Classically trained actor performs with local theatre

It is said in theatre that “The show must go on.” It has been seen, time and time again. When something happens to an actor during production, either a body double is substituted, the character is changed, or the character is killed off. In local theatre, options are usually fewer and far between. Many times, a show may have to be cancelled or postponed due to illness of the main character.

That was the case with The Community Theatre of East Texas production of A Christmas Carol. Vic Morris, who played the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge, took ill during the fourth show of the production. He was able to complete the performance, and everyone felt he would be fine by the group’s next performance, which was to follow a three day break. Two days into the break, Morris was no better, and, in fact had to be admitted to the hospital. Faced with the fact that her lead actor was extremely ill, and with no sure timeframe on his return, director Mandy Gammill faced the arduous decision of whether or not to cancel a performance. The theatre business is a business of networking. Wherever Gammill or her cofounder, Matthew Nichols, go, they are constantly in a networking state of mind. During a summer trip to Medieval Times in Dallas, Gammill had the opportunity to meet several actors, including one who played the king, Alan Brent. Through Facebook, Gammill and Brent began conversing back and forth. When Gammill posted asking for prayers for her lead actor, Brent replied he could “fill those shoes, if she needed him to.”

Brent, who hails from Yorkshire, England, began acting at the age of seven, and his 30-plus year career has lent itself to numerous acting experiences for Brent, including roles in feature and short films, as well as television. He has performed in music videos and commercials, and has been seen on stage in numerous theatre venues. He has played various Shakespearean roles, and has performed as Scrooge in London’s West End Theatre, which is the European equivalent to Broadway.

After agreeing to fill in for Morris, Brent received a copy of the script 21 hours to show time. He arrived at the theatre at 5 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, and did a walkthrough with Gammill and Nichols before settling in to continue reading over the script. “I was in awe of the warmth and support from all of the cast, back stage staff, and audiences who looked after me so well and the skill with which they all ignored my line fluffs and allowed me to improvise,” said Brent. When thanked for going out of his way to come to Hughes Springs to “fill in,” Brent simply stated, “Anything I can do to help a community theatre.”

When Brent wasn’t preparing for a show, he spent his time assisting other actors with tips to help them with roles they were playing. “When you have a part you must play, and must get into character quickly, find one thing about that character, about that person, that you can relate to,” Brent said.

Having a lead actor fall ill and canceling a show is not uncommon. According to cofounder Matthew Nichols, however, having someone of Brent’s caliber offer to step in and fill in is extremely rare. “He saw our need, and offered. That shows his true Thespian nature, that he is willing to come and help like this,” said Nichols.