Arturo Fernandez
Producing Artistic Director |
(Ron Levitt, a freelance writer, is a former United Press Staff Correspondent and chairman of a public relations firm. He served as Florida's Asst. Secretary of State, overseeing cultural affairs. He is president of the South Florida International Press Club, a theatre critic, both a Carbonell and Silver Palm voter and serves on the Board of WLRN Public radio/TV in Miami. He can be reached at ron@floridamedianews.com)
Name the 10 young actors or others in this wacky world of theatre who are making the greatest impression in South Florida this year? A daunting assignment for any writer, but one which this journalist took on, using his experience as a reviewer for several publications as well as both a voter for many years in selecting theatre activists for top-level awards.
The only problem is that – after doing the research – I had to inform the editor that I had to select" the top 12." He said "okay…but don't call me later with 13 names" (which I almost did!!).
Not everyone will agree with my choices but who cares; it is a fun assignment. It is my project and I welcome the chance to be a pundit!! It is not done in any particular ranking – only based on the entries in my notebook (which I seem to carry everywhere!). The only criteria is that they can act, have talent, and look "young" ( and at my age, that could include a helluva lot of talent locally). As for the 13th name I could have included, my apologies! An even dozen seems workable and plausible ….and if I actually went to 13, it could be unlucky for the entire list, particularly if one of them was superstitious.
So, here goes!!!
DAVID MICHAEL SIROIS Here is one of those talented individuals who does just about everything. He is a playwright, an actor who gets noticed whether in a lead role or secondary part – plus he can direct and take on other jobs needed to make a show a success. Sirois was born in Waterbury Conn., grew up locally, and was graduated from the prestigious New World School of the Arts. Armed with a keen sense of humor, this 31-year-old has written some 16 plays and a half-dozen screenplays in the past few years . His first full length play "Secrets of the La Croix" was produced at On the Boards theatre in 2003 to a sell out crowd. That kind of exposure plus his actIng prowess has gotten him roles in numerous South Florida productions. He must be one of the most liked guys in local theatre; at least a dozen actors have said "David is one of my best friends." (How many actors can fill that bill?) He has been seen on stage in several local venues and his latest play, Brothers Beckett, will open next June at the Alliance Theatre Lab, His short play, Amputease," about the therapy session of a handless woman and her legless spouse – was a hit at this year's 24 Hour Theatre Project.
MARK DELLA VENTURA – Here is another grad of the New World school, active in the Alliance Theatre Lab and State Theatre Project, who has playwriting talent as well as acting knowhow. He's been in a host of local productions, including a small but notable role in The Quarrel, an A-One production at GableStage earlier this year. His full length play—Small Membership – a one-person show – got a reading there in early November. He's been in a slew of supporting roles and always gives notable performances. He was especially noteworthy in Development at New Theatre, in Cannibal! The Musical at The Promethean Theatre and in "The New Ones" Festival, where he debuted his new original one person show Della Ventura is known for his sometimes shy but personable reaction to compliments. He is considered a "good trooper" by those closest to him. and both small and large venue spokespersons say he is a quick learner who works well with other actors. He is an asset to any production, and known as a hard worker who gives his all!!!
NICK DUCKHART – Is it possible that he's only 24 years old? He seems to fit into any role, no matter what the character's age. Duckhart was born and raised in Hialeah, was graduated in the top 5 % of his high school class at Hialeah High School, and was a recipient of the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald Silver Knight Award in Drama. (Joe Adler — who later buoyed Duckhart's acting status by casting him in several shows – was one of the judges) . Duckhart was graduated with a BFA in Music Theatre at New World School of the Arts. And in recent history, he has been all over the South Florida map, since his professional debut in Everything Will Be Different at Mad Cat Theatre. He has credits in Summer Shorts–City Theatre, The Whipping Man -Caldwell, Secret Order – Caldwell, The Glass Menagerie-Broward Stage Door, Why Torture Is Wrong . –Mosaic, Farragut North-GableStage, As You Like It (School Tour)- GableStage, Dr Radio- Florida Stage and The Color Of Desire- Actors Playhouse – all in the past 24 months. And, look what's on tap: Desmond Child's Cuba Libre (he plays Fidel Castro)- at the LaJolla Playhouse, California. (he has been a part of this Broadway-bound musical for over a year. Hoping for a NYC run!), plus he soon will be in A View From The Bridge at Gulfshore Playhouse and returns home in 2011 in Masked- at GableStage That's what we call "busy."- He has been a recipient of a Carbonell and Silver Palm Award. South Florida can take pride in his success – and he's truly a humble kind of guy (if that is possible for any actor) he says "I owe any success I have to my family…. I am blessed!" So are his many fans! All of the above, plus he is one of the most likeable actors in our midst!!
