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Since several of you requested that I share more post topics about my time in the theater, I thought I'd share photographs of some of the plays and musicals I performed in during my acting career.

I was extremely blessed to have worked with many generous directors who gave me a wealth of opportunities to play a wide variety of characters; alongside some of the most incredibly talented actors.

What I especially love about acting in theater is that you form a special bond with your fellow-actors/actresses in which you become like a family. Film acting is very different because you don't have as much time to connect. Quite often in film, you don't even meet your fellow actors/actresses until you get on the set the first day of shooting without any time to form an onscreen relationship. And in film, you don't get (or hardly get) any rehearsal time, other than rehearsing where you need to hit your marks for the cameras. Film is much more a technical (director's) medium. Whereas theater is much more an actor's medium in which the cast members play off each other in real-time, so you're able to gradually develop your character in relationship to the other characters. In film, all of that is done on your own before you get in front of the cameras.

Film, to me, feels more solitary, passive, and disjointed.

Theater feels more like being part of a team, active, and has a natural continuity.

I find it funny though, because I adore watching films and am very much into film history. However, as an actor, hands down, I much prefer the process of live theater over film.

So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to a cast of characters.

Actors, take your places...

Curtain up!

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The play was called "A Flea in her Ear." It was a hilarious French farce in which the entire cast had razor-sharp comedic timing. I portrayed, Don Homenides de Histangua, a hot-tempered, insanely jealous Spaniard who ran around with a pistol in all three acts, trying to catch his wife having an affair with another man. But in reality, his wife wasn't ever having an affair, he was just overly-possessive and paranoid. I loved playing this character because he was hysterically amusing...



One of my all-time favorite musicals is "Godspell." This was one of those shows that I never wanted to end because the cast bonded like no other cast I’d been with. The girl you see standing next to me is an incredibly gifted actress (Paula Pell), who went on to become one of the chief writers for "Saturday Night Live."...


One of my more serious performances in a play called "The Normal Heart." I portrayed, Ned Weeks, a man fighting to get government funding for AIDS research. My character was based on real life gay activist, Larry Kramer. This photo was taken during rehearsal for a publicity article in the newspaper. The gentleman sitting next to me portrayed my onstage partner, Felix. At the end of the play he dies from complications due to HIV.

*yes, this is the guy I had to kiss in this post...


This was perhaps one of my LEAST favorite shows, "Angels Fall." I portrayed, Zappy, a young professional tennis player (and hypochondriac) who was being “kept” by an older woman. The script sucked--it was long-winded and boring. The only saving grace was that my good friend, Laurel, was also in the cast, so we were able to support one another through all the weeks of hell...


As Mr. Smee in the musical, "Peter Pan." The guy next to me (in our dressing room) was a dear friend (Jim) who played, Captain Hook. Need I tell you how much FUN we had?...


From the musical, "Cabaret." I portrayed the Emcee. I had waited SIXTEEN years to play this role, so when I finally got it, it felt like a dream come true...



The reason I look like a mental patient in this photo is because I WAS. I portrayed, Petrone, a saxophone player who took too many drugs, so his brain was fried. It was a very strange one-act play by (actor/writer) Sam Shepard called "Suicide in B Flat." My good friend Laurel (on my right) was also in the show. Even to this day, I cannot tell you what the hell this play was about. But we had loads of fun performing it. A great cast...


These next two photos are a repeat for some of my longtime readers. I always had a secret fantasy to portray a female character onstage. Well, that fantasy became a reality when I was cast in the musical "Cinderella." Here you see me as the, Wicked Stepmother, with my delightfully evil daughters...


In the dressing room before a performance with, Rick, the talented costume designer who designed not only my costume, but also my wigs. I did my own makeup....



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Hope you enjoyed these photographs, folks!

Have a smashingly fabulous week!
X

30 comments:

  1. What a fabulously fascinating post, Ron - and the diversity of your roles is extremely impressive!

    I love the photos as much as your descriptions of the plays. The hot-tempered jealous Spaniard in A Flea in her Ear is hilarious and must have been fun to portray.
    Smee in Peter Pan is great - - and the wicked stepmother in Cinderella is wonderfully outrageous, really a hoot!!


