A Christmas Story
Neptune
Theatre in Halifax celebrates the holiday season with A Christmas Story - the classic tale of 10-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a
genuine BB gun for Christmas, and featuring all of the
elements from the beloved film including a pink bunny suit, a triple-dog-dare
to lick a frozen pole and the infamous leg lamp. Recently we spoke with one of
the production’s lead actors Jamie Williams about what audiences can expect.
What are your own roots?
I grew up
in a small town in Southern Ontario about an hour east of Toronto called
Cobourg. My family goes back many Generations in both Quebec and the Maritimes.
When and why did you first become
interested in theatre?
From an
early age I put on skits for friends and family with my cousins. I was always
involved in School plays and later on became involved in Community Theatre.
Imagination was a big part of playing as a kid and was definitely fueled by
books. I read a lot. I loved the idea of playing some of the characters I
read about on stage.
Are they the same reasons that
you continue to be involved today?
Essentially,
I suppose. It excites me to explore what it is to be human, the human
condition. Whether it is someone stuck in an absurd ridiculous situation or
trapped in the mire of tragedy.
How did you get involved with
this production?
Through the
normal process of auditioning, though when I found out that George Pothitos was
producing the show I did write him directly to express my interest in the role
of the Old Man. I love this movie and play.
What are the challenges of
the role?
The
biggest challenge has been treading the fine line between the clown stereo type
and the truth of the character. He looks larger than life in the
narrator's memory but he has to ring true.
What are the rewards?
Laughter
obviously. Let's hope the audience obliges.
What can audiences expect to
experience during the run?
What it
was to be a kid at that time - more than that though; the innocence of
childhood; what it is to dream and the excitement of anticipation; the love of
Family; and, of course the magic of Christmas.
What are your thoughts on the
current state of theatre in Atlantic Canada?
From what I can tell there seems to be a vibrant theatre scene here. I've heard about auditions for 2 Planks and a Passion's MacBeth, a fundraiser for 2b Theatre, Kazan Theatre's and Doppler Effect's recent Productions in the new space The Waiting Room. Sounds like there's lots on the go here.
From what I can tell there seems to be a vibrant theatre scene here. I've heard about auditions for 2 Planks and a Passion's MacBeth, a fundraiser for 2b Theatre, Kazan Theatre's and Doppler Effect's recent Productions in the new space The Waiting Room. Sounds like there's lots on the go here.
What can we be doing better?
I haven't
been here long enough to comment. It's important that the community supports
itself on top of building audience base - and to continue to push the envelope
without the fear of failing. Simply, to keep theatre going we just have to keep
doing it.
What's next on your creative
agenda?
I head
out west immediately following this show to play Bernard Nightingalein Arcadia
at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton.
A Christmas Story
November
25 – January 4
Neptune
Theatre, Halifax
www.neptunetheatre.com
