...Keith is currently portraying Joe Stoddard in PCP's second show of its 40th anniversary season, 'Our Town.' Thank you, Keith, for allowing us to interview you for the PCP website. We appreciate it.PCP Website: What do you do outside the Playhouse?
Keith Bodnarick: I teach and coach at North Putnam Middle/High School. I've always felt that teaching requires you to be something of a performer on a daily basis...and hey, you can even pay your bills (barely). My wife Ginger and I have three children: Dylan, who's 4, and Chloe and Emma, who are 2 1/2. I really appreciate Ginger's willingness to allow me to spend so much time here during the summer. It's a big sacrifice for the spouses and families of PCP participants, and I think their support should be noted.
PCP Website: What was your first PCP show, and how did you become interested in us?
Keith Bodnarick: My first show was 'The King and I.' During one of our many conversations about art and theatre, my friend and co-worker Linda Gjesvold told me that Vickie Parker needed some help with her production. Vickie was gracious enough to allow me to join her cast, and the rest, they say, is history.
PCP Website: What theatre experience do you have outside PCP?
Keith Bodnarick: I've performed the roles of Henry Higgins in 'My Fair Lady', and George Von Trapp in 'The Sound of Music' with The South Newton Production company under the direction of Morris Cornell, who I credit as my mentor in the theatre. I've appeared in several one-act plays, and performed the roles of The Narrator in 'Ten Nights in a Bar Room' with The Purdue University Experimental Theatre. I also appeared, albeit briefly, in the film 'Stop Making Sense', with David Byrne, John Goodman, and Swoosie Kurtz. What, you didn't catch that one? Well, you're not alone.
PCP Website: What has been your favorite role at PCP?Keith Bodnarick: That's a tough one. It's hard to pick a favorite because each role brings with it a unique set of challenges and rewards. I try to learn from each of my characters, and my enjoyment comes from that learning experience. I will take this alloted space, however, to credit some outstanding individuals here at PCP. In no particul order, they are: Vickie Parker, for taking a chance on me, and for her constant praise and support; Jack Randall Earles for his wealth of knowledge, his humor, and for his uncompromising quest for excellence here at PCP; Lita Sandy, for having faith in me as a performer, and for overlooking my negligible dance skills (tall and gangly I am, Tommy Tune I am not); Ernie Ford, for his down-to-earth approach, and for his willingness to listen; Linda Gjesvold, for her friendship, for the roses, and for her countless hours of behind-the-scenes work bringing the visual aspects of PCP productions to life; and finally, to all the friends I have made in my short time here at PCP.
PCP Website: Do you prefer musical roles or dramatic roles?
Keith Bodnarick: I think both types of roles are enjoyable. Musical roles allow you to be larger than life, and dramatic roles allow you to share a slice of life with your audience, and hopefully make them feel as if they are experiencing something with you, be it joy, pain, hope, catharsis, etc.
PCP Website: What shows would you like to see produced at PCP?
Keith Bodnarick: While I fully support the mission of the Playhouse in bringing quality family entertainment to the people of Putnam County, I would love to see us produce shows from more contemporary playwrights such as David Mamet and Sam Shepard, and also pay due homage to the timeless genius of such American playwrights as Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. With the wealth of talent we have here at the Playhouse, I also think we shouldn't overlook the possibility of tackling some of Shakespeare's more accessible works.