    By the way, you look really hot in The Normal Heart photo (and we got to see the actor you had to kiss *smile*).
    Playing the Emcee in Cabaret must have been a memorable treasure.


    I don't know much about the theater, but I did know several theatrical actors when I lived in Hollywood - and they were unanimous in saying that working on the stage establishes a close, family-like atmosphere - - unlike working in films.


    I hope you'll share more of your acting adventures with us in the future!

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  2. Oh what a happy, successful and interesting life you led, Ron. I did enjoy this post. In fact, I aim to go back to the top and start again. You had a fascinating life on stage and off but I bet the on stage is/was your favourite. I was surprised to learn that you did your own make-up for that part. If it was me I would have been so engrossed in the make-up I would have forgotten the script. I hope to read more of your life on screen, my friend.

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  3. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, November 12, 2019

    Oh, I enjoyed this so much!

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  4. Ron, what a fascinating post about the various roles you played during your time as an actor in the theater! What really impresses me is the diversity of the parts you've played. You as the Wicked Stepmother is AMAZING! What a great costume and make-up! And it was so interesting your hear your take on theater versus film. VERY interesting!

    Loved this post, Ron. More please!

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  5. What an absolute treat it was to read this post and see you portraying all these characters. Also, how fun to see younger Ron!!! After knowing you online for so long, how I wish I could go back in time to see you perform. That wicked stepmother is an amazing transformation! Bravo! A Flea in Her Ear sounds like a fun show for performers and viewers. And I'm not sure I've ever seen a production of Godspell. It's been too long since I've seen any local theatre productions. You've made me want to look into it.

    Sending copious amounts of snow your way! Enjoy! XO

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  6. Ron, this was superb! What a fascinating look into your past roles on the stage. And yes, I can see where theater would be more rewarding to do than film, particularly because of the camaraderie of the cast and crew.


    I think it's true that an actor, like a writer, is very lucky in that they get to live many lives. The actor, of course, gets to portray many characters, while the writer gets to control the strings like a puppeteer. We're blessed we gravitated to careers we're ideally suited to, my friend!


    I've seen photos of you before as the Wicked Stepmother, but I feel I know you better now, so these were a real treat. And to think you did your own makeup, too! xo

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  7. Thank you so much for sharing these, Ron. Encore, encore! I think you really embodied the spirit of the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella. Bravo! I am curious about two things: when (and why) did you give up theater (and are you ever tempted to get back into it) and, perhaps more importantly, was the 'stache real??

    Have a great rest of your week, my friend!

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  8. Jon, thank you so much for your sweet and kind comment :)

    The pictures I shared were scan from the actual photos, and then resized. The pics date back MANY years ago, so I wasn't sure how they would transfer from a scan. I think some of them came out pretty good, others were a bit blurry.

    I LOVED playing the Wicked Stepmother so much and was very sad when the show closed. And I felt the same way about Cabaret.

    "By the way, you look really hot in The Normal Heart photo (and we got to see the actor you had to kiss *smile*).

    Thank you. And YES...that's the guy I had to kiss in the post I shared several weeks ago.

    "....but I did know several theatrical actors when I lived in Hollywood - and they were unanimous in saying that working on the stage establishes a close, family-like atmosphere - - unlike working in films."

    And they are absolutely correct about that. Which is why I preferred theater over film. When you're in a play or a musical, it's like you're part of a team that works in unison. Film is so disjointed and feels more like a solo experience because there is no time to bond with your fellow-actors/actresses.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  9. Thank you, Valerie. Glad to hear you enjoyed! :) I had so much fun putting this post together and recalling each experience.

    "You had a fascinating life on stage and off but I bet the on stage is/was your favourite."

    Yes, it was. Acting in the theater was something I always knew (even as a child) was something I wanted to do. It's one of those things that just came "naturally" to me. However, as much as I loved being onstage, it was also something that scared the hell out of me. No matter how long I did a show, I was always very nervous before the performance. I had big-time stage fright.

    "I was surprised to learn that you did your own make-up for that part. If it was me I would have been so engrossed in the make-up I would have forgotten the script."

