Faces

By

Kevin R. Spence

Bolts and Quarters Quilt Shop

 

 

What made you decide to buy the Parkersburg Sewing and Quilting Center to open your business, Bolts and Quarters Quilt Shop?

 I've been quilting for about 10 years.  I've worked the past 2 years at a 2nd part time job at Joann Fabrics.  In addition to working 2 jobs, I've been working on creating and selling quilts and wall hangings as a hobby, on the side.  So I decided to combine all of my interest and activities into one main goal - to turn my hobby into a business.  
 
The opportunity came up and I had heard through the quilting grapevine, that Sheryl, at PS&QC was interested in talking to me.  So we met one evening, talked for 3 solid hours, and came to a mutual agreement.  She was ready to retire, and I was very ready to open my own quilt shop.  Two months later, I am buying her business and converting it into mine.  All of the inventory and merchandise in PS&QC will be integrated and added to all of my own new items and new quilting fabrics! 
 
How many jobs will result from this decision to open your business? 

Thanks to the support of the WV Small Business Development Center and the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council of Wood County, I have received a low interest rate "micro-loan".  This uniquely designed economic development loan will be used to assist me in purchasing the PS&QC, as well as create three new part-time jobs.  These 3 new positions will start out as part time employment, and depending on the success of Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop, could potentially turn in to full time jobs, and/or additional jobs.
 
 Do you project possibly increasing the number of potential jobs in the future? 

Yes.  See above. 
 
What can the citizens of Parkersburg and the Mid-Ohio Valley expect at and after the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 6th?  

Our ribbon cutting ceremony, thanks to Jill Parsons at the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday Feb 6th.  I have invited the Mayor of Parkersburg, as well as my local City Council Representative, Sharon Lynch.  My WV-SBDC Business Coach, and the Executive Director of the MOVRC will be in attendance.  I have invited WTAP News, as well as the Parkersburg News & Sentinel as well as the Marietta Times.  Other fellow members of the Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance as well.  We will serve light refreshments and allow visitors to tour & shop at Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop.
 
From February 7th - 9th, we are excited to invite the general public to visit us during our Grand Opening Weekend!  During our weekend long event, customers can sign up for drawings of several door prizes, special discounts and showcasing brand new fabrics.  For example, we'll be showcasing the Downton Abbey Collection of newly designed fabrics that are not available anywhere in the entire Mid-Ohio Valley, and within a surrounding 90 mile radius.  Stop in and see what's new!
 
Will there be a way for customers to place orders online or is it strictly an in-store kind of business?  

Starting out, we'll be just a brick & mortar kind of store.  However, I will be meeting with my new webmaster to develop my business' website.  Future plans are for setting up an online e-commerce section so that we can sell fabric and merchandise online.  We do plan to have the classes and workshops calendar available online as soon as possible.  An online registration form will be available for interested participants to reserve their spot for a number of classes soon to be available.  Several classes will be listed, and will be offered at different days & times.  Stay tuned! 

How long had you considered this prospect of opening this business before actually going through with it?  

I had talked with my quilting buddies on and off over the past few years about opening a quilt shop.  This past summer, with the support and encouragement of my quilting friends, and coworkers at Joanns, I was finally convinced to move forward with this idea.  Back in June of 2013, I attended a two hour "Business Fundamentals" Workshop with my business coach.  This workshop was offered at WVU-P and was offered by Donna Schramm, from the Wheeling Office of the WV Small Business Development Center.  Ever since then, she has guided and mentored me throughout this whole process.  And 7 months later, here we are at getting ready to open Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop, LLC on February 1st, 2014 at 9am. 
 
What advice would you give to the readers on how they can open their first time businesses? 

 I would suggest that you be ready and willing to commit LOTS of time, effort and energy into researching, developing and putting together a business plan.  I would highly recommend that you attend a Business Fundamentals Workshop offered by the SBDC.  And then stay connected with a business coach, that can guide and support you throughout this endeavor.  If you may be interested in starting a new small business, be prepared to provide all kinds of personal financial data and credit information, as I have learned that any kind of financing, business accounts, and any business-related activities are primarily based on information that you provide about you personally.  It is ironic that a business, even as a Limited Liability Corporation, is independent of an individual business owners' financial liability, it is it absolutely reliant on that individual business owner's personal financial information throughout the whole process of getting your business
 created and started.  
 
What do you think of the progress of the gay community in recent years?  

