Koenig, Herd looking forward to "Duck Variations"
By Steve Grazier
The one-act comedy "Duck Variations" starring Walter Koenig and Richard Herd is only days away.
The play, written by David Mamet, is set in a park where two elderly friends meet on a park bench to discuss ducks and the value of company. "Variations" is to be performed Friday night, June 27, at the Tulsa Trek Exposition.
"This play leads into metaphoric scenarios in combination with real events that are happening in our world today, but in an amusing way," Herd said during a phone conversation Thursday (April 17). "Walter and I are very much looking forward to this."
Not only will this be the first time Koenig and Herd perform "Variations," but it's also their first professional collaboration together.
"The play will be our first time working together," Herd explained. "Walter and I have different chemistry, but we've worked professionally in similar areas over the years, and our strengths are within those areas.
"In fact, Walter and I share the same agent, and at one time we were close to performing in a play together titled 'Other People's Money' a few years ago."
Herd also mentioned the he and Koenig have been preparing "Variations," for weeks, and that the play is scheduled to last approximately 30-40 minutes.
"We've been rehearsing nearly every other day for the past four to five weeks," he said. "In addition, play Director Jeffrey Marcus has done an excellent job in light and sound preparation."
Overall, the idea to perform "Variations" came about from other Star Trek actors who have performed live at conventions and shows.
"This was an idea Walter had," Herd explained. "Jerry Hardin performed some of Mark Twain's work at a convention before, and I think that may have prompted the idea.
"Plus we both noticed that most people at sci-fi shows appreciate other things as well."
Both Koenig and Herd are scheduled to appear for all three days at the Trek Expo, June 27-29, in Tulsa, Okla.
Steve Grazier is a staff writer for the Cortez Journal in Cortez, CO.
06.11.03 The Busy World of Richard Herd / STAR TREK NEWS / STAR TREK.COM
With a curriculum vitae as long as your arm, plus a leg or two, Richard Herd has become one of entertainment's most recognizable faces. He's also one of the most active. Well known in the Star Trek world for multiple roles, the busy Bostonian is most visible as Voyager's Admiral Owen Paris, Tom's strict father and a former commander of Captain Janeway's. Herd has also performed myriad roles in TV, film and theatre and is perhaps best known to today's audience for his recurring part on the mega-hit comedy Seinfeld as George Costanza's boss and fellow employee of the Yankee organization, Mr. Wilhelm.
Sci-fi fans will also know Herd as the character "John" from the early '80s TV mini-series "V." Recent talk of reviving this show has also caught Richard's attention; he hopes to be involved with any new production. Although no official casting announcements have been made, according to yesterday's Daily Variety the new "V," dubbed "The Second Generation," could take the form of a three-hour TV movie serving as a sequel to the original.
A seasoned traveler, Herd and his wife Patricia have recently returned from the London Expo, a huge two-day comics, cards and collectibles event. Following this and prior to a return stateside, the Herds spent time traveling and taking in the sights and sounds of Europe, including Italy. "Hey, someone's gotta do it," he laughs.
Almost always traveling together with his wife, Herd is a frequent guest at TV and genre conventions, media events, celebrity signings and lectures. But the pace never slackens. After a mere few days back home, Herd is about to head off and give a talk at the prestigious Santa Barbara Writer's Conference at Westmont College. Then he's off again to be a performing, speaking and signing guest at Starbase 21 in Tulsa, OK, from June 27-29. The highlight for many attendees will come on the first night of the convention when he and Walter Koenig ("Chekov") will be performing in a David Mamet two-hander titled "Duck Variations." The two have performed this play before, including a highly praised performance at Starfest 2003 in Denver back in April. Starfest organizer Stephen H. Walker called it "performance at its best ... it was remarkable the way you two transformed right before our eyes ..."
"Duck Variations" has been described as two old men sitting on a park bench discussing the mating habits of ducks, but it's much more than that. The play hits a high note by contemplating life, friendship, aging and death. "Laugh, cry and let your imagination run wild," says Herd about the play. He goes on to say that they would like to take the play to the Edingburgh Festival in Scotland next year, followed by a Fringe run in London.A busy man but a happy performer, Richard Herd is not only one of the hardest working people in show business, but also one of the nicest. If he happens your way, be sure to say hello, get an autograph and watch him perform in his natural habitat ... the stage. But remember, when he's performing "Duck Variations," it may be the only time you see him in a fowl mood. [OK, definitely no soup for you!-Ed.]
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