    Being a makeup artist myself, doing my own makeup in all the shows I did was something I REALLY enjoyed doing; especially the wicked stepmother and Mr. Smee. For me, once I had makeup and the costume on, I felt completely like the character.

    I didn't do much film work, other than industrial films and a few TV pilots that never made it on TV. However, I did quite a bit of hair and makeup work for television and film, so I was exposed to "how" films are made.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely week!
    X

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  10. So glad you enjoyed, Fiona!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, and have a fantastic week!

    X

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  11. Hey there Candice!

    I felt very blessed that I had directors who gave me tremendous opportunities to perform a vast variety of roles. I was known as a "character actor", so I enjoyed playing roles that were nothing like me. I usually played characters that were older than my actual age because as a character actor, I could morph myself into different people.

    I LOVED playing the wicked stepmother and doing the makeup. It took about an hour from start to finish to do my face before each performance.

    I may be sharing a few more posts about my time in the theater in the coming months.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!
    X

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  12. Thank you, my dear friend :) Glad you enjoyed.

    "lso, how fun to see younger Ron!!! After knowing you online for so long, how I wish I could go back in time to see you perform. "

    HA! I know, can you believe how YOUNG I looked in some of these photographs!?! When I found them in a box of old photos, I realized how LONG ago these pictures were taken. I mean, back then photographs were still taken with FILM. Digital hadn't even been invented! At one time I also had VHS tapes of some of these shows, and it was a HOOT to watched them.

    "And I'm not sure I've ever seen a production of Godspell. It's been too long since I've seen any local theatre productions. You've made me want to look into it."

    "Godspell" is a musical based on the life and teachings of Christ, but in TODAY'S time. It's funny, touching, and the songs are GREAT! It's kind of like "Jesus Christ Superstar", but with more humor.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a FAB week!

    X

    P.S OMG...can you believe the forecast for SNOW this week? Today, the temp. dropping down to FREEZING. And tomorrow we're may get some snow. And you know me, I'M SO EXCITED!!!"

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  13. Aw...thank you, Debbie! Glad you enjoyed :)

    I LOVE how you said this because it's absolutely true when it comes to actors AND writers!....

    "I think it's true that an actor, like a writer, is very lucky in that they get to live many lives. The actor, of course, gets to portray many characters, while the writer gets to control the strings like a puppeteer. We're blessed we gravitated to careers we're ideally suited to, my friend!"

    I always felt as an actor the really enjoyable part was trying on different clothing (meaning, different characters) and portraying them

    And speaking of writing, television is the "writer's medium" because it's the words/dialogue that dominates television because without the words, the actors/actresses would have nothing to say.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!

    X

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  14. Aw...you are so welcome, Mark. So glad you enjoyed.

    Yes, I definitely embodied the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella because I ALWAYS wanted to play a female onstage. And what a delicious female character she was!

    " I am curious about two things: when (and why) did you give up theater (and are you ever tempted to get back into it) and, perhaps more importantly, was the 'stache real??"

    I gave up theater back in the late 90's (around 1997). And I did so because I felt like I had "peaked" in what my goals were. I had a very diverse career and stretched myself to do roles that made me work very hard. Also, I felt my life pulling me in a different direction. I wanted to get some training in holistic healing work, so I went to school and studied Reiki, Reflexology, and Aromatherapy for years. As much I loved acting, I knew there were other things I wanted to experience with my life. And yes, sometimes think that I would like to dabble in acting again. And I may very well do that, even if it's just community theater for enjoyment.

    And yes....the 'stache was real, can you believe that?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have faaaaabulous week!

    X to you and Tara!

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  15. Ron, these photos ROCK! What an interesting and diverse life you have lead. I shared this post with my girlfriend because before she got involved in graphic arts, she was very much interested in acting in the theater, so I knew she would enjoy reading this. She loved it and wanted me to tell you that you looked amazing as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella.

    I really enjoyed the part about your insight on theater versus film. And even without ever having acted in my life, I could so see what you were talking about. I briefly played in a band many years ago and I know what you mean about live performing. There is nothing quite like it.