I am very proud to be a member of the GLBT Community of the Mid-Ohio Valley, as well as an employee at Ohio University.  I believe that regardless of a person's orientation, we all have many opportunities to succeed, even as a new business owner.  Personally, I have had nothing but support and encouragement from folks of all walks of life, throughout this entire process of getting my new business started.  I am very encouraged and very glad to say that my orientation has no bearing one way or the other, and know that my customers, and future customers are more focused on the quality of what I sell, the variety of products and merchandise they'll be able to buy at Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop, and the rewarding and enjoyable shopping experience they will have, without worrying about who or what I am. I am a professional business owner, and I want to be treated as such, in the same way
 I know that my customers and employees and all the many volunteers that have helped support my new business, want to be treated themselves.
 
What products & services will you offer at Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop? 

We will be offering and continually expanding all kinds of quality quilting fabrics, batting and backing fabrics.  We'll also be offering all sorts of threads, scissors, needles, rotary cutters, etc.  We'll also provide longarm quilting services as well.  New patterns & quilt books will also be available.  
 
Janis McConkey of Jan's Sewing & Repair will be housed within Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop.  Janis will continue to offer certified sewing machine service & repair, as well as apparel alterations, embroidery and monogramming services.  Several classes and workshops for beginners to expert quilters will be offered every month.  Please stop in to see what's being offered and when.  These classes and workshops will be offered at various times during the day, evenings and weekends to accommodate participants that have to work and/or are only available on the weekends.  Let us know if you have a particular quilting or sewing technique or pattern you're interested in.
 
 
When do you open and what will be your hours of operation of your new business?
Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop will be open for our first day of business on February 1st.  Our hours of operation will be Monday - Saturday 9am - 9pm, and on Sunday from 10am - 6pm.  Stop in and check us out at 1809 Dupont Rd, Suite 1.  We're located in the blue building next to K-mart in South Parkersburg, across from AutoZone.
-------
 

 
Brian McCoy, Owner
Bolts & Quarters Quilt Shop, LLC
1809 Dupont Rd, Suite 1
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-428-4933
www.boltsandquartersquiltshop.com
www.boltsandquartersquiltshop@yahoo.com
boltsandquartersquiltshop@yahoo.com
 

Man of Steel and Aaron Steel, official sponsor

Faces

By

Kevin R. Spence

Man of Steel 

 

 

What made you sponsor The Man of Steel contest?

First off, I enjoy meeting people and making new acquaintances. Getting to know people and learning about their walk in life is so interesting to me. Secondly, I am hoping through sponsoring the Man of Steel competition I will accomplish a few things; allow people to learn more about Aaron Steel, LLC diaries online and the new upcoming book soon to be released, 'New Ranch Hand'. I would like to see through this sponsorship an added boost to our own gay community in competitions and a healthy rivalry among friends. Lastly, but none the of the least; I trust this will give Club Deception, our host and provider of a great atmosphere and exposure to new faces and business.

Do you think this contest will add to the circulation of your website by adding readers?

That is most definitely a goal; although we have seen well into the thousands of hits on the Aaron Steel website just in a single day. We have tripled our bandwidth in order to avoid any one from having trouble accessing the site, (unlike the well known healthcare website we all know and love).

What can you tell the readers about this contest?

This is going to be a unique contest and first in its time! It's all because of the title, the awards, and the sweet little Aaron Steel Goodie Bags® that will be given away to our guests just to say "Thank you" for spending the evening with us. The winner of the Man of Steel will not be just the winner, but he will also carry the title of Aaron Steel, LLC, which is gradually working it's way up to big and gay things! Most and foremost, we want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a great weekend on Saturday, January 25th at Club Deception.

Are there any future plans for contests?

Absolutely! The 2015 Aaron Steel 'Man of Steel' contest is practically planned and ready to go. There will be bigger awards and a little more "secret spice" in the mix. As they say, the first run, (Man of Steel 2014 in this case) leans a little on the learning curve, but bigger and better things are just around the corner. I encourage our readers, friends, and guests to make every effort in coming out so they can say they were at the very first and original.

For those who may not know what can you tell us about your website?

The Aaron Steel website came online in October 2011. Readers can find great reading, informative articles and a source of other great information. We have recently developed a 'Quickie' series for those readers that just can't keep their hands off themselves while reading. It allows them to get to the "punch line" much sooner. There are also two new series soon to premiere on the Aaron Steel site for readers to enjoy before they roll out to the editors. One thing that folks might be interested in knowing; Aaron Steel posts the manuscripts chapter by chapter as they are developed. Most writers hide their work until it's published.

