New Castle Playhouse

Kiss Me Kate

Summer 1999

Role - Harry Trevor / Baptista

I think I got the role only because I could bellow in a loud voice while delivering Shakespeare. Sadly, this was a non-singing role so all I got to do was chew scenery between the dance numbers.

New Castle Playhouse

Moon Over Buffalo

directed by Joseph Long

Fall 1999

Role - Paul Singer

This was my first foray into the plays of Ken Ludwig, a writer I now consider to be an inspiration of my own work.

This was back when I was still young and attractive enough to play the romantic interest type. We had a great deal of fun with this play and I have fond memories of manhandling the actor who played George.

New Castle Playhouse

1776

July 2000

Role - Edward Rutledge

This role was great fun to play. Rutledge is nothing like me and comes from the deep south. I apologize to all my southern friends as I'm sure my accent was more "Yankee who lived a year in North Carolina" and not "South Carolina Plantation Owner."

I'm still amazed we fit all those guys on the stage or for that matter, found enough guys to do a male heavy musical.

This role did offer me one of the most emotional and moving songs I've ever performed for an audience, "Molasses to Rum."

The worst part of doing this show was that they insisted I shave off all my facial hair. I do not look good with a bare face.

Molasses to Rum

Lincoln High School Senior Class Musical

Grease

Spring 1984

Role - Roger

This is the role that got me addicted to music theatre. I walked into the Senior Class Musical auditions as a freshman and was given a principal role. I have been hooked ever since.

This show also marks the first time I appeared on stage without my pants, an event that seems to happen to me frequently.

My aunt was a dancer at some point, so she taught me a dance number for my audition. In retrospect, it was an exceedingly girly dance number. Also, I sang a Frankie Valley song in falsetto for my audition which probably helped landing this role.

My favorite part was that my character was the comic relief. I played that up as much as a high school freshman could.

Mooning

Lincoln High School Junior Dramatics

Get Witch Quick

Spring 1985

Role - Caleb the Groundskeeper

Character part. That's the only way to describe Caleb. His entire role in this show is to come in and say and do ridiculous things. I had fun with it. Also, there were a lot of hats.

Lincoln High School Junior Dramatics

The Crucible

Fall 1985

Role - John Proctor

This play is deep and depressing and I was exactly in the right frame of mind to play John Proctor. This will go down as the most emotional role I've ever delved into and I was a high school student.

We nearly didn't do this play since part of the cast dropped out part way through rehearsals and honestly, I'm amazed that a high school let us do something that addresses adultery so frankly.

Lincoln High School Senior Dramatics

The Creature Creeps

directed by Don Hollerman

Spring 1986

Role - Dr. Donald VonBlitzen

My first leading role was that of this Transylvanian mad-scientist just looking out for his many daughters. My best friend and I actually starred in this together.

This show taught me that being prepared and knowing your lines only goes so far. We did a lot of improv to cover dropped lines and props that refused to cooperate.

Lincoln High School Senior Musical

Bye Bye Birdie

Spring 1986

Role - Hugo

Red Barn Theatre

Godspell

directed by Tom Tillia

Summer 1986

Role - John the Baptist/Judas

This was my first theatre experience outside of high school and it remains one of the highlights of my career. I wish I could still dance like I did in this show.

All For The Best

Lincoln High School Senior Dramatics

Break a Leg

Spring 1987

Role - Harry