It's been a few years since I've been on stage, and it was great to be back at Oldcastle working with some old friends and making new ones. Fifteen or twenty years ago I was scheduled to play the role of William Coles in OPM. That production had to be cancelled for some reason, which turned out okay for me as I was cast s Greg in Pete Gurney's play "Sylvia". Aging into a part is something I hope I've done gracefully, as being cast a Jorgy put me in a part close to my actual age.
It was a great cast to work with, and with Eric Peterson directing it was a very comfortable rehearsal period. It was also a pleasure to work with Sophia Garder as stage manager. I've worked with her before when she was acting in shows but this was the first time as stage manager. She did a very professional job. Here is Sophia with the infamous "Donut Wheel" which was a prop Paula and I had to use.
The cast included Rick Howe(I can't count the number of shows we've done together), Paula Mann, Jenny Strassburg, and Paul Romero. There was a special connection between cast members. Paula and Jenny had worked together before at Dorest Theater Festival. Both were great to play opposite. Thanks to Jenny for putting up with my interchangeable use of "shareholders" and "stockholders", and to Paula for being such an interesting donut thrower.(Of course I was the one who threw a donut off a piece of the scenery and had a careen into the front row - Paula only bounced one there.)
Paul Romero had a wonderful sense of humor and was a force as Garfinkle(the corporate raider). His portrayal kept your attention throughout and he listened. I love it when you know an actor is listening to you and not thinking about his/her next line. He was a pleasure to work with. Here is a picture of him with Paula.
This was my first appearance in a play in the new Oldcastle space in downtown Bennington. It's an interesting place to perform in that the audience is so close. I had a long monologue at towards the end of the play in which I had to address the audience. I tried not to look at anybody I knew, but it was hard to avoid eye contact. The theater has movable seating, which allows the company to do shows in the round if the want. Our set had audience on at least one side and in front.. It makes you very conscious of body position as you perform - trying t stay open to a s many people as possible.
It was a short run -only 10 performances, but very enjoyable. We also got great reviews.(See http://oldcastletheatre.org).
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