What can you tell the readers about Aaron Steel?

Aaron Steel, LLC was created from nothing but a simple, one paragraph love letter written to a lover and boyfriend. This letter consisted of a fantasy he wrote to describe his love and attraction to the boyfriend. The letter was sadly rejected and scoffed at and from there it was tucked away in a journal for the next two and a half years. The letter was accidentally uncovered, reworked and for the next six years, written and developed into the title that it is today, "New Ranch Hand". This same series is also being considered by the TLA Releasing group as a potential teleplay.

What are your opinions about the progress of marriage equality?

There are hundreds of hotwire topics out there today; some stronger in debate than others. Regardless of whether they're relevant to the gay or heterosexuals communities, they affect us all as a human family. The word marriage has been around since 1250 - 1300 CE. Ever since its Latin form and practice, it has always meant the same thing: the legal and civil recognition of two people in a union, permitted to care and provide for each other within the parameters of the law. The lesser of marriage is basically a relationship. These great "wars" in our time are never good, They keep the human race at odds and so distracted from other things that are and can be much more significant. However, to me, marriage is and can be a wonderful action between two people who love each other. It is a way to express that they have went above and beyond just words, but taken action to declare their love to each other. Yes, you can do that without the legal actions and expense of applying for a marriage license, but is means so much more. The slaves didn't see their freedom come to birth over night. Many Africans wrote songs about their captivity. For years they struggled to stay alive in order to see freedom in their generation. The women in our society struggled for their rights and freedoms while the men in higher courts fought to oppose it. The debate and opposition of gay marriage is like any other growing pain in the world. Opposing forces and opinions come and go, some continue to push back for centuries while others conform to change. Life is about change and development. It's about learning different ideals and concepts. Soon gay marriage will be remembered as the time of any other great debate, only to be reflected in the pages of history. The "Victor" is he who keeps believing and marching into the fierce winds of difference.

TaKara Giselle

Parkersburg has a real diamond in the rough performing at different venues throughout West Virginia and the Other Side and I had the opportunity to get to know this performer better. Her performances have caught the attention of the gay community in our area as she reaches to higher levels of professional accomplishments among her peers.

How long have you been performing?

Almost 6 years.

What was your greatest inspiration to be a performer?

My greatest inspiration to be a performer was when I went out to the Stone Wall night club in Huntington WV. It was my very first time out and I saw Tyra Sanchez perform, winner of RuPauls Dragrace Season 2. I knew when I saw her that I was born to be a drag queen.

Do you currently have any titles?

Currently, I don't hold any titles but aspire to in the very near future.

Where do you predominately perform?

I predominantly show at The Other Side Night Club in Parkersburg WV.

What is the hardest aspect of being an up and coming drag queen ?

The hardest aspect to be an up and coming queen would have to be trying to have older more experienced queens accept you and your drag. I think once you find out who you are as a entertainer, they will start to take notice.

My performances don't interfere with my personal life.

Are you single?

I am Happily single.

What advice would you have for the next generations of performers ?

Try to be yourself, always respect all seasoned Queens and even those who are also new but have been around long enough to know what they are doing as a true performer.

What do you believe is your most powerful attribute that sets you out from the other queens?

My best attribute I bring that sets me off from the others would have to be my height, being 6'5 to 6'6 walking into a room all eyes are going to be on you.

Do you believe that with the proper fine tuning you could be a real leader in the community?

Absolutely, I believe I already have started leading and being noticed. I am now being respected my seasoned queens.

If you were to obtain a big title now, how would you represent and what would you do to make the system that much better?

 I would first do what I was required to do by the pageant rules. I'd also travel out of the area and promote the title and explain to other bars what exactly that title means. I would like to thank God for everything he's done for me.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge who has helped you excel as a performer?

Like a diamond, Takara Giselle's shine is apparent the second she takes center stage. Its the pure raw talent that leaves you gasping and wanting more. I for one, can't wait to see what big things happen with this lady of the night over the next year.

Amanda Love

Amanda Love

 

 

The gay community mourns the loss after finding out about the passing of Amanda Love. I had the great opportunity to meet Amanda and watch this talented entertainer grace the stages at the local clubs while I was much younger. I was very shy back in those days but for some reason Amanda Love was a person I wanted to tell in person about how much I enjoyed her performances. At that point I learned this talented performer was also a very down-to-earth person who could not have been more friendly or more welcoming to a young gay man. Over the years she continued to be the same genuine person I met many years before which gained her my respect as a person because she remained true to herself.

