As promised, here are the details regarding the situation I hinted about last night. I auditioned for, and was cast in, a community theatre play. Specifically, I'm playing a character named "Brewster" in Plant City Entertainment's (PCE) production of ...wait for it, wait for it... "The Beverly Hillbillies". I actually think that's funnier than any joke I could write here. I just got the word tonight which is why I didn't know if this subject would live beyond a single post. But since I'm in it now, I will blog about the experience and hopefully give you a glimpse into the exciting backstage world of small town community theatre. Had I not been cast, I'd have written a single post about how unfair the audition process was, how directors are idiots who can't recognize talent and how I was glad I didn't get the part.
I've acted in shows before, including "Barefoot In The Park, "Grease" and "Bleacher Bums". And this is actually my second go-around with PCE, having done Neil Simon's "Fools" there in 2004. I think my character was 'Fool #5' or something like that. I even won an award for that one! So I enjoy acting but the problem is, until recently my job schedule has been so overwhelmingly demanding that doing a show was simply not a possibility. But now that my schedule is under control I'm able to jump back into it and this show makes perfect sense for me to do so; any good actor sincerely dedicated to their craft will tell you that if you can't do Shakespeare, look for something with a score by Flatt & Scruggs. I auditioned for the role of Mr. Drysdale, thinking it would be fun to play an outright, over-the-top villian. But as I read the script the other night, he's not the malevolent presence I thought he was. He's more like Colonel Klink; an authority figure to be defied at all opportunities but essentially a harmless doofus. I don't remember that from watching the show but I never really was into the Beverly Hillbillies. I much preferred the surrealistic anarchy of Green Acres. I don't think it's possible to be a fan of both. Anyway, I don't know much at all about this Brewster character. I'll find out more on Monday at the first read-through. I hope he has some funny lines or a hot make out scene with Elly May.
Stay tuned...
I want to know how many teeth Brewster has and, related, are you a method actor?? ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I was a huge fan of both BH and GA.
Righteous!
ReplyDeleteI was "enchanted operatic singing draperies." Think Carol Burnett in 'Went with the Wind' My sister was cast as the opera singing wardrobe.
I was also "Villager with a solo" in our community theatre production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. It was, dare I say, spectacular.
Bravo Brewster! I'm dying over the fact that someone wrote a stage adaptation of the Beverly Hillbillies -- cannot wait to hear what the plot is. And whether Dash Riprock makes an appearance.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I also preferred the lunacy of Green Acres (and the charm of Petticoat Junction) to the Beverly Hillbillies. But I'll still stop and watch if I catch it while channel surfing...
'Zooks: Brewster is one of the city folk, sophisticated, mannered and classy. So yes, I am playing against type.
ReplyDelete'Hair: I don't doubt you were magnificient. Those are some snazzy credits you have there. My favorite role had to be 'Man with gun', one of seven parts I played in the 11th grade black history play because there weren't enough caucasian actors to fill the white people roles.
"Petticoat Junction." I loved that show and "Here Come The Brides."
ReplyDelete