    Thanks for sharing, dude! Great post.

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  16. Hiya Matt!

    Thanks a lot! Glad to hear you enjoyed. I had the time of my life playing the Wicked Stepmother. It was a six run and I was so sad when it was over. My favorite part of the experience was interacting with the kids in the audience. They were so funny!

    "....even without ever having acted in my life, I could so see what you were talking about. I briefly played in a band many years ago and I know what you mean about live performing. There is nothing quite like it."

    That is so cool that you played in band. So yes, you TOTALLY understand what I mean about performing live. I love the exchange of energy between the you and the audience. It's such an exciting feeling, isn't it?

    Thank so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!
    X

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  17. Oh my gosh, Ron, that was such a fun post! I found myself looking at each photo, reading your description, and then looking back at the photo again. And I laughed out loud when I realized that one actor was the terrible kisser!

    I can see why you enjoyed live theater so much. I got just a taste of it when I was in drama in high school - I always felt like I could be anyone on stage and my normal shyness disappeared.

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  18. Thank you, my friend. Glad you enjoyed.

    "And I laughed out loud when I realized that one actor was the terrible kisser!"

    HA! Yup...that was him!

    " I got just a taste of it when I was in drama in high school - I always felt like I could be anyone on stage and my normal shyness disappeared."

    Yes, and I feel the same way. I was a very shy person when growing up, however, as soon as I discovered acting in live theater, my shyness totally disappeared. I can pretty much do anything onstage and not feel apprehensive about it. And I've heard that from MANY famous actors/actresses in interviews because I think most actors/actresses are born naturally shy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  19. Ron, I can tell you enough how much I LOVED this post! I read it at work this morning and had one of my coworkers look at the photographs of your various roles and she loved the ones of you as the wicked stepmother! What an interesting career you had. Do you ever miss acting? Just from reading your words, I can tell that you really enjoyed it.

    OMG, I loved the picture of you as Mr. Smee. You looked so cute! Did you ever see the movie version of Cabaret? I loved that movie. Just looking at your photos, I bet you made an AWESOME Emcee!

    Wonderful post, Ron! I do hope you'll share more. xo

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  20. Hola Denise!

    Glad you enjoyed, my friend! :) I had so much fun putting this post together and recalling my time in the theater.

    Yes, I DID enjoyed acting. And yes, sometimes I do miss it. And perhaps someday I may go back to it, even if it's just community theater, just for the enjoyment. I was involved in professional acting from the time I was 17 years old. There eventually came a point when I felt that I had accomplished everything I wanted to do, so I took a break to do other things with my life. I love acting, but I'm one of those people who wants to try different things with my life.

    Yest, I saw the movie Cabaret and freaking LOVED it! In fact, that's the moment when I realized that I wanted to perform that role. And I am sooooooooo grateful that I was eventually able to do it. I love both the movie AND the theater version for different reasons. And both were wonderful in their individual ways.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a fantastic rest of your week!
    X

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  21. Ron, Ron, Ron, both me and my husband read this post and LOVED it! Oh my god, you look so incredible as The Wicked Stepmother! And I am so in awe that you did the makeup yourself. Were you trained as a makeup artist or have you always had a talent? And I bet you had so much fun playing that part, as well as Mr. Smee. I when at the picture of you and that guy from the previous post where you talked about kissing him.

    I've never done any kind of actin myself, but I love going to the theater and seeing live shows. There is nothing like it. We don't go to any here, but when we lived in New York my husband and I would go into the city and see plays and musicals. The last Broadway show we saw was Phantom of the Opera. We also saw Les Miserables the first year it opened.

    What a wonderful post, Ron. If you have any more stories (or photos) of your time in the theater I would love to see them.

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  22. Hellooooo there Elaine!

    Thank you, my friend. So happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed.

    OMG, I loved playing the wicked stepmother. It was SO MUCH FUN! I was initially trained in theatrical makeup when I was going The American Academy of Dramatic Arts because they had a makeup class as part of the curriculum. However, I've always had such a fascination with makeup, so I think I had a natural flair for doing it. But the technique definitely helped with understanding lighting, and how makeup affects it.

