I've got the Jewish guilt and the Irish shame and it's a hell of a job distinguishing which is which.

I like variety, which is frustrating. But I've always been picky. I was afraid Pirates would be too much like Twentieth Century, broad comedy. But my agent talked me into it. I was spoiled by the range of a repertory theater.

Playing Shakespeare requires technique. You don't play a Bach toccata by getting in the mood.

It was all completely incomprehensible to me. I was fearful of the language. You had to look up every third word.

I have been in countries where I don't know a word of the language. I tried to practice my French as much as possible. I would talk with the crew. I always order in French, but then waiters respond in English. I hate that.

I totally related to Cole Porter's magnetic pull to any piano that was in the room, which he was famous for doing, as was Gershwin. You couldn't drag them away from a piano.

I can play characters who sing, but I don't like singing in a nightclub or something. It's not my metier.