Now playing
only temporarily interrupted; these kinds of happenings could
only take place in a Pintello Comedy production. Rehearsals are
always fun and of course every actor receives the Gold Star in
appreciation of their performance on the Pintello stage, a valued
treasure to own! And of course, Kevin and Allan Obata debuted
Limelight Actors Theater, creating an actor’s workshop, allowing
avant-garde theatrical experiences performed in the likes of
San Francisco, L.A., Broadway, et al.
Q: What was your favorite role
you have performed on stage?
All of my acting roles are special to me, but some do stand out.
All of my acting roles are special to me, but some do stand out.
As Reverend David Lee, in “The Foreigner,” I performed my best
interpretation of a Ku Klux Klan leader; an interesting character
(also my first role after being away from the stage for over two
decades). I made my singing debut as Dr. Mark Bruckner in
“On A Clear Day You Can See Forever,” and Director Mary Ann
Bruegmann yelled out at me during rehearsals, “Relax! It looks
like you’re having a coronary!” In “Angry Housewives” I played
Larry, appearing on stage wearing a blue satin sheath dress,
white high heels, a blonde wig and pearls and singing a chorus
of “Eat Your F%&#ing Corn Flakes!” I also played the Old Man
in “Bathroom Humor,” which had me constantly competing
with guests at a party for the use of the bathroom. . .guests of
course always had preference, as I hopped, skipped and jumped
in agony waiting my turn. By far my most challenging and
interesting of roles was that of Lyman Wyeth in “Other Desert
Cities,” which was my first true serious dramatic role.
Q: What is it about performing in front
of an audience that you enjoy the most?
An actor’s anthem and British musical, “The Roar of the Grease
Paint, The Smell of the Crowd,” pretty much sums up what
I believe most stage performers feel and experience when on
stage. No matter the venue, a small intimate club or a massive
professional Broadway stage, it is the feel and smell of a live
crowd, the murmur the actors hear back stage while prepping
just prior to curtain opening, the heat of the stage lights blaring
down, the first line spoken by the actor, the anticipation of my
entrance, the whole enchilada; there is absolutely nothing I can
compare to an opening night at the theater.
John Varela will be in Limelight Theater’s upcoming production
of “The Country House,” which opens on January 27 th .
Matthew Russell Hendrickson has been
involved with community theater for over
35 years. He is currently a designer’s
assistant for Brotin Design, a founding
member of a local film production com-
pany, Oscar Dante Motion, and is still
heavily involved with local theater.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
The Country House
By Donald Margulies
January 27, 28
February 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18
What’s life without a little drama? A brood of famous and
longing-to-be-famous creative artists have gathered at their
summer home during the Williamstown Theatre Festival. When
the weekend takes an unexpected turn, everyone is forced to
improvise, inciting a series of simmering jealousies, romantic
outbursts, and passionate soul-searching. Both witty and com-
pelling, THE COUNTRY HOUSE provides a piercing look at a
family of performers coming to terms with the roles they play in
each other’s lives.
Playing At
Limelight Actor’s Theater
7341 Monterey Street • Gilroy
limelightactorstheater.com
Footloose
the Musical
February 24, 25
March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farm-
ing town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period.
What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, includ-
ing a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher. When
the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her
roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with
many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new
kid. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young peo-
ple, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
Playing At
South Valley Community Theater (SVCT)
17090 Monterey Road • Morgan Hill
svct.org
Farce of Habit
World Premiere by Jones Hope Wooten
Feb 3, 4, 10, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25
Comic fireworks explode in “Farce of Habit,” an absurdly-funny
Southern-fried romp sent at the finest little fishing lodge in the
Ozarks. The Wilburn family is juggling pesky guests, a gaggle
of nuns, a wronged woman bent on revenge, and caffeine with-
drawal, as the storm of the century heads their way. Oh, and
did we mention there’s an axe murderer on the loose? Laughing
your way through the take-no-prisoners lunacy of a Jones Hope
Wooten Comedy is one habit you’ll never want to break!
Playing At
Pintello Comedy
8191 Swanston Lane • Gilroy
pintellocomedy.com
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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