 

Many of Amanda's fans and friends are posting their individual messages of times they had with her embarrassing or hilariously enriching times when Amanda touched all of our lives in some way. She had a wonderful sense of humor and she was very outspoken. I never had an opportunity where I witnessed Amanda not being a constant professional and a fierce competitor in drag. When she performed she captivated everybody who watched and maintained a specific level of honor among all drag queens.

 

I know Amanda is smiling down on us from a very special place as she becomes aware just how much the gay community in this area not only embraced her with open arms but loved her as well. This performer deserved all of the attention she received in life and we will fondly remember our times with her so that we can concentrate on the good times instead of dwelling on the harsh fact that we lost this fabulous entertainer. There will never be another entertainer like Amanda Love. All queens have their own unique qualities and talents but Amanda stood out from many other entertainers.

 

We mourn this loss but I do not think Amanda would want us to be sad about the situation. She brought a lot of joy to a lot of us and we will definitely miss her. Shine bright like a diamond, our sister.

 

There will be a candlelight vigil this friday night from 8 to 9PM at Parkersburg City Park, In Memory of The Goddess of Parkersburg.

 

And do not forget to make your way to the CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE, at the Other Side on December 1st.

Tom Goss

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Tom Goss who is a singer that is openly gay. I must admit he was another entertainer I was not aware of until I watched his videos on Youtube and I was very entertained with his music.

How long have you been in the music business?

• I released my first record in 2006 (Naked Without) and have been in the business ever since.

Was it hard for you as an openly gay man to break into the music business?

• The Music business is very hard for everyone, gay and straight.  I don't believe that my sexual orientation has hampered my ability to connect with people.  More than anything, people just want people to be authentic.

Where are you primarily located?

• I live in Washington, DC.

When can new music from you be expected?

- I'm going into the studio to record a new album in December and January.  Expect a late Spring 2014 release!

Any advice for someone who is trying to break into the music industry?

-  Work hard, stay true to your voice and be as authentic and open as possible.  If you do that, folks will connect with you.

I always like to get the professional questions out of the way before I ask the personal questions.

Other than music and Bears, what are your hobbies or interests?

-  hahaha, I've never heard bears described as a hobby/interest : )  I love eating, playing soccer (playing most any sport or game really) and hanging out with people I love.  I love keeping things low key and laughing a lot.  

 

 

What is it about Bears that you love so much?

• I don't really know.  It's hard to pinpoint what it is about something that you like when it's hard wired in your bones.  I can't tell you why I'm drawn to bears anymore than I can tell you why I'm drawn to men.  I have no idea why I'm attracted to bears, but I'm happy I figured that out.  They're awesome : )

How long have you been married to your partner?

-  Next week will be 3 years!

How did the two of you meet?

• Yahoo personals!  True story.  That was 8 years ago now : )

What is the name of your partner?

- Mike.

What are your passions in life?

• Music, food, laughter and truth.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

- First and foremost as a stable and supportive husband.  Other than that, I'm not sure.  I'd love to continue to grow as an artist and continue to create beautiful music, video and other imagery.  More than anything, I hope I learn to be more authentic and honest in everything I create.

And the end of the interview I wanted to get Tom's personal views of the gay community and the progress we have made this far.

Do you believe that the gay community is headed in the right direction and do you think that there is entirely too much drama in it a lot of the time?

•  I'm not one to speak about other people's drama.  I like to focus on all of the inspirational people living healthy lives and working hard for the rights of our community.  Those people far outnumber anyone else.

What are your feelings on pride and equal rights for all people?

• All people should be treated equally under the law.  Simple.

What are your thoughts about the progress the gay community has made over the past few years?

-  Astounding.  I think that Minnesota is kind of a microcosm of what has happened in the past couple years.  6 months ago they were voting on whether to ban gay marriage and define marriage as between a man and a woman, now it is completely legal.  I'm not sure we will ever witness such a change in public attitude and opinion as we're seeing now.  I'm happy to be able to watch it.  I'm so proud of the LGBT community for coming together and getting vocal.  It's more about education than anything.  It's much harder to take away the rights of your brother, cousin or co-worker than it is to take away the rights of something faceless and nameless, that you've been taught to fear.

 

 

Fairness WV

Fairness WV has been around for about three years now but just this last year I have noticed the work and foundation they are laying for the state of West Virginia.