    Isn't seeing a show in NYC the best? I mean, just the fact that you're seeing it IN New York adds such a thrill. WOW...you saw two VERY popular shows on Broadway. In fact, I think Phantom is still running at the Majestic Theater.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Yes, I will most likely share a few more theater posts in the future. Have a great weekend and enjoy this COLD weather. I'm LOVING it!

    X

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  23. I'm loving it too, Ron. And I'm hoping it stays this way. I've finally been able to wear my comfy Autumn/Winter clothes!

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  24. HA! I knew you're be loving this weather. And yes, I have finally been able to wear my down jacket and gloves. Love, love, love it!

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  25. All so interesting... what cool experiences, and fun costumes.... but OMG, the EMCEE!!! You KNOW how I LOVE that musical/movie/music ALL of it! I adore Joel Grey, especially in Cabaret! What a wonderful role to get to play! I can imagine how over the moon you must have been. And fabulous too, I'm sure.
    What a fun post. Thanks for pulling the curtain back on these theater performances. BRAVO, Ron!!

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  26. "but OMG, the EMCEE!!! You KNOW how I LOVE that musical/movie/music ALL of it! I adore Joel Grey, especially in Cabaret!"

    Mary, I FEEL THE SAME WAY!!!! The first time I saw that movie (early 70's), I fell in love with it. And I knew one day I would have to play the role of the Emcee. Joel Grey was faaaaaaaaabulous, wasn't he?

    Yes, I was over the moon playing that role. I felt very blessed.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and reading/commenting on my posts, my friend. Really appreciate that.

    Have a great week!
    X

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  27. Wow. What fun times. It looks like you had a blast during your acting career. I love theatre and made it a point to take our daughters (and now granddaughters) to see live performances as often as possible. Film and stage are completely different and I like aspects of both. I believe stage plays have the opportunity for actors to slip in some improvisation, which can be very entertaining. We saw Phyllis Diller at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City years ago. She played Cinderella's stepmother and ad-libbed quite a few lines! BTW, your stepmother make up is fantastic!! Thank you for sharing this collection of memories. What a treasure to have these photos. [standing ovation with clapping]

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  28. Hello there Lisa!

    Yes, I truly had a BLAST during my acting career and feel so very blessed to have had the opportunities to portray these roles. I had a very diverse career, which caused me to stretch myself as an actor.

    Glad to hear you enjoy theater because it's a wonderful medium that many people are not exposed to. And I applaud you for exposing your daughters/granddaughters as well.

    "We saw Phyllis Diller at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City years ago. She played Cinderella's stepmother and ad-libbed quite a few lines!"

    Oh how WONDERFUL! I loved Phyllis Diller and would have enjoyed seeing her perform in person. And what a hoot that she played the wicked stepmother as well!

    Thanks, I had so much fun developing the makeup for that character. It took me a little over an hour each day to apply it. And I sweat so bad whenever I'm on stage because of the lights that I had to constantly keep touching it up.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have an AWESOME week!
    X

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  29. Hola, Don Homenides de Histangua!

    Excellent post, Ron! Thank you so much for sharing this side of your life with us!

    I can see how theater is so much more appealing to actor than film, where you can have your best work, or your entire part (!) end up on the cutting room floor! I'm a film fanatic, but theater has a magic all of its own!

    You show such an incredible range here! From the pistol-packing Spaniard to the Wicked Stepmother, you've done it all!

    I'd love to see you in a show, so if the occasion arises be sure to let us all know about it!

    Now put down that gun!

    Take care, buddy!

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  30. Hola Rob!

    "I can see how theater is so much more appealing to actor than film, where you can have your best work, or your entire part (!) end up on the cutting room floor! I'm a film fanatic, but theater has a magic all of its own!"

    Yes, you nailed it! In film, an actor has no idea what part of his/her role will either be cut or remain in the final edit. Not unless you're a very well-known actor/actress who has klout in Hollywood, do you have any say in what "takes" will remain in the film.

    I had so much fun during my acting/theater career, and may one day dabble in it again, even if it's simply community theater.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an awesome week!
    X

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