Magnet’s Ed Herbstman is in a play – and he wants to talk about it!

We spoke with our Co-Founder, Ed Herbstman, about a new play called HOTEL HAPPY, and then it derailed and we talked about his kids.

Magnet:
Wait a second – you’re in a play?
Ed:
Yes, don’t pretend we didn’t just talk about this before the interview.
Magnet:
Please keep up the pretense, Ed.
Ed:
Sorry. YES, I’m in a play!
Magnet:
That’s exciting. Details, please.
Ed:
It’s a limited run of the world premiere of Hotel Happy. We open February 16th at 122CC, which is 150 First Ave in the East Village. The cast is insane. And the director, Estefanía Fadul, is really masterful. I’m learning a lot from working with her. You know how a good director leads an actor to discovering something on their own, instead of just telling them what to do?
Magnet:
Nope. I’ve never heard of that.
Ed:
Ha. Right. Well, she’s like a magician that way. And so creative. She’s up to try something. And then try different things. In that way the rehearsal process overlaps with improv training. Discover through doing, and then to it again and discover more things.
Magnet:
But there’s no improv in the show?
Ed:
Camilo Almonacid has written a tightly scripted piece. But I hope it has the energy of a great improv show. It will absolutely feel out of control in a great way. The show is insane.
Magnet:
How so?
Ed:
Well, it takes place in a brothel in Columbia where some Americans are on a special mission. I play one of the Americans. And there may also be a magical donkey.
Magnet:
You were telling me that it’s a full size donkey puppet, right?
Ed:
Hey, your turn to keep up the pretense!
Magnet:
Sorry. Okay. Wait, a donkey?!
Ed:
It’s a full size donkey puppet, created by Matt Acheson, the Puppetry Director form Warhorse.
Magnet:
How does that work? Who moves the puppet?
Ed:
Come see the show and find out.
Magnet:
No. Tell me now.
Ed:
No. Come see the show.
Magnet:
I’m warning you.
(Tense moment. Fight ensues. Both lose fight.)

Ed:
Anyway, it’s a wild, fun, really funny show about serious things, like the intersection of sexual tourism, the drug war, and the American presence in Columbia.
Magnet:
And it’s… funny?
Ed:
Yes. Somehow, it’s very very funny.
Magnet:
How did this come about for you?
Ed:
Plays are a huge commitment of time and energy and focus. One of the million things I love about improvising is that you can show up and play. I’ve done a few plays with short runs over the past couple years, each one a little bigger, but recently my life changed and there is space to take on a commitment this size.
Magnet:
You mean because you’re not involved in operating Magnet anymore?
Ed:
Yeah, but more that both my kids are now in college. A lot of people reading this might be shocked by that, since maybe they‘ve known them since they were real little. I think I first brought Bee to Camp Magnet when they were four. So that’s nuts. Bee is now at Oberlin. Ash is about the graduate from Michigan. Ash is studying media, and film, and is already doing social media marketing for a few different companies. Bee is studying Psychology and creative writing, and I think might become a therapist for astronauts. I just realized you asked me about me, and I started talking about my kids.
Magnet:
Yes, you’ve ruined this interview.
Ed:
I accept that. So what was I talking about? Oh – my kids. Yes, they are becoming adults, and it’s also really dawning on them how not normal it was for their dad to co-own an improv theater throughout their childhood.
Magnet:
Yeah, totally. I wonder how it screwed them up forever…
Ed:
I mean, totally. Yeah… I don’t drink, I’ve never hit them, I love their mom. But running an improv school? They are ruined. When something is funny, they don’t laugh. They say ‘nice’. Or they say, ‘what if…’ and they redo the bit with a new joke. Normal in our house. But try that with a normal civilian and they get blank stares. I’m sorry, kids.
Magnet:
But on the flip side, they are pretty funny.
Ed:
Yes. My kids are funny. I’m am a very proud parent of two very funny children. Also they are kind and smart and hard-working and all that crap – but yes, they are funny thank god.
Magnet:
So it’s good they had Magnet in their lives?
Ed:
Yes, they met so many great people over the years. We might be watching TV and one of them says, “Hey, that’s Woody Fu!” And I say “Yeah, I auditioned for that part.” And they will say, “Oh. Sorry dad. But it was probably better that Woody did it.” And I say, “Shut up!” and storm off. And cancel my subscription to Apple TV+.
Magnet:
Is any of that true?
Ed:
I didn’t cancel the subscription. Man, I really wanted that role, too. It was Spirited with Ryan Reynolds and Will Farrell. Congrats Woody. You were… great.
Magnet:
Wow, you turned a sweet story about your kids into a rage session filled with bitterness. I’m glad to see how much you’ve changed.
Ed:
But no! I HAVE changed! I’m old now!
Magnet:
And what about TV and Movies? Anything coming up?
Ed:
I’m here to talk about my play! This interview is over!
(Fight ensues. Ed loses.)
Ed:
Okay fine. I am in an upcoming movie called ‘IF’ later this year. Unless I’m cut from it which is possible. But please come see this play. It’s truly a wonderful night of theater.
Magnet:
Will you be doing any more improv shows soon?
Ed:
Of course. I can’t wait. I love Magnet and the talent here is incredible. Seeing old friends and meeting new people, and seeing their work… and laughing so hard, I mean this place is special and I’m so glad it exists and that I got to be part of its creation.
Magnet:
Like one of your children.
Ed:
Exactly. Yes. Wow. And none of my children need me as much anymore. Kind of painful to be honest. I hate you for making me realize that right now.
Magnet:
Worth it.
(Fight ensues.)