The performance portion of my participatory journalism project is at the 1/2 way mark! SUPERFAN is an actor, in MAMMA MIA! at Pentacle Theatre in Salem, Oregon, directed by Robert Salberg (the object of my SUPERFANDOM for over 10 years) and Jill Sorensen (we go way back also). I see professionalism all around me. EVERYONE on this Cast gives EVERYTHING, EVERY single night. This is a reflection of the fabulous talent pool we have, and also our professional-level production team. The professionalism is on display during vocal warmups run by Matthew Bailey. He is just as engaging and entertaining during these important exercises as when he plays Harry Bright in the play! Talk about professional-level acting! His British accent is flawless, and he is a visual and auditory feast! And I serve him a drink at the Taverna Bar! I love seeing newcomer to Pentacle Theatre, experienced actor, Chris Davidson become Bill Austin. And I serve him two drinks during "The Name of the Game". When I make eye contact with him, it feels so real--he is a pro! While we are talking about the dads, Sam Carmichael is played by Ken Hermans. I have been a SUPERFAN of Ken Hermans for 20 years. He always becomes his character in such a natural way that he makes me believe that he IS indeed his character. Confession: Over the years I have been clumsy telling him this, because I get shy around him like I would a celebrity! I pinch myself every night when as Father Alexandrios in MAMMA MIA!, I have the privilege of marrying Sam (Ken) and Donna (Kirsten Manning). I also help him make a very quick costume change backstage. Even as I am even more impressed with Ken's level of professionalism, working with him on MAMMA MIA! makes me a little less shy! I even played tennis with him--he is a great player.
Our Donna (Kristen Manning), came down with viral laryngitis. Our directors came up with a professional-level plan! When Kristen could not sing the night it happened, Robert Salberg announced the plan, and Women's Ensemble actor, Victoria Wilson sang into a mic backstage, while Kristen an amazing pro, was acting and doing the dialogue on stage. Victoria was singing right next to me while I was backstage! Professionalism right next to me! For the following two nights, another member of the Women's Ensemble member, Jennifer Myers stepped into the role of Donna with script in hand. Robert announced this to the Pentacle Patrons and the audience gave Jennifer and all of us fantastic energy! Jennifer was outstanding and the ENTIRE cast responded to Robert's inspirational pre-show talk. EVERYONE responded and the audience was treated to a Professional-level show!
Professionalism at Pentacle Theatre does not get a cast or crew member out of chores. We all happily do our chores before changing into our characters. In the nice clean lobby after each performance, I enjoy seeing my Pentacle Theatre peeps and friends to celebrate what I consider a professional-level rockin' good time!
Comments