Jeremy Shamos on Departing The Assembled Parties and Remembering 'The Family That Gets Left Behind'

Tony nominee Jeremy Shamos has been charming Broadway audience members left and right for years, most recently in hit shows like Clybourne Park and Glengarry Glen Ross, but lately he's taken that charm to a whole new level in the intimate family dramedy The Assembled Parties. As an ambitious college student who ingrains himself into the lives of an Upper West Side family, Shamos has crafted a memorable role opposite co-stars Judith Light and Jessica Hecht. Now, as Shamos prepares to depart the acclaimed play on July 7 (he'll be starring in Woody Allen's newest film), we asked the superbly talented actor to look back on his time in the Manhattan Theatre Club production and dish out advice to future partygoers.

How did you feel when you first got the job?
I have always been a Richard Greenberg fan, so when I was offered the job, I almost didn't read the play before accepting. Reading the play only made me more excited.

What was the easiest thing about the job?
The ease with which the group, led by Lynne Meadow, worked together was special. Jessica, Judith and I (who end the play very close) became instantly close in rehearsal.

What was the hardest thing?
Missing my wife and kids in the evenings.

What was the highlight of your time at The Assembled Parties?
Working with so many people with whom I'd never worked and remembering the deep well of talented and kind people who are in this community.

What advice would you give to future “job applicants”?
Dive into the deep well mentioned above.

How do you think you’ve grown during your time at The Assembled Parties?
Working with Jessica and Judith in the second act has been a great lesson in taking my time and allowing scenes to deepen. So, I've grown in that way. Also, there is an amazing frozen yogurt place called Tutti Frutti on 8th Ave. near the theater and so I've also grown that way.

Why are you leaving?
My last show is Sunday the seventh; on Monday the eighth I am flying to the South of France for five weeks to be in Woody Allen's next film. It sounds like a gag. In fact, seeing it in writing like that makes me SURE that I'm being Punk'd. This is not funny, guys!!! Ashton, you dog!!

What will you miss most about the job?
Like all jobs ending, it is the people. The family that gets left behind. Not only the world of the play where I'll never go again, but the world of the theater and the community of friends that develops.