The In-Between with Noreen McAllister-Bifulco

Picking since 2003, Noreen is back for another year on the CP page. Her plays often come with a dark wit that packs a punch and we could not be more glad that she's back for another turn. And yeah, we agree...the sigh definitely knows things...

What was your first CP year? How were you involved (audience, actor, writer, producer, front of house, tech)?

My first Cherry Picking year was in 2003 with a play called Hell's the Matter. Since then, I have had several plays selected for CP, all as a playwright. Which is reassuring, because my current play is partly about spending decades wondering whether you're actually a writer.

How are you living - if at all - in a liminal space currently?

My newly engaged-to-be-married son is graduating with his Master's from Cambridge University, writing full-length plays like it's nothing and getting accepted into his second Fringe Festival. Meanwhile, I just wrote a play about worrying that everyone younger than me is already ahead of me. So... apparently I’m living very much in a liminal space between pride and an identity crisis.

Describe a time when you had absolutely no idea what would happen next.

When I was 21 and met my husband on the 4th of July. I had absolutely no idea what would happen next. I didn't know I'd marry him, raise a son with him, build a life with him, or that 27 years later I'd still be excited to tell him about a good sentence I wrote. Life has given me plenty of surprises, but he's been the best one. He's also very relieved that, for once, I didn't kill the husband in this play.

What's worse: the moment after a sharp inhale or before a long sigh?

Before the long sigh. The sigh knows things. The sharp inhale still has a possibility of joy!

You're stuck between two people in the middle seat on an airplane, buckled up for a long flight. Who are your ideal OR nightmare seatmates?

Ideal: Nora Ephron and Agatha Christie.

Nightmare: Someone who thinks theater is dead and someone reading me AI-generated poetry.

Ice cream sandwich or deli sandwich? (Be specific.)

Twenty years ago, I would have said ice cream sandwich without hesitation. But age, wisdom, and writing a play called You Are What You Eat have taught me that choices matter. So I'm going with a proper New York deli sandwich: turkey, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, suakraut, and Russian dressing on rye. Protein, fiber, and significantly less regret.

Don't miss Noreen's latest You Are What You Eat on Monday, July 13 live on the CP stage!