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Friendship is an ancient institution that has been analyzed, written and sung
about through the years. Ambler's Act II Playhouse will soon be the home of a
musical, "The Story of My Life," that does all three.
Following the friendship of Thomas and Alvin over nearly 30 years, the musical
focuses on Thomas, who has come home to deliver the eulogy for Alvin, with whom
he has become estranged over time.
"Thomas is a writer, who is very successful, passionate
and focused on his work. The problem with that is, he has forgotten the things
that inspired him to rise to the heights he has achieved," said Jim Stanek, who
plays Thomas in the production.
Stanek is familiar with the play, having studied as the understudy for Alvin
during the time "The Story of My Life" spent on Broadway. The story of Stanek's
journey with this musical is one of as much embattled fondness as the lead
characters have for each other. While studying to play Alvin, he never got to
perform the role on Broadway. Eventually, he did get to perform as another
lead role, Thomas.
"Being acquainted with the show for so long has sort of bonded me to it. I
feel a strong connection with it because of a long history. I had the opportunity
to be around this piece throughout the rehearsal process in New York, which has
proved to be invaluable. I got to witness a lot of the insight and trial and
error that took place while it was being developed," Stanek said.
"Not only was I there for rehearsals, but I saw most of the performances on Broadway
and a couple of shows when it was done prior to Broadway out of town at the Goodspeed
at Chester Playhouse. In addition, I had met Neil Bartrum, who wrote the music and
lyrics, years earlier at a benefit for a theater company in New York, where he
performed 'Mrs. Remington,' one of the songs from the show. I was so taken by the
song that I struck up a conversation with him and was subsequently asked to play
Thomas in a Canadian production of 'The Story of My Life.'"
Over time, Stanek has gained a familiarity with the characters, the music and the
tone of the musical so that he takes the opportunity to perform in it when he can,
in several cities. "The Story of my Life," in many ways has become a large part of
his life.
"The depth of emotion and detail of the characters involved, I would do this show
and only this show for the rest of my career if I could still feed my family. The
complexity of the relationship, but the simplicity in which the writers were able
to convey it, is sometimes mind boggling to me," Stanek said.
"The music and songs are so smart and inspiring, and enjoyable to perform. Plus,
the dialogue and music work so well together. The show just floats along seamlessly.
As a performer, you just glide through it, and the next thing you know ... you have
completed an entire journey of a lifetime! Don't get me wrong, it's exhausting. But,
enriching and enlightening at the same time."
So the journey has now taken Stanek to Ambler, for another opportunity to play Thomas
in the musical he has come to love. There are some differences studying for Broadway
and playing in Ambler, Stanek said.
"The Act II playhouse is a bit smaller than a New York theater, so you have the - and
let me stress this next word - opportunity to be less indicative and more honest in a
smaller house. I mean, you always want to be honest with your work, but here, you don't
have to alter your facial or bodily expressions to reach a second balcony. I really
believe that this show works better in such an intimate setting. The relationship is
so personal and complex and private, that the audience at Act II will feel like they
are flies on the wall," Stanek said.
Playing the role at Act II has also given Stanek an opportunity to perform side-by-side
with one of the local celebrities, Tony Braithwaite. An Act II regular, Braithwaite takes
the Ambler stage again to play Thomas' estranged, in more ways than one, friend, Alvin.
"He is a nonstop jumble of kitschy, political, historical and hysterical references! But he
is also very passionate about his work as an actor. It was obvious from the beginning that
he felt as strongly about this particular show as I did, and that he got it. When we are
onstage together, I feel like we are truly going on this journey together," Stanek said.
"We were willing and able to change our performances based on what the other person
delivers each time. That is rare, and refreshing. I plan on enjoying these moments
with Tony, and with Thomas and Alvin, onstage to the fullest extent. Because as the
show proves ... it's these moments of life that make life so amazing."
(Montgomery News)
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