the start, as a matter of fact. She was at the very first reading. All the readings. She and Jim have had these marathon phone conversations about the play ever since. (She was busy directing a film short when Zero played Los Angeles.)

So, today we rehearse (and she's going to direct me! Ten lines that will live in theatrical history. Steal the whole show. Make me a star).

There's going to be a live Q&A after the show Saturday night. Both Jim and Piper will be on stage.

And then on Sunday, we drive home. I should get Piper roaring drunk or something.