Theater thoughts

Once upon a time my husband became involved with The Actor's Charitable Theater.Since childhood,  he has always had a love of  the stage:  singing, songwriting, and acting.  Marriage, a sensible career, and three children put these activities on the back burner.  Until....the kids grew up.  Guess what?   They are talented,  and they are interested in theater.  J. tried out for some Tuscaloosa Children's Theater productions and got a few  parts.  He also did some roles at Northridge where mom (that's me) teaches.

Hubs always said that if a production of Oliver came to Tuscaloosa, he would like to try out.  At that time J. was younger and might  have been a good fit for the title role.  Sure enough, TheACT produced Oliver.  I noticed it was coming up on their website, so I informed hubs that it was indeed time to try out once again.  Thus began a journey....

Love those chops...




Seriously sad orphans

Here is the thing about theater.   When you accept a role, it isn't always the one you wanted, or even one that seems appropriate.  For example, along with the role of  the cop in Oliver, Lowell also played a barkeep.  He sang a solo and led a rousing crowd of drunks in song and dance.  Well...hubs has never even been drunk himself.  True acting, I say. 



Second role for Hubs at theACT:  Wilbur in Hairspray.  Perhaps a little more fitting as far as roles go.  Here is a character description: As Tracy’s supportive father, Wilbur wants nothing more than for his daughter to pursue her dreams. 
As proud owner and operator of the Har-De-Har Hut, he knows what it means to follow your dreams, and dream big. He tries to balance Edna’s discouragement with his good humor, but sometimes it can be difficult. Wilbur is willing to do anything for his family and friends - including bailing all of the 
women out of jail!  Wilbur may be on the lighter side, but he has a huge heart. Not so bad, really.  However, this description does not mention the fact that Wilbur has to dance with his wife, who is played by a guy dressed in drag...YEP.  Totally hilarious, but a tad bit ton humbling for the non-stage wife.  (that's me :-)

That's Joey Lay as Edna and Lowell as Wilbur.

Alisha Lay as Tracy alongside Joey as Edna

Fast forward to 2013...and the production of
9 to 5.  Hubs won the role of Franklin Hart Jr. Problem:  Hart is described as "a lying, sleazy, egotistical bigot" He treats the women in his office as sex objects.   Joy!!  Well, Franklin Hart Jr. is all of that, but hubs isn't.   Not at all.  Quite the opposite, actually.  I just thought you all should know.  

Lowell and his leading ladies

So why I am I okay with these crazy out of character roles?  Good question.  It isn't always easy.  What if people who don't know what a great guy my hubby is think he might be like Franklin Hart Jr.?  Here is what I've come to terms with.  Lowell and I have been married almost 24 years.  Our marriage is secure.  It is based on the Biblical principles for marriage, and those won't falter.  He's the spiritual leader of our household, and when he is in a production, he is also a light in the darkness to all those he is around.  The stage needs that...tremendously.  

So what's next: On the lighter side, Monty Python's Spamalot.  J, Lowell, and Greg VanderWal all have roles in this one.  One of my favorite bloggers Mary Katherine Matthews has already done a promo for this production on her blog.  Check it out:

http://mathewsfamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/2013/01/spamalot.htmle.