kaplan quits: "the do not use list"

groucho, harpo, and now chico. the marx brothers walk. mark kaplan joins his "brothers" in turning down the skylight:

To: Mr. Eric Dillner, Managing Director, The Skylight
From: Mark David Kaplan, actor, currently under verbal agreement to appear as Chico Marx in A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, as a part of Skylight's 50th Anniversary Season

Dear Mr. Dillner -

I write to you today, under the assumption that I am still on the slate of artists hired by Mr. Bill Theisen, to perform as Chico Marx in Hollywood/Ukraine. I have not as yet received any correspondence - written or verbal - from the current Skylight administration.

As there is no longer an artistic staff in place for this production, and my brothers have decided to move on, so must I.

I know that many in town don't know who I am - and I know that you and I have never met.

So here's my Skylight history:

My last appearance was as .... Chico Marx in Animal Crackers in the '05-'06 season, with Norman Moses and Ray Jivoff. I have appeared as a part of the Cabaret series in '98...
In the Jefferson St space: I was in Dames at Sea with Norman Moses and Into the Woods with Ray Jivoff ('92-'93). And my first role .... Chico Marx in The Cocoanuts, with Norman Moses and Ray Jivoff.

Clearly there is a trend here - it's about community, brotherhood, and frankly - the love of the game. It seems like those elements are not in place now, therefore my decision to withdraw seems only logical.

If you feel so inclined I would welcome a discussion with you. I know your energies are elsewhere at present.

I don't pretend to understand the decisions made in these past months, nor do I profess to know what's best for all involved. I only know the best decision for me is to join with my friends on the 'DO NOT USE' list, and support the amazing history and community that I am so proud to be a part of - and has informed my life and work for the better part of two decades!!

Wow.

So I think I'm gonna celebrate that...

Most sincerely yours,

Mark David Kaplan