BolderLife Theater: Meet “Mr Fantastic” on stage

27 Nov

BolderLife is excited to bring another year of fantastic plays to this year’s multi-media festival!

We have two separate performance days scheduled.

Today we want to introduce the director, the writer and the cast of the play “Mr Fantastic”.

Logline: Jeanna and Harry are a married couple approaching their twilight years. Jeanna believes she knows everything about her husband, but is surprised to find silver platform shoes in a parcel delivered to their home. Is there another side to Harry she has never realized?

Playwright: Kevin Jones
Director: Danielle Lombardo
Cast: Kristin Keating and Mark Ogle

BolderLife Festival: How did you find the idea for this play? What is your message?

Kevin: It came from a few sources. I was interested in the idea of new adventures and how they can slotted into the routines of everyday life. Also, I really did see a “Mr Fantastic”. If there is a message then I guess it’s age doesn’t have to be barrier for new adventure.

BolderLife Festival: Why do you want to be involved in this play?

Danielle: I wanted to direct Mr. Fantastic because it offers a surprising take on a subject that is not brought up often in mainstream media. It not only pushes the envelope about what is or should be conventionally acceptable, but does so in a light-hearted way.

Mark: I was asked to be in the play by Danielle, the director, who saw me perform in a playwright’s open mike night. I have not had an opportunity to perform in a play for several years, so the idea appealed to me. I have been involved in theater for my whole life, so I love the opportunity to perform. The fact that the play would be part of an enthusiastic, progressive, arts festival like BolderLife and be performed at the awesome Crossroads Theater is very exciting.

BolderLife Festival: What are you doing when you are not writing/directing/acting for BolderLife?

Kevin: Editing TV drama, listening to music and trying to keep three children happy.

Danielle: In March, I will be directing for The Athena Project Festival, which is all-female local arts festival, featuring original plays by female playwrights!

Mark: I spend most of my time as the personal assistant for my adult son, Ben, who has devolepmental disabilities. I have done theater in my spare time for many years, primarily with playwrights groups or in the production process of getting my own plays on stage, but lately I have been doing more acting. I am a big fan of local music and I love to dance.

Kristin: I spend my time acting in films and commercials and seeing clients in my psychotherapy practice. I’m also a student of the Diamond Approach, a spiritual school.

BolderLife Festival: Why do you want to be a part of BolderLife? Have you been involved the years before?

Kevin: My first play Exploding Maggie was selected last year. It was a big deal for me and gave me the encouragement to write more plays. I feel really honoured and excited to be selected again.

Danielle: This is my first year participating in BLF. I thought it was a great opportunity to present original plays on an international level.

Mark: This is my first year involved with BolderLife. I am excited to learn more about the organization but I love the idea of making bolder choices in life. I am thrilled mainly to be involved in a theatrical process that supports new plays getting a chance to be seen.

Kristin: This is my first year to be involved with BolderLife. I’m delighted to be originating a role in the world premiere of a comedic play that deals with serious issues of difference in a light and warm-hearted way.

BolderLife Festival: What do you think about BolderLife’s vision/mission statement?

Kevin: BolderLife have a gift of being able to be very upfront about things some people feel awkward about. They have a very positive energy that in an occasional cynical world is very refreshing.

Danielle: I think it is important to explore diversity and communication through art. Art should not imitate life, but rather, explore new ways of thinking and living. Through art, all things are possible!

Mark: Arts have always been a great tool for transformation! Education through the arts, which has been devalued in the public schools, is an essential part, in my opinion, of nurturing individuals and communities to be open and interested in embracing transformative ideas, I believe that our communities will transform, in positive or negative ways….it’s up to us! So by bringing different ideas into the open and exploring them through theater, movies and dance, BolderLife helps to bring awareness to important issues and enhances the hopes of better futures ahead.

Kristin: I think it’s great to have a festival dedicated to deepening the human experience.

BolderLife Festival: What would you say to the world: Why should people come to the festival?

Kevin: I live in Wales, but would love to come to the BolderLife Festival one day. I’m certain it’s a very positive and rewarding experience. I’ll be watching the internet stream whenever I can.

Danielle: To see original theatre, as well as some interesting and inspiring films!

Mark: Please support the arts, and those people who are trying to make a difference through education and thought-provoking theater, movies, and dance. You get an opportunity to see original plays and local artists coming together to present something fresh, new, and exciting.

Kristin: This festival is an opportunity to see high quality works that open our minds and hearts in creative ways.

BolderLife Festival: Do you live a bolder life? What do you personally think how to live a bolder life?

Kevin: To be open to new ideas and not be afraid to try things – and to one day go to the BolderLife Festival!

Danielle: I live a bolder life by challenging norms, through theatre and conversation. I support local arts and businesses, and encourage local youth to use art as a way of communication and expression.

Mark: I love exploring new ideas of thinking with my plays, and challenging norms by involving my son with disabilities, fully into a society that does not always make it easy for him, or embrace him being included. I think that the only way we can grow and improve our world is a constant reevaluation of ourselves and the society around us. This takes boldness, and bold visions to learn how to thrive in cooperation with each other and our planet. I think of Star Trek….”boldly going where no one has gone before”. If we truly want to transform our societies, we must learn to be bold.

Kristin: In my private practice I often treat trauma victims and people with overwhelming life challenges. Having a creative life acting in films and on the stage gives me a welcome perspective of humor and light. While it balances my life it also makes me a better therapist for my clients.