My triumphant return to the stage

I'm pleased to announce, that I've been offered a speaking role in a stage production of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". The part is for the voice of Mr. Salt, Veruca Salt's wealthy father. I'm told I won't be seen on stage, it will simply be my voice. Mrs. Undaground's class is putting on the play, and apparently a talent scout recommended me and my pipes. I'm really excited to get back in the game and I'm encouraged by the idea that it's never too late for a comeback. Some actors, like Morgan Freeman, didn't even hit their stride until they were well into their 50's.

The Undaground's Acting Credits:

Grease (1979) - Danny Zuka: This second grade performance was really a coming out party. Unfortunately, for many years, this part defined me and I was unable to find work. Casting decision-makers just couldn't get past my rendition of "Alone at the Drive-In". I also had a little bit of child actor's syndrome and while the Grease play was a critical success, my acting career suffered for it. If the E! True Hollywood Story is ever made, they will no doubt focus in on this era in my acting career.

The Outsiders (1984) - Randy: I mentioned the Randy character a few days ago, first made famous by Darren Dalton. This 7th grade play was also a critical success and because I'd been on hiatus through 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades, I was forced to take a lesser role, hoping to catapult myself back into the public consciousness.

A Christmas Carol (1984) - Ebenezer Scrooge: The strategy in playing a smaller part in The Outsiders worked, and I beat out two other kids for the coveted part of Scrooge. My accomplishment was a little tainted, though, since I don't think I was the first choice for the role. One of the other kids got the chicken pox and the other was suspended for swearing in Social Studies class, so I may have gotten the part by default. Nonetheless, I think the play went well, and I remembered all my lines. It was after this play that the pressure really got to me again and, like the Olsen twins, I decided to pursue my studies until I was ready for more adult roles (even though by seventh grade, I had already played a high school hood and an elderly miser.)

The Blues Brothers (1994) - Elwood: This was just a musical performance of "Rawhide", but it was panned by critics because I wore navy blue instead of the Blues Brothers' trademark black. I didn't think that anyone would notice, but the stagehand working the lights didn't do me any favors. After this, I once again left the stage for awhile to concentrate on writing and directing.

Survivor Audition Tape (2002) - Boy: Eager to get back in the game, I made a short appearance in my then-roommate's Survivor audition tape. I may have overacted a bit, and he didn't get chosen for the show.

So, that brings us to the present day and this upcoming performance as Mr. Salt. I've been experimenting with some different accents, but I want to stay true to the script. I was thinking that he may seem a little more vulnerable if I gave him a stutter, but I need to pitch the director on that idea. I'll let you know how it goes.