My Summer in Iowa

iowa

Well, I’ve never been to Des Moines
But I kinda like the music…

I’m spending my summer in Iowa. But it’s not what you think.

This is not my unofficial announcement for my yet undeclared 2016 bid for the White House.

No, I’m spending my time in a little town called Bomont.

“Where the hell is Bomont?” you ask. As well you should because that’s what Ren McCormack’s friends ask him in the opening number of Footloose.

This July 26, 27 and 28 and August 2 and 3 at Dogwood Dell. It’s fun and it’s free. Performances start at 8:30.

No, I’m not playing Ren. Let’s just say that I don’t have the moves and any moves I do have these days require fiber.

Leave it there.

I’m playing Ren’s uncle, Wes Warnicker. If you remember the story, Ren and his Mom move from Chicago to live with us and the story unfolds from there.

This is my second year performing at Dogwood Dell. Last summer I played Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

It’s been a busy spring and will continue to be a busy summer. But two weeks after Footloose closes, I’ll be heading to the beach for a week. Which is why I don’t really live in Iowa. There’s no ocean front.

It’s funny though, all of the Iowa references this summer. No, not the early round of political campaigning (although I pay attention when a contender makes a trip out there). But Footloose is set in Iowa, as is The Music Man being produced this summer by Virginia Repertory Theatre.

I auditioned for The Music Man, but didn’t get cast. I’ve tried to convince myself that my age and (currently

Leaving Iowa at CAT Theatre Directed by Amy Berlin May 23 - June 7, 2013

Leaving Iowa at CAT Theatre
Directed by Amy Berlin
May 23 – June 7, 2013

decreasing) size make me difficult to cast in a musical. But forgetting the words to the song I auditioned with didn’t help either.

But, that’s show biz.

Add all that together and consider the fact that I was asked to design the logos for CAT Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season. The fourth show of the season? Leaving Iowa.

All that being said, it’s my summer of giving Iowa a try. And I wasn’t even contrary.


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