An Interview with Jonathan West

Jonathan West returns to Milwaukee Chamaber Theatre (MCT) after appearing in TALLEY'S FOLLY in 2008.  He is currently the managing director of Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove. An actor, director and theatre administrator, he has worked at companies including Bialystock & Bloom, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Skylight Opera Theatre and Next Act Theatre. Next summer, Jonathan will return to MCT to direct the 2012-2013 season opener.

To gain further insights about Jonathan, we asked him a few questions about himself and his upcoming performance as Boolie.

Please tell us how or why you first got involved in theatre?

I had my first experience as an actor at the tender age of 13 in a rousing musical comedy called TAKE ME BACK TO MANHATTAN.  I carried a 2 x 4 across the stage and my one line was, "Places, everyone, places!"  Clearly, I had tasted the glamour that is a life on the stage and continued by becoming my high school drama club President, studying theatre administration and directing at New York University, and returning to Milwaukee where I ran my own theatre company (Bialystock & Bloom) for twelve years while working with other great companies in town.

Tell us about your first time reading or seeing DRIVING MISS DAISY.

I recall seeing a production of DRIVING MISS DAISY at Milwaukee Rep many, many years ago.  I took a date.  It was a good date.  A gentleman never kisses and tells, I'm afraid.

From your perspective, how would you describe your character, Boolie?

Boolie is just doing what any good son would do—taking care of his mama.  He's in a tough spot because he's really Daisy's primary caregiver, but she is fiercely independent. He tries as best he can to let her be independent while making sure she is safe and is socially connected to others.  I

have a 91-year-old mother-in-law who is testing my loving, patient wife in many of the ways Daisy tests Boolie. 

Was it difficult for you to learn a southern accent? 

Learning it wasn't difficult..maintaining it is.  Our dialect coach Michelle was on to me quickly and has tried hard to make sure I sound like I'm from Atlanta, not Texas.  I had just finished watching all five seasons of "Friday Night Lights" when we started rehearsals, so I had to shake the Texas drawl out of my head.

Lastly, what message do you hope the audience takes from this play?

I hope audiences relax, enjoy, and are charmed by Ruth Schudson and Michael Torrey.  They're worthy of a lovely evening in the theatre.  

Thank you Jonathan! We're looking forward to the show!

An interview with Michael A. Torrey

Michael Torrey makes his MCT debut in DRIVING MISS DAISY as Hoke Coleburn. Past Milwaukee appearances include “MASTER HAROLD” …and the boys at Next Act Theatre and A MIDNIGHT CRY, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE and THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE at First Stage Children’s Theater. A Chicago resident, Michael has performed with numerous Chicago companies and other regional theatres.

To gain further insights about Michael, we asked him a few questions about himself and his upcoming performance as Hoke.

Please tell us how or why you first got involved in theatre?

I had done a play in high school and a friend's mother was the leading acting coach in town and she offered to work with me after seeing the play. A few years later I took her up on her offer and the rest they say is history.

Tell us about your first time reading or seeing DRIVING MISS DAISY.

I don't really remember the first time I read or saw "Driving Miss Daisy" but I have had the experience of playing the role of Hoke before. I remember reading the story in preparation and being moved by a truly well written and poignant story.

From your perspective, how would you describe your character, Hoke?

A man of quiet grace, dignity and gentleness.

Was it difficult for you to learn a southern accent?

Not really. The play is written to help you with Hoke's speech pattern and it didn't hurt that I grew up in the south.

Do you have a favorite Hoke quote?

Many times during the play people inquire into Hoke's personal business (i.e. finances) and he always, politely refutes it with “Dat for me and him to know."

Lastly, what message do you hope the audience takes from this play?

Through it all we are all really the same and you never know when certain people enter into your life the profound effect that they will have on you. Stay open to the possibilities.

Thank you Michael! We're looking forward to the show!