Best Of Tucson®

Q&A with Thom Lewis

Thom Lewis (shown here with Julie Miller performing "Now and Then") is the artistic director of Funhouse Dance Theater.

What's the best movie of all time?

Pulp Fiction and It's a Wonderful Life--they're really the same movie about the way different lives cross inadvertently, conflicting and influencing one another in profound ways.

What movie makes you think most of Tucson?

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. It's dear to baby boomers' hearts--it's carefree and ... well, we can't remember much of it anyway, after all.

Who's your favorite movie personality?

I'd have to say two--William H. Macy and Christopher Walken. Walken for the things he does, and Macy for the things he doesn't do.

What's your favorite movie snack?

Beer.

Your favorite place in Tucson to catch a flick?

The Catalina and the Loft Cinema. You see, I'm a two-faced person. But they both make artistic choices in the films that they show.

Any embarrassing cinematic experiences in your life?

There was this one time years ago when (this friend and I) went to see this old acid-Western Zacharia. Our dates got lost in the women's room, and we wanted to help them, but of course, we couldn't go in the women's room. Finally, this other woman came out, and we explained our situation, and asked, "Is there anybody else in there?" She says, "No, nobody else is in there ... except for these two loaded chicks who are really losing it." We said, "Well ... those are our dates!"

Best radio personality?

Terry Gross. Anyone who can make Bill O'Reilly get up and walk away, that's talent.

Best on-air political circus?

The Republican National Convention.

Best park?

Reid Park, because it has the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. An outdoor show on a beautiful night at the DeMeester-that's so Tucson.

Best casual dining?

Cushing Street Café and Bar. For $8, you get a chicken Caesar salad, and the chicken is always perfect.

Best public art?

The one that really speaks to me--the photo tiles just after you go under the rattlesnake bridge. I just love snapshots of people.