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THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
Back to Live Performances
Zorro: The Musical
1998
 

This was my first show performing at TUTS (During my internship, I was a PA on Hot Shoe Shuffle and Victor/Victoria). I was thrilled to finally be in an Equity regional theatre production. While, I certainly was heavy during this time, I wasn't as heavy as I look in these pictures--my soldier costume had to be worn beneath my pirate costume for a quick change.

Grand Hotel
(also at 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company in Seattle)
1999



This was definitely one of those experiences that changed my life completely. This was possibly the best show I have ever been in. There are those who say this musical didn't completely work during its original Broadway run. Well, there are those who say this production got it right. In addition to those of us who were new to the piece, the company was made up of performers and creatives from the original Broadway company (including Liliane Montevecchi), the original West End company, and the First National Tour. We rehearsed for two weeks in Seattle before a three-week run at the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company. Then we came to Houston where we spent one week converting the show from proscenium to arena (theatre in the round) before a two week run. I played one of the bellboys, Kurt Kronenberg. What made this show so enjoyable to perform was that the director, Bruce Lumpkin, directed all of us--not just the principle performers. Meaning, we all had stories to play. There was much subtext among all of the characters. And thought the audience would have no idea what that all exactly was, it created the energy of the show. It filled every moment with the environment that supported the story. And, it made every performance exciting to perform.

One funny thing: I was a bit heavy during this time. In fact, I believe I am the fattest bellboy in Grand Hotel history. I wore the costume that the original actor in my role wore on Broadway. They had to add panels so I could get it around my waist. But, I danced my ass off and had a blast.

B&W Photos: Chris Bennion

Funny Girl
2001
   

This was a fun show. I played Adolph. Marilyn Sokol played Fanny's mother and she treated me like a pro, an equal. We worked our two bits together until the timing was flawless. And, therefore, I got a laugh every performance without saying one single word.

First Annual American Musical Theatre Awards honoring Jerry Herman
2002
   

This was a nice event to be a part of. I was one of the ensemble singers in this benefits that featured Luci Arnaz, Jo Anne Worley, Hugh Panaro, Davis Gaines among others.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
2002


Everyone wants the dirt on this production. Sadly, for storytelling purposes, there isn't any. We all had a fantastic time creating this piece. It's just sad that it wasn't able to come together in such a way that it could have a future. I played a ghostly ventriloquist, a movie director, and the mailman that makes the mistake of hand delivering his mail to Baby Jane.

I think a lot of performers have a "that could have been my ticket to Broadway" show. This was mine.

The third photo is from my Halloween party during the run. Joanne Bonasso (right) is Karen Walker from Will & Grace. Helena Hultberg is a (left) bumblebee. Pamela Remlar (center) is a "vicious, wet sponge", a reference to one of my lines regarding Baby Jane.