Review Fix Exclusive: Victor Cahn Talks ‘Walking Distance’ and ‘Villainous Company’

Review Fix chats with Playwright and Author Victor Cahn, who discusses his new production, “Villainous Company,” as well as his new book, “Walking Distance: Remembering Classic Episodes from Classic Television.”

Currently enjoying a run at Theatre Row’s Clurman Theatre, Cahn breaks down the inspiration for the production as well as his love of television for his book, before sharing his thoughts on his hectic work schedule and his love of writing.

Review Fix: What makes this production special?

Victor Cahn: This script is the only crime play I know with a cast of three women. I call it a “caper” because the suspense is blended with comedy. The play is also singular in that the characters barely mention men, and never consider stereotypical “feminine” issues like romance, family, or children. These women compete strictly for power and profit.

Review Fix: In order to pull off this cool concept, you need a great cast. What makes these performers special?

Cahn: From the first reading, they captured the tone that the play suggests: a combination of menace and wit. Throughout rehearsals they also asked sharp, probing questions that helped me refine the script. And finally they’re all first-rate actors who have brought both creativity and discipline to the project.

Review Fix: Who do you think will like this play the most?

Cahn: I hope its appeal will be wide. Certainly fans of mysteries will enjoy it, as will anyone who enjoys plots filled with twists and double-dealing, especially as carried out by smart, determined women.

Review Fix: How does one find time to write eight plays in ten years?

Cahn: I’ve been fortunate that ideas have come to me at a steady pace. I’m even luckier that I enjoy writing, so I never grow bored tinkering and editing.

Review Fix: How do you want the production to be remembered?

Cahn: I hope audiences feel that they’ve been taken for a great ride by three compelling characters. If they’ve been fooled, amused, or both, so much the better.

Review Fix: What have you learned about yourself through this whole process?

Cahn: I’ve been reminded again how a perceptive and imaginative director and cast can strengthen a script. As a writer, I tend to focus solely on the words. My colleagues have confirmed that a production involves so much more.

Review Fix: For fans of your work, can you discuss WALKING DISTANCE? What makes it special?

Cahn: The book is subtitled “Remembering Classic Episodes from Classic Television,” and offers reflections on some of my favorite series from the fifties, sixties, and seventies, with analysis of specific shows. The close viewings are written with what I like to think is a scholar’s insight coupled with a fan’s enthusiasm. Thus I’ve included all sorts of trivia and reminiscence that invite readers to share my perspective on a personal level.

Review Fix: How is it different from the plethora of other books you’ve written?

Cahn: Almost all my other books are academic in content, including five volumes on Shakespeare, critical studies of Tom Stoppard and Harold Pinter, and POLISHING YOUR PROSE, a book on editing that I wrote with my brother. This new work most closely resembles my memoir, “CLASSROOM VIRTUOSO: REFLECTIONS ON A LIFE IN LEARNING,” in which I discuss my experiences as a student, teacher, violinist, actor, and playwright. “WALKING DISTANCE” fills in the blanks about how I spent the rest of my time.

Review Fix: Will fans of your written work enjoy this play?

Cahn: To put the matter simply and immodestly, I think virtually everyone will enjoy the play.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Cahn: Back to the computer to write, along with (I hope) an occasional appearance onstage.