Many of you know about my acting career. I've done both live theater (A Christmas Carol, Our Town, Ragtime, The Putnam County Spelling Bee) and film work (Chad Vader, Gio's Garden promotional film).
My performances have earned widespread praise. My work in the Vader films was called "wooden," which of course perfectly matches the personality of my character (me). Other reviewers have said they can't believe that anyone would have the courage to get up on stage or in front of a camera given my abilities.
Look, I'm touched by all the acclaim, but for me it's really about the work and the craft, and above all, the audience.
So I was pleased to accept a role in the Strollers Theatre production of Paragon Springs. I'll be appearing in a limited appearance tonight (Thursday, September 20) only, at the Bartell Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m.
An update of Ibsen's Enemy of the People, the play is set in a 1920s Wisconsin resort town where the famous waters are discovered to be polluted by the local doctor. He comes into conflict with the town's businesses, newspaper and even his brother, the mayor. (I haven't seen the play yet, but I'm sure the mayor is portrayed as a heroic figure as mayors always are in real life.) Read the Isthmus review and watch a trailer for the production.
While I thought I might be considered for the lead role, I was instead asked to participate in a post-play discussion of the play's themes. In other words, I was asked not to actually try to act in any way. I'm a little confused about why Strollers wouldn't want to take advantage of my acting talents, but nonetheless I'm happy to help out in any way I can.
Hope to see you there tonight or that you'll consider attending a later production. The play runs through Saturday, October 6.
