By the time you read this, I will have made my debut as Peter in the much-anticipated Lakeside Little Theatre’s (LLT) production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
With a cast and crew of more than 60 individuals, it will be the largest production in the theater’s 59-year history. (LLT is the oldest English-speaking theater in Mexico.) I hope I won’t have screwed up too badly.
I auditioned for the play way back at the end of June, and began working with the music director, Gary Wayne Young, in early July. He, a veteran of more than 85 musical productions, spent 5 hour-long sessions with me (even more with the play’s stars) trying to enable a rank amateur to sing without losing the beat—to no avail. He did his best, and I’ll do mine; and we’ll both have to settle for whatever I manage to do on stage.
But, as I am beginning to understand, that is part of the charm and purpose of a community theater in general and Superstar in particular. It’s all about community, one where everyone is welcome.
“There’s something special about community theater,” mused Co-Director Dave McIntosh. “Here at LLT, we get newbies who’ve never before dared to act appearing alongside retired professionals. LLT gives them the opportunity to discover and nurture latent talents. It’s truly exciting to watch, often even magical.” (Gary, who’s done his best to hide his exasperation with me—is certainly hoping I find some magic opening night.) “And the fact that a bunch of doddering retirees will pull off a rock opera intended for young hippie actors, well, that’ll be magical too.”
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