Any great actor does their research by living and breathing their current role. (See: Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, and the late Heath Ledger) And Aaron Munoz, a cheery and good-natured chap, happens to be the polar opposite of his current Confederacy of Dunces character Ignatius J. Reilly - a bitter recluse, skeptical of society (and definitely of some silly Scoutmob site). So, we decided to lock both characters in a room and let each of them answer our Local Mug questions. This was just before Aaron, err, Ignatius went on stage for the adaptation of the beloved novel, which has received such great reviews at Theatrical Outlet, it just was extended another week until September 12. So, check out the gentlemen (okay, one man) in action before it’s too late:
SCOUT: Tell us how might people know you?
AARON: I'm known mostly as the "running chef/groom" from the Georgia Lottery Commercials, and for kicking Mos Def (as Chuck Berry) out of a club in Cadillac Records.
IGNATIUS: I am at the moment unemployed, but may have been seen selling hot dogs for Paradise Vendors Inc. in the past.
SCOUT: Now, tell us your favorite “curious find” in Atlanta?
AARON: I'm not sure who he is, but I'm a big fan of the guy who rides his bike around town with a bikini and a skirt.
IGNATIUS: The only thing curious about this gargantuan city is how many people lack common taste and decency, or a sense of theology and geometry.
SCOUT: Where in Atlanta do you draw inspiration/get new ideas?
AARON: I enjoy a good hike on Kennesaw Mountain. There's something about connecting with the earth - with the birds and bugs and trees. I also spend a good amount of time on my porch, surrounded by a container garden, my dog Maduro, and a good cigar.
IGNATIUS: No one in this teetering abysss of a century can offer me anything but plastic, subdivisions, and television.
SCOUT: It’s always refreshing to escape the city. Where in Atlanta do you go to kick back and relax with a nice drink and good company?
AARON: I go to La Casa Del Tabaco in Buckhead for a nice, relaxing atmosphere and some tasty stogies. There's nothing like watching Sopranos and enjoying a smoke after an audition.
IGNATIUS: The comforts of my own room, partnered with my lute, trumpet, a frosty Dr. Nut and my cheese dip is all I need to make me whole. In addition, my bath is rather pleasant.
SCOUT: You are a man of distinguished taste. Who is another local Atlantan that inspires you or your work?
AARON: I'm gonna give a shout out to two restauraunt guys. Adam Evans, the chef de cuisine at Craft and Tom Murphy, owner of Muphy’s. Both of these guys are passionate, knowledgeable and spread tons of culinary love. From pork belly to andouille sausage grits, from biscuits and chocolate sauce to bread pudding - they both serve up some delicious meals.
IGNATIUS: Boethius, a philosopher from the 6th century who has written an exemplary text, THE CONSOLATION OF PHILOSOPHY.
SCOUT: Tell us a random fact people wouldn’t know (or expect) about you?
AARON: For someone who has no kids, I know a ton about childbirth and think the placenta is amazing. (My wife is in school to become a midwife.)
IGNATIUS: I have an acute, developed pyloric valve which snaps shut, prompting bouts of trapped gas.
SCOUT: Finally, throw out a shameless plug of where people can go to check out more of your work and career:
AARON: Go my website, www.aaronmunoz.com for news, pics, and some of my film/tv work. Also - if you haven't seen it yet, check out A Confederacy of Dunces at Theatrical Outfit through Sept 12.
IGNATIUS: Currently, I am writing two works; A lengthy indictment against our century, and THE JOURNAL OF A WORKING BOY, or UP FROM SLOTH. I hope you are satisfied, Scoutmob... or whoever you are. You have succeeded in interrupting my day. Please quit molesting me.