I had began to notice the different events they began to show up at, as well as the name they were creating for themselves. I had started to hear about a recent educational film tour that was taken the state by storm. That is when I decided to get to know Casey Willits and Scott Jarrel a bit more through facebook.

As I did, they had asked if I knew anyone in the Parkersburg area that would be willing to maybe facilitate and take care of refreshments for the event when it made its way here. I was all for it, since I wanted to see what it was all about.

The guys had made a believer out of me not just by getting to know them but upon seeing the dedication these two have for the community. They travel around the state, never complaining and quite frankly opening the eyes of the public around them.

I watched this film known as Faces of Fairness and was left feeling threatened by the lack of equal rights that we are given. It shows hard working LGBTQ people, who are basically left in a world of turmoil just because of their sexual identity or preference. I was appauled to say the least.

I just want to express my gratitude to these great guys and this fantastic organization that proves to be a force to be reckoned with. I for one fully support this group and believe that they will not only turn heads and change minds but they will significantly change lives.

I do hope that you will take the time out to see this film, here are the links. I think once you do, you will be a believer as I am.

http://youtu.be/y1wR4YZA4X8

 Fairness West Virginia Institute (FWVI),  the statewide organization dedicated to educating the public concerning fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) West Virginians.

They are dedicated to ending discrimination, advancing transgender rights, increasing visibility and protecting families.

Chris Parsons "The Natural" Returns

The Natural Returns

 

 

Welcome back Chris.

We just wanted to see what’s happening with you since you left back in April.

 

Terry: Are you finally settled in Chicago and are you calling it "home" yet?

Yeah, my wife and I moved here on May 1^st and it’s really a cool city. I don’t think I’ll ever call it “home” per se. It’s one helluva big city and I definitely have the country in my veins. The Mid-Ohio Valley will always be my home.

 

Terry: Have you got yourself a new job now and can you tell us a little bit about it?

I did land myself a nice little gig downtown. It’s about as boring an office job as you can get but it gives me time to do the things I like to do while getting paid by somebody. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the type of cat that if I’m doing something, I’ll make sure to do it to the absolute best of my ability, so I’m not slacking off at work. I come from a long line of blue collar men who could carry the world on their backs if they had to; luckily that work ethic made its way to me. But I have a gig with a lot of downtime where I get paid a pretty nice dime to read, write, and learn about things I’m interested in.

 

Terry: Does it have something to do with production or acting?

Unfortunately and fortunately, no. Unfortunately because things that don’t tickle your creative side can be a little tough to swallow, fortunately because I get a nice, steady paycheck and I’m able to take care of my wife and myself healthwise. I have a lot of friends who limit themselves to strictly artistic pursuits and, while I appreciate the nobility in that, I also see how much they suffer financially. Starving artists, to turn a phrase. I’ll be an artist in some fashion until the day I’m pushing up daisies but you can rest assured I’ll never starve. I like food too much.

My wife has done a lot of professional theatre up here. Her wide array of talents amazes me.

 

Terry: Has "the natural" made his way back on the stage yet?

In some ways, yes I have. By the way, I was exceptionally flattered by your last article when you referred to me as “The Natural,” very kind.

I haven’t been cutting the pace that I did back home, that’s for sure. Back home I basically did 10 shows back to back over the course of about 3 years. That may not seem like much but you figure each show rehearses for 2 and half, sometimes 3 months then runs for 3 weekends- that’s a huge amount of time. Then factor in that the last 4 or so were musicals where I had a leading role, that’s fairly exhausting. So, truth be told, I needed to slow down for a minute. I needed a little time to percolate, if you will.

So yeah, things are intentionally a little slower paced today. I’ve studied at the famed Second City in Chicago, which, as an actor, really opened my eyes emotionally. I learned some new skills which I’m looking forward to implementing with my acting process.

I also was very fortunate to have been cast in a feature film our first month here. It’ll be out next year and it’s called “Smoke in the Air.” It’s a great story about some kid’s lives in that weird time the summer in between high school and college. I had a wonderful supporting role as the outrageously dickish camp counselor/personal trainer who happens to be the boss. It was a great, highly professional experience and I think people will love this movie. I was blown away by not only the script, crew, and direction, but the performances these people were turning in around me. It was written by Max Klausner and directed by Connor Smith, two greatly talented guys from NYU. I fell in love with the crew. A total blast, man.