MELANIE LIEBNER – Although she originated the role of Jenny Jenkins in Lisa Loeb's World Premiere Musical Camp Kappawanna (City Theatre) and will be reprising it this summer, it was her voice that got special notice when she played Young Sally in Caldwell's terrific concert presentation of Follies and as Ivy in Bare at the Broward Center. Regional appearances include Les Miserables and A Christmas Carol (Belle) at Actors' Playhouse, A Little Night Music (Ms. Segstrom) and Do Black Patent Leather…(Virginia) at Stage Door, Sister Cities (Dallas) with The Women's Theatre Project, and The Rise of David Levinsky (Gussie) with New Vista. Favorite credits include: The Last Five Years (Cathy), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Fiddler on The Roof (Hodel), Triumph of Love (Princess Leonide), Once Upon A Mattress (Winnifred), and The Comedy of Errors (Luciana). Melanie earned her Masters in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory and BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, she is a member of the theatre faculty at Nova Southeastern University as well as a private voice teacher. This January she will be taking on her biggest project to date—getting married to her fiance Johnny! Local musical theatre experts are hopeful Melanie continues her singing career. She is special!
JACKIE RIVERA – She seems to be everywhere one would expect an up-and-coming South Florida actress would be. And, she seems to excel at any role which comes her way. And, understandably, the roles keep on coming her way! She hit the high mark this year in GableStage's notable Speech & Debate,and, as a member of the new State Theatre Project, she'll be around for its premiere show in January, 2011 — Billboard, directed by another young talent on this list, fellow New World grad David Hemphill. Rivera will be seen next in August: Osage County (Actors' Playhouse). She has pocketed a Silver Palm award for her acting ability, one of the youngest thespians to be so honored. Jackie has among her credits, gigs at New Theatre and the Women's Theatre Project, and she modestly gives credit to her success by her being able to work with the "most amazing theatre artists." Almost everyone we spoke to, listed Jackie Rivera among the major "finds" of the past year. She is well liked and performs like a trooper! Her particular form of modesty is charming and refreshing!
JOEY ZANGARDI — Here is another musical star to make this list. After appearances in Make Me A Song at Mosaic and his getting spectacular notices as Young Bobby in the excellent concert version of Follies at Caldwell, and in several dancing/singing roles at Broward Stage Door (notably. On the Town), Zangardi is making everyone's list of people to watch in the coming year. Joey is a recent transplant from NYC where this Ohio lad started performing after spending most of his career as an agent and casting director. He's not really a newcomer in the truest sense of the word, but in 2010, he wa a standout. . He has a string of successful parts to his credit – including Les Miserables, The Immigrant- the Musical, Wizard of Oz, Baby, etc. A graduate of Otterben College in Columbus, Ohio, his reviewers applauded his singing/dancing/acting techniques. And, he reportedly is a pleasure with whom to work! (and that comes from fellow cast members!! ) Watch for Zangardi in upcoming musicals. He is a treat!
DAVID HEMPHILL One cannot say enough about the acting prowess or the creativity of this young man. The only concern his admirers here remark is that he may be spending too much time in California where he has an agent and is getting noticed. But, David has part of his heart still in South Florida where he first made his mark, and he is still the producing artistic director of the State Theatre Project, which will premiere its first-full-fledged production in January at the Pelican Theatre at Barry University. David – considered the epitome of all-American good looking guys — has made the last three appearances here in Summer Shorts and in his Mad Cat connections, but he really got noticed in his appearance as Alan Strang in New Theatre's acclaimed production Of Equus (it won him a Silver Palm award) as well as his outstanding work in Farragut North at GableStage, Macon City at Naked Stage, and his highly rated role as Tom in The Glass Menagerie at Broward Stage Door. His admiring co-workers keep telling everyone that Hemphill will make it big-time!!! Although a major talent on the stage, insiders say he has all the right moves to also make it on the Silver Screen. He is the typical boy next door – a key element in what producers look for! Insiders who know him well say he is a "terrific professional and a nice all-around guy."
