Waiting In The Wings recently spoke with Greg Korin who will portray Archbishop Paul Marcinkus in the upcoming production of “Marcinkus”, written by Scranton playwright Tom Flannery.

WITW: What interested you in becoming involved with “Marcinkus”?

Korin: I found the character intriguing. That’s kind of a gauche word to use, but here’s what I mean: Before Paul & Tom approached me, I had no idea who this guy was. By the time I hit the second page of the treatment (script) I was HOOKED!!! The character just grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.

WITW: What do you feel is important about this piece?

Korin: Well, this is kind of a “cautionary tale.” It’s all based in fact. The character really existed. All the events he talks about actually happened. It shows us that we need to open our eyes to what is going on, especially with the church. Too many people just close their eyes and blindly accept what’s going on—not just within the church but within our own government. I don’t think Marcinkus abused his power, but he was the wrong guy to put in the middle of all this.

WITW: What are your thoughts about The Vatican today?

Korin: I have the advantage of being an outsider. I am not now nor was I ever a Catholic. I was baptised Methodist, but I was raised in a non-religious household. Not only did we not even have a Bible in our house, the only day my father ever went to church was the Sunday after President Kennedy was shot. I think I can look upon these events and those currently going on with objectivity. To be honest, I think The Vatican and the Papcy has outlived its usefulness. It was needed hundreds of years ago, people needed guidance and the church was there to provide it. People still need that guidance, but I think they put too much faith in the church and not enough in themselves. I guess maybe that’s something people would look upon as a drawback of being raised in a non-religious family. I’ve learned the church is there as a bastion of faith, but you can’t let it control your entire life. Having said that, I believe the church should put more of it’s energies to social services. I like the role it plays in taking care of the poor, helping the homeless, etc. More of that needs to be done in place of mindless proseletyzing.

WITW: What is it like to work for an author who lives near you that you can easily interact with? Do you approach the show differently?

Korin: I think Tom has been to one rehearsal. His style is to hand you the script and say “See ya in 6 weeks!” This is the third thing I’ve worked with him on…and I love it!! I love the way he writes…he’s there for guidance if you need it—-I can just e-mail him or call him up. I do find myself approaching it differently because he IS so close. Usually when you do a show the author is either dead or thousands of miles away. With Tom nearby I find myself being more conscientious, and that can only be good.

WITW: What is your next project?

Korin: I’m directing Steve Martin’s comedy THE UNDERPANTS for the Bracken Group. The Brackens will also be doing more Flannery stuff in the very near future…his KATRINA MONOLOGUES at the end of August and four one-acts in November. I will be acting in all of those. I start work in Scranton on the Troma Film KICKBALL-THE MOVIE. AND I just got my SAG card, so I will be venturing out into the cold cruel world of big movies and TV to see what’s out there.

The performance of “Marcinkus” will be held at Wilkes-Barre’s Arts Youniverese, 156 S. Franklin St. in Wilkes-Barre on August 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $12 and reservations can be made by calling 570-606-4668 or 570-736-6741. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of show.