By Mark Baratelli
Failed Non-Equity Actor
Theatre UCF is doing The Fantasticks June 27-July 21. If you miss it, don't worry: there will be a remount of the production from August 22-September 1. I've never seen it, but judging from this photo, it has something to do with Galinda from Wicked and the dude who climbs the corporate ladder in How to Succeed.
Did I win?
But what it really has to do with is the understudy named Patrick Mounce. Yes, Mounce. Love that last name. Mounce is a junior in the BFA Acting program at UCF. In this show, he was the understudy of not one role, but all the damn roles. Five total.
Jesus H. Unpaid Actor, Batman.
Mounce was scared of this daunting (who is running this program?) task. But, says Mounce, “... I talked to a couple of people who had done swing on Broadway and they were very encouraging and gave me good advice."
Mounce did not call me. I was never on Broadway. :(
If you don't know what an understudy does, I will tell you: all the damn work and none of the fun. You have to have the brain of a robot. It's dreadful, in my humble non-equity opinion. I've done it without the brain of a robot. You do all this work, and sometimes you never even get to go on. Or, you do get to go on one night and you're scared to high hell and you lose your singing voice and poop your pants. Did anyone see opening night of the tour of West Side Story here in Orlando? Remember Tony? Enough said.
"Being an understudy is a really cool experience.."
No it's not.
"...because not only do you get to witness all of the rehearsals..."
That's not fun. Watching *other* people rehearse for hours? Blech. Try it yourself and you tell me if you agree.
"...but you learn to appreciate understudies and the hard work they do."
PREACH! Lord sweet merciful Jesus do you ever. They deserve the biggest applause at any show ever. But dont' worry. They get PAID. Sometimes more than the leads.
"I think all of our students should have to be an understudy at least once."
Especially the ones that get all the leads. (Yes, I am bitter about never getting a single lead in college. But the ones who did get the leads deserved. I was a hot mess dance major drop-out back then. MESS.)
Especially the ones that get all the leads. (Yes, I am bitter about never getting a single lead in college. But the ones who did get the leads deserved. I was a hot mess dance major drop-out back then. MESS.)
"The lessons you learn, the confidence you learn from being an understudy is invaluable. It’s not all glitz and glam, you have to work hard, so that you aren’t caught on stage unprepared."
Pooping your pants.
So imagine Mr humble-dorf AKA Patrick Mounce's surprise when, while understudying ALL DAMN FIVE ROLES IN THE ENTIRE SHOW, he was asked to bounce up to the role of Mortimer.
Twerk!
“I was ready for the role, but still nervous,” says Mounce.
I bet. Imagine hopping into a show with a bunch of people you've only been watching waddle around on stage up to that point
(And is it just me, or am I the only one who wants to know the "T" about why the roles were changed? Drama!)
(And is it just me, or am I the only one who wants to know the "T" about why the roles were changed? Drama!)
Says Mounce, “I was afraid to disturb the momentum of the cast who has been rehearsing already. But I’m really excited to have the time on stage. "
Right? All that damn understudying nonsense and then WOOP you're up there doing your thing. You're follow in the great footsteps of Shirley McClaine and Mark Baratelli.
The Fantasticks is the longest running production of any kind in the history of American theatre. (I thought the Carousel of Progress was?) It is an intimate show with an ensemble cast, lots of pink dresses...
... and a Mounce.
... and a Mounce.
The musical tells the tale of two young neighbors with jack ass parents. They devise a complicated plan for their children to fall in love (See? Jack asses.) which involves a professional kidnapper. (WHAT!? Peril!) The Fantasticks will run from June 27-July 21. It is recommended to arrive early for this production, as there will be pre-show entertainment. (Oh Lord please no audience interaction.) Also, for the first time, this summer patrons are welcome to enjoy a beverage while in the theatres. DRANK!
The Fantasticks8 pm: June 27, 28, 29 July 11, 13, 19
2 pm: June 30, July 21
The Fantasticks8 pm: June 27, 28, 29 July 11, 13, 19
2 pm: June 30, July 21
Price: Standard $20, Senior $18, Student $10; Group discounts available
Address: 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando FL 32816
Box Office Phone: (407) 823-1500
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday: noon to 5 p.m. and 2 hours before performances
Address: 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando FL 32816
Box Office Phone: (407) 823-1500
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday: noon to 5 p.m. and 2 hours before performances