True Fiction Project - Season 6, Episode 6: "A Cup of Tea on the Commode"

Host: Renita Hora
Guest: Mark Stephen Perrault
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of True Fiction Project, host Renita Hora welcomes Mark Stephen Perrault, an accomplished New Jersey native now residing in the picturesque village of Pézenas, France. Mark is an award-winning writer, director, designer, and author, best known for his latest work, "A Cup of Tea on the Commode." This episode delves deep into Mark's multifaceted career, his creative inspirations, and the heartfelt story behind his new book.

From New Jersey to the Heart of France

Mark begins by sharing his reasons for relocating to Pézenas, a charming village in southwest France renowned for being the largest wine-growing region in the world.

“I live in a little village called Pézenas in southwest France, and it's in the largest wine growing region in the world, which is lovely. I joke. I tell people if you throw a grape, you hit a wine domain, and the wine's excellent, and it's actually cheaper than water here, which is scary if you can't control yourself.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [02:46]

Mark emphasizes the cultural richness of Pézenas, highlighting its historical ties to the famed playwright Molière and its vibrant artistic community.

“They say Molière was born in this town. He wasn't actually born. The writer Jean Batiste, I think it's Pat Queen, was sponsored by Prince Conte to come down here, and he developed into Molière here. He wrote Tartuffe and The Misanthrope here...”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [03:29]

A Journey Through the Arts

Mark’s creative journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Growing up in a creative household, Mark was immersed in the arts from an early age. His mother, a painter, fostered his and his siblings' artistic talents, leading Mark to explore various artistic avenues.

“My start was in Lincoln Center with the Royal Danish Ballet when I was around 7 years old. So it was a good start... I retired at around 11 from the ballet. It wasn't like shin splints or anything like that. I moved on to baseball and then I quit Baseball for Girls...”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [04:31]

His transition from ballet to acting marked the beginning of a diverse career in Hollywood. Mark pursued industrial design at Ohio State University, a field that beautifully merged his love for math, science, and the arts.

“I went to Ohio State and got a degree in industrial design, which is a nice mix of... a beautiful fusion of, of three of my loves.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [05:20]

Breaking into Hollywood

Mark's foray into Hollywood was serendipitous. Encouraged by a receptionist who suggested modeling, he ventured into acting and quickly secured a role on the esteemed TV show Hill Street Blues as an Assistant D.A.

“Less than two years later, I got on Hill Street Blues as Assistant D.A.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [06:55]

Though his stint on Hill Street Blues was brief, it opened doors to significant roles, including a memorable part as a drug lord on Walker, Texas Ranger. Additionally, Mark landed a small yet impactful role in the blockbuster film Cast Away alongside Tom Hanks.

“I had a small part in Cast Away with Tom Hanks directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg...”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [07:32]

Entrepreneurship and Creative Ventures

Balancing his acting career, Mark ventured into entrepreneurship, honoring his father's legacy by launching Grandpapo's Originals, a snack food company based on his father's 1963 popcorn recipe.

“It was originally called Nutri Nuts is what my dad called it, but there were no nuts in it. So we changed it to Grandpapo's Originals and we went nationwide with it.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [10:00]

Mark also showcased his directorial prowess with the award-winning short film SUV, a parody of the legal drama Law & Order. This micro-budget project, filmed entirely inside a sport utility vehicle, humorously captures the essence of courtroom proceedings.

“The murder takes place inside the SUV... there's like 29 actors in that car... It won comedy awards in a festival in Texas way back when.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [11:28]

The Birth of "A Cup of Tea on the Commode"

Mark's personal experiences profoundly influenced his latest literary work. The pivotal moment came when his mother was on her deathbed, leading him and his siblings to reunite and care for her during her final days.

“My brother called and said my mother was on her deathbed... She just turned 89 and she just shut down. So we all came home, she had six children and we started taking care of her...”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [12:00]

This period of caregiving and emotional turmoil became the foundation for his book, "A Cup of Tea on the Commode." Mark describes a chapter titled "A Silent Scream," portraying his mother's plea for love and connection.

“I think it was a cry for help. She wanted her kids back, if not her kids, at least some love in the house.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [12:00]

Excerpts and Creative Interpretation

In the heart of the episode, Mark shares excerpts from his book, blending nonfiction and fiction to illustrate the transformation of real-life experiences into compelling narratives.

Nonfiction Segment: Mark recounts a poignant moment observing his mother’s change in behavior during her final days.

“I checked on mom earlier than usual. Most mornings should be sound asleep... She had been a coffee drinker when she was younger, but lost her taste for it during the pregnancy with yours truly.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [17:01]

Fictional Opening: "Genevieve's Vision" Mark presents an evocative fictional scene inspired by his mother's experiences, painting a vivid picture of a parade and a protagonist grappling with memories and visions.

“On a crisp, sunny spring morning, a merry band of well-dressed young children parades down Emmett Place... Inside, behind a billowing white curtain propped up in a hospital bed, sits a frail 92-year-old Genevieve...”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [21:54]

This creative piece not only showcases Mark's storytelling prowess but also bridges the gap between reality and fiction, embodying the essence of the True Fiction Project.

Conclusion and Further Engagement

As the episode draws to a close, Renita Hora encourages listeners to subscribe for exclusive access to the closing scene of Mark's narrative. She also provides avenues for fans to connect with Mark and explore his work further.

“The book has a lot of funny stuff in it... what's interesting is that I don't know if people can see. So this is the actual picture I'm describing.”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [16:39]

Mark promotes his book and online presence, inviting listeners to engage with his story across multiple platforms.

“The website is a Cup of Tea on the Commode.org. I have a YouTube channel, a Cup of Tea on the Commode. We're on TikTok...”
— Mark Stephen Perrault [15:24]

Renita wraps up the episode by highlighting the collaborative spirit of the True Fiction Project, inviting storytellers and authors to contribute their narratives.

Where to Find More

• Book: A Cup of Tea on the Commode
• Website: acupofteaonthecommode.org
• YouTube Channel: A Cup of Tea on the Commode
• TikTok & Facebook: Search "A Cup of Tea on the Commode"
• Podcast Contact: renita.com/forward/contact
• Newsletter Subscription: substack.com/ford/@rinitahora

Closing Remarks

"A Cup of Tea on the Commode" serves as a testament to Mark Stephen Perrault's ability to weave personal experiences into universal stories, embodying the True Fiction Project's mission to transform nonfiction into engaging fiction. This episode not only offers an intimate glimpse into Mark's life and creative process but also inspires listeners to find the fiction within their own truths.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Stephen Perrault:
  “I live in a little village called Pézenas in southwest France, and it's in the largest wine growing region in the world, which is lovely.”
  [02:46]

• Mark Stephen Perrault:
  “My start was in Lincoln Center with the Royal Danish Ballet when I was around 7 years old. So it was a good start...”
  [04:31]

• Mark Stephen Perrault:
  “Less than two years later, I got on Hill Street Blues as Assistant D.A.”
  [06:55]

• Mark Stephen Perrault:
  “I think it was a cry for help. She wanted her kids back, if not her kids, at least some love in the house.”
  [12:00]

• Mark Stephen Perrault:
  “On a crisp, sunny spring morning, a merry band of well-dressed young children parades down Emmett Place...”
  [21:54]

Subscribe to the True Fiction Project to stay updated on future episodes and exclusive content, including extended readings and behind-the-scenes insights into the art of transforming true stories into fictional narratives.