Top 5 Biggest Roles

What I consider my five biggest roles as a performer since the end of 2023: 

1. Mayor Shinn (The Music Man): By sheer volume of dialogue, this is the third-largest role in the musical (despite having no songs, which is rare for a part this big, but maybe it was originally written to keep the tone-deaf uncle busy). It stands as my biggest role because every time Shinn is on stage, he becomes the blustering focal point, driving the narrative and tone of the scene. The real challenge was balancing being the antagonist with enough charm and humanity to make his redemption feel earned at the end. 

2. Mr. Beaver (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe): Not a lead, but a key supporting role that helps ground the audience and establish the tone in the first act. I also had the absolute joy of playing opposite my incredibly talented wife, Emily Spicer, as Mrs. Beaver. From what we were told, we became a crowd favourite and the emotional heart of the show. 

3. Dorothy (Thank You For Killing a Friend): My first murder mystery dinner show, which meant interacting with the audience while still moving the story forward. Dorothy essentially broke the fourth wall, acting as the bridge between the audience and the unfolding events. I also had to attempt a Bea Arthur-style performance, and I had my first-ever solo song; we'll see if that becomes a one-time thing. It was also my first paid acting gig, which gave it another challenge and importance. 

4. Husband (Entries): A completely different kind of role, written and directed by the very talented Alissa Cooper. This was my first deeply dramatic performance with no big comedy or over-the-top moments. Just a man wrestling with his marriage and his direction in life as he goes farther from God. Performed entirely as a monologue, it challenged me to hold an audience’s attention without ever playing off another actor. 

5. Aunt Spiker / Worm (James and the Giant Peach): My first on-stage appearance in a dress (though not my first time overall due to all my years at camp). The real challenge here was playing two major characters and making them feel distinct from each other in voice, movement, and energy. 

There’s no real reason for making this list. I’ve just been reflecting on the range of roles I’ve had, as I have another different character coming up soon. It should be a lot of fun and hopefully become another memorable role when the stage gets a little Frozen this May and June.

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