CLIFF BURGESS — He keeps popping up in all sorts of meaningful supporting roles and theatre insiders say he also is a pleasure as a cooperative performer. Burgess this past year was especially notable in his role in When the Sun Shone Brighter, the highly-rated play by Christopher Demos-Brown, at Florida Stage. But, he has been charming audiences the past few seasons with appearances in The Vosey Inheritance (Caldwell), Private Lives (Palm Beach Dramaworks), as well as gigs at New Theatre (The Glass Menagerie), and several parts at the Alliance Theatre Lab (including Strange Snow) and donning his Shakespearian hat at New Theatre. His rugged good looks has made him a favorite of casting directors – but, mostly, because he is a fine actor! We'll be hearing a lot more about Mr. Burgess in the days ahead.
RYAN DIDATO Newcomer Ryan Didato made his stage debut in the popular Speech & Debate this past year and earned high marks for his performance. It was his professional debut and he gained a lot of attention for his role of Solomon. Ryan is a recent grad of the New World School of the Arts where he earned his bachelor's degree in acting. Insiders were impressed with Ryan's casting at GableStage by the wonderful Amy London and he is up next in The Irish Curse at Mosaic in Febuary. The general comment was that "if London cast him, he has to be good."
DAVID DEARSTYNE — Another alumni of Speech and Debate, he also made his professional South Florida acting debut at GableStage under the tutelage of Adler. David is also an alumni of theUniversity of Florida/New World School of the Arts. He, also, by the way has some other acting credits on his resume; previous roles in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, as well as in Titanic The Musical.He has referred to himself as a "starving college grad"—one which we must add, has what it takes to get noticed on stage! Speech & Debate was followed up by a musical bit in Oliver at Actors' Playhouse. He is young, talented and one who could reach new heights in our area. Again, we like the fact that many of his co-workers talk about his humility, diligence and creative instincts. How can anyone ignore such comments from fellow actors?
ARTURO FERNANDEZ He's a director and producer (Ground Up and Rising Theatre Company) and seems to wear many hats as he weaves magic on stage. Already a member of SAG, Fernandez got special attention when he directed and starred in On An Average Day, the unusual drama about siblings by John Kolvenbach. Fernandez literally stole the show with his acting ability. He says privately and proudly that GableStage founder Joseph Adler is his mentor and dozens of local actors say Fernandez is a unique talent on the South Florida theatre scene. His humility is one of his outstanding traits, even though the output of his work is so commendable. He is also on many arts and drama boards and one wonders how he still finds time to act and direct. Fortunately, he has found the time. His theatre company is becoming more mainstream as time goes by – providing Fernandez to do his two loves – acting and directing.
RYAN MICHAEL OWENS – He only may be on the cusp of 22 years old, but his musical ability seems to belong to someone with more experience, He handles himself capably on stage and seems to be a perfect fit for musical theatre. Owens got special attention in his role as Cliff in Cabaret, a production of Entr Acte Theatrix at Caldwell earlier this year. Several reviewers pointed him out as the "best" in the show. His voice plus his strong stage presence captivated audiences and he rang up complimentary reviews. He is a native of Palm City, Florida, and has done a string of musicals including Hello Dolly, Urinetown, Once Upon a Mattress and Bye Bye Birdie. Expect to hear more from this talented newcomer with exceptional musical ability.
Post Script to this column: Number 13 on this list will forever be a secret. But, he or she knows that – if it hadn't been for the edict of an overly-strict ("I want it my way") editor, they, too, could have bragging rights among the many talented theatre folk in South Florida. As for the 12 names above, start bragging!!! You've earned the right to unleash your modesty!)
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