THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 12, 1994 TAG: 9410110093
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
The subjects playwright Gillette Elvgren writes about aren't always pretty, or even nice. Often they involve AIDS, chemical abuse, child abuse, teenage sexuality.
Putting those issues on stage ``is a very good way to get the message across,'' says Elvgren, whose ``social action'' dramas have been produced by acting groups all over the country.
As head of Regent University's Institute of Performing Arts, Elvgren is also known for his children's dramas, other full length plays and film scripts. Additionally, he is resident playwright for Saltworks Theatre Company, a professional company in Pittsburgh.
A newcomer to the area, he's been here since 1990. ``I love the long falls, the long springs.'' he adds. ``I do miss the hills, though.'' So every now and then he and his wife drive to Williamsburg and beyond. ``To get a sense of the vertical,'' he says.
Full name: Gillette Alexander Elvgren
Hometown: Winnetka, Ill.
What brought you to the Beach? A chance to work at Regent University and influence a new generation of artists who are trying to meaningfully bring together the tenets of their faith and their art.
Birthdate: Jan. 6, 1942.
Occupation: Head, the Institute of Performing Arts, Regent University; professional playwright.
Nickname: Gil.
Marital status: To Betty Jo Ellsworth. We met at Tulane University in New Orleans - 30 years and I'm always amazed how it gets better each year.
Children: Gillette III, computer programmer; Erik, married to Jennifer, video specialist; Kris, student and soccer player.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? An early morning workout, breakfast of raspberries and yogurt, four hours of writing fiction, sailing in the afternoon when the wind picks up, dinner and conversations with my family and going to bed with a good book.
Last smart thing you did: Asked Billie George to executive produce my production of ``The Taming of the Shrew.''
Last dumb thing you did: Thinking I could get through the Hampton Roads tunnel at 4 a.m. with no delays.
Favorite meal: Tikki masala and just about any Indian cuisine which would go with it.
Favorite movies: ``Brother Sun, Sister Moon,'' ``Popeye,'' ``Into the West,'' ``Juliet of the Spirits.''
Favorite song: Handel's ``The Hallelujah Chorus;'' anything by those Irish ensembles, Altan or The Chieftains.
Last book read: ``Shipping News'' by Anne Proulx.
Hobbies: Working out at the Results Club in Great Bridge, sailing, reading.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? It's too easy for me to get inside my own head and stay there - I really have to listen better to people.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? To be more focused about being on time.
Secret vice: My imagination.
Favorite restaurant: Pasta e Pani on Laskin Road.
Your favorite night on the town: Going to a really good restaurant with just my wife.
Favorite TV shows: ``Northern Exposure,'' ``All Creatures Great and Small,'' ``Star Trek: The Next Generation.''
Favorite sport: Racquetball, sailing, swimming.
Last vacation: Every year we go to Nantucket to combine children's ministry work with the joy of being on that island. Last legitimate vacation? Hiking in England and Wales.
Pets: Yorkie and Misty, two border collies - one blind and one getting old, but both totally faithful.
Worst job: Tarring roofs in Sarasota, Fla., in the middle of the summer.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Raising my children in a Christian atmosphere; the plays that I have written that have received productions.
What would you like on your epitaph? Be there. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB