Off to See the Wizard

The Wizard of Oz returns for Jonny. This time, he is performing a different version of the play....a bit more classic than the silliness added through Prairie Fire last summer. He has been practicing for this play over the last 6 weeks since landing the part as Tin Woodsman. For three afternoons every week, he has gone back to the Middle School, working diligently at his craft. One of his many talents. His niche.

Jonny is such a natural. Just like his Dad. He performs on stage like it is what he was meant to do. Always in character. Always knows his lines. Always knows his clues. And always cracking the jokes at just the right time.

The play went very well. For a little middle school production, it was an impressive little show. The stage was terrible, but that is not the cast or producer's fault. Whoever designed the "cafetorium" was certainly not thinking clearly. It is the only crazy stage I have seen where all the audience slowly slopes upward, as the stage is located almost below ground level. Meaning, unless you are sitting in the exact front row, all you get to see is the person's head in front of you. It is ridiculous. Each concert and performance in this horrible place is amongst one of the biggest annoyances experienced. Ok...rant now over.

Jonny had three performances for this play. The kids enjoyed the first one so much, that I brought Melissa's birthday party full of girls to the second performance the next night! Thankfully, there were some very kind people sitting in the front row who allowed all the kids to sit on the floor at their feet in order that they could see. Nice people in this here town of ours. Bethany was funny. Each time she heard Jonny's voice, she would get a huge smile on her face, and look all over for him. But she could never find him, as he was disguised in silver make up from head to toe! Once up close, she didn't quite know what to think of his new look.

I think it is time to conduct an interview with our actor son:

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I don't know. It's one of the things I'm good at.

What have you found to be the most challenging part for you?

That's a good question. Ummm....I don't know. It just comes along pretty easily for me.

What was your favorite character you have been cast as, and why?

I think I had the most fun with being the Tin Man because I had more rehearsals as a leading character and got to see my friends I made more.

What kind of character are you hoping to try out in the future?

One that's got an abnormal personality. All of my characters so far have been on the safe side.

How do you stay calm on stage in front of all those people?

Gosh....ummm....it starts for me by just pretending that every rehearsal is an actual performance. This keeps the stress level lower during the actual performance.

What advice would you give to other aspiring actors?

I guess just to practice as often as you can, and learn your lines quicker.

Thanks, Jonathan. We look forward to your next production, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Coming this July....and Christopher is joining the cast with you!