I’ve wanted to audition at Parkway for some time. For years as a vocal coach, I’ve been preparing kids for auditions. This year, I decided it was time for the teacher to become the performer. This is my first time on their stage!
To me the word “production” has a different meaning. It’s not the staging, or the performance, or even the play. A production is a chance to make my daughters proud as they watch Daddy on stage! Plus, I love creating an art form for others to enjoy.
I’ve been a party guest in The High Country Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Recently I played Jack Barnes, a Pan Am executive, and Dr. Wanamaker in Mitchell Community Theatre’s production of Catch Me If You Can.
And although I’m quite busy with full time work at Buck stove, have had my own piano/vocal studio for over five years, love crafting, reading, and composing instrumental piano pieces (30 so far), my first and foremost job is daddy to the two most beautiful girls in the world: Zoe Allen, 18, and Georgia Freeman, 5. 
I was asked about favorites in You Can’t Take It With You; it has given me so many favorite moments—but my antics with Rose’s character, Gay Wellington tops the list. And Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff’s line, “Life is kind of beautiful if you let it come to you.” What an awesome way to look at life! I want a mindset like that when I “grow up”.
You Can’t Take It With You is a comedy, yet deeply profound. You’ll leave the theatre changed, perhaps seeing life a bit differently. And being directed by the playwright’s son, Chris Hart, makes it worth seeing more than once.
Stage Whispers 