Uh oh, I drank the water
Let me tell you about Ray Bonétt. Ray is a character in the true sense of the word. He's also wildly talented. Additionally, he's not quite everybody's cup of tea. He has a style about him -- an indescribable thing that can make you love him or, well, not. Many folks don't like working with Ray. Others jump at the chance. I, of course, am in that second group.
Ray possessess two traits that I admire. First is vision. As a theatre director, he has vision beyond any director I've ever known or work with. He can see things totally outside the box in ways I would have never imagined. Second is his ability to make things work. As an actor he can take anything and make it work. He internalizes in such a way that he can take something insignificant and make it scene-stealing.
I've worked with Ray in a number of capacities over the years. As a producer, I had him direct productions of "Fools" and "Lucky Stiff." Granted, he can easily run away with schtick, but being that I produce with an iron hand, I was always able to keep it restrained. As a result, both productions were awesome.
As an actor, Ray has been in productions of "Nobody Knows I'm a Dog," "Second Bananas" and "In God's Country."
So, when Ray was to direct Parkside's production of "Don't Drink the Water," I felt like I at least owed him an audition.
It was actually a difficult decision for me to go out for the show. First, I just started jazz lessons, and I'd have to put it on hiatus. Second, I'd all but decided to focus more on my musical endeavors that theatrical. Third, I didn't want to do yet another activity without my wife along for the ride. And, finally, I'm not all that great of an actor.
Well, I did audition and, lo and behold, I got cast. So did my wife, for that matter. And so it begins. I feel very safe working with Ray. Not only do I consider him a friend, but I trust him creatively. Even though we've only just started rehearsing, I look forward to seeing what he can pull out of his sleeve for this one. Because if anyone can make this show more than it is on the page, it's Ray.
Ray possessess two traits that I admire. First is vision. As a theatre director, he has vision beyond any director I've ever known or work with. He can see things totally outside the box in ways I would have never imagined. Second is his ability to make things work. As an actor he can take anything and make it work. He internalizes in such a way that he can take something insignificant and make it scene-stealing.
I've worked with Ray in a number of capacities over the years. As a producer, I had him direct productions of "Fools" and "Lucky Stiff." Granted, he can easily run away with schtick, but being that I produce with an iron hand, I was always able to keep it restrained. As a result, both productions were awesome.
As an actor, Ray has been in productions of "Nobody Knows I'm a Dog," "Second Bananas" and "In God's Country."
So, when Ray was to direct Parkside's production of "Don't Drink the Water," I felt like I at least owed him an audition.
It was actually a difficult decision for me to go out for the show. First, I just started jazz lessons, and I'd have to put it on hiatus. Second, I'd all but decided to focus more on my musical endeavors that theatrical. Third, I didn't want to do yet another activity without my wife along for the ride. And, finally, I'm not all that great of an actor.
Well, I did audition and, lo and behold, I got cast. So did my wife, for that matter. And so it begins. I feel very safe working with Ray. Not only do I consider him a friend, but I trust him creatively. Even though we've only just started rehearsing, I look forward to seeing what he can pull out of his sleeve for this one. Because if anyone can make this show more than it is on the page, it's Ray.
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