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When actor-writer Michael Buscemi was ready to stage his play “Mercury in Retrograde” for the first time, he could think of no better place than amongst a community of his friends at Park Slope’s Barbes.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, Brooklynites can catch the debut of “Mercury,” which the East New York native hopes will eventually take the shape of a feature-length film.
“When I think of plays, I think of serious stuff,” Buscemi told GO Brooklyn. “This is serious but fun.”
According to the thespian, whose startling blue eyes are a reminder that he’s the younger brother of THAT Buscemi (fellow Sloper, actor-director Steve of “The Sopranos,” “Tree’s Lounge” and “Fargo”), the title was inspired by an oft-used phrase of his father’s, who has a passion for astrology.
“When Mercury’s in retrograde, anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and that’s what’s going on with this character that I play,” explained Buscemi. “A friend of mine told me it’s also a time when, rather than go down the self pity road, you can take stock of life and make better choices — learn a lesson or take something positive from it.”
The 40-something playwright said that moments of this piece were inspired by his glory days in the 1980s, living and working on the Lower East Side, where he was inspired by his fellow writers, musicians and creative types.
Although the Aquarian admits those days are long gone for the now gentrified East Village, Buscemi has found a similar community of friends at Barbes. In fact, through musician Michael Hearst of One Ring Zero, he was introduced to the venue, as well as to Hannah Cheek, who’s sings on Zero’s CD “As Smart As We Are.”
“I’ve always wanted to perform with Hannah,” said Buscemi. “And she’ll be my girlfriend [in ‘Mercury’] for eight minutes.”
“Mercury in Retrograde” will be staged at Barbes (376 Ninth St. at Sixth Avenue in Park Slope) on Dec. 1 at 6 pm. Admission is free. For information, call (718) 965-9177 or visit www.barbesbrooklyn.com.
©2007 The Brooklyn Paper
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