 

Terry: What's going on as far as your ability on stage? Do you feel its going to take some time to get your foot in the door, so to speak?

You know, even before I got here I knew I wanted to take the first 6 months to a year and dedicate it to learning. You never stop learning, and performing is the best classroom there is but I wanted to take a little time and simply focus on honing this craft of acting. Taking classes, reading plays, studying acting theory and philosophy, which I am doing. It has helped me grow and evolve just as a man.

I’ve met some of the nicest people ever up here and I knew a few great folks in Chicago before I even got here. But the nice thing about being new here is that it can be very isolating. I miss my friends and family back home terribly, sometimes too much; but the time I have to myself is a gift right now. Almost like self exile. Not many people get this opportunity and I’m using it as a chance to find myself. It feels like that’s exactly what I’m doing.

As far as the foot in the door thing, that’s the rub, man. I haven’t gone on a ton of auditions up here but the ones I’ve been on have fortunately panned out. I did have one door slammed in my face that stung a little. They were auditioning for Rocky Horror which is, as you know, my favorite show and arguably one of the best performances I’ve ever turned in was as Frank N. Furter in 2011. I read and sang for it and was called back to further audition for Frank. I found I still knew the material and the character fit like an old glove, I was optimistic. I really thought that there was no one they could possibly bring in (sans Tim Curry or the two wonderful gentlemen from the 2001 Broadway revival) that could wrestle this role from me. But the moment I got to the callback, I saw the writing on the wall. They knew who they wanted to see and it damn sure wasn’t me, it was a bunch regulars from that theatre. The director and staff were friends with these people and knew what they were capable of. While I’ll never admit to being out performed that day, I will admit that I didn’t have whatever it is they wanted, which, if you ask me, seemed to be familiarity. I look at that as not only a lesson of humility, but also a firm lesson on how this business works- most people want to work with their friends. That’s just the truth.

So yeah, to make a long story longer, getting a foot in the door is tough. Nowadays I’m known by the people at and fans of the Actors Guild of Parkersburg as (I hope, anyway) a solid performer. But I auditioned there plenty of times without being cast, no one (including me) knew what I could do and I do not blame them for a second for passing me by. That’s how it goes. If you got everything you ever wanted, life would be pretty damn boring. Luckily, my confidence is tough to shake because I realized early that you have to be your own biggest fan. That goes for everything. Believe in yourself or no one else will.

 

Terry: How's your relationship going and are you ready to come home yet?

Great, man, absolutely great! Natasha and I have been kind of pushed together through all of this. We spend a lot of time together and we kind of have to be spouses and friends, you know. It’s weird, we’re getting to were we say the same things at the same time and kind of read each other’s minds. It’s actually pretty cool.

She hates it here, though. We both miss the people we love and I think it really hit her when she found out her sister is having a baby and she’ll be an Aunt. As it turns out, my youngest sister is having a baby too. It’s tough to be an Uncle for my 3-year-old niece Mariah from all the way up here. My oldest sister sent a video of my niece singing to me that broke my heart. The city life is fast, you know, and I think we both long for slower days. Don’t be surprised if you see my name in an Actors Guild program next year.

 

Terry: Have you and Natasha adapted to life in Chicago?

Yeah, human beings are funny you know? They can adapt to damn near anything. I feel like the time up here has made me a happier person because I realize what’s important to me. It’s been a good experience and we’ve both grown a lot. I do feel a little old, haha! I’m not quite 30 yet but trekking around this damn city puts the years on you!

It’s been a little inspirational, though, I’ve grown up a lot. I’m actually putting the final pages down on the first draft of a movie I’ll make in the next little while. It’s a comedy but it has a lot of the emotions and ideas I want to get out in it. If I can’t get someone to do it, I’ll direct the thing myself. You never know what you’re capable of until you have to do it. This script just caught on fire, man. I love it. It’s a story I need to tell.

 

 

Terry: We talked a bit about your final performance in Full Monty before you left. What we all want to know, did you get all the way naked and do you have pictures? (HAHA)

Of course I have pictures! A wonderful fellow named Jeff Baughn takes photos for us and does an amazing job. I do have one complaint however- he got excellent shots of everyone’s ass but mine! I guess my ass will just have to live on in the ethos of the mythos of the dreams of the folks who saw it live.

I wanted to get naked! I was loudly protesting the little flesh colored g-string gimmicks they made us wear under our sparkly red gimmicks we took off! But, unfortunately, they (whoever they are) said nudity was against some zoning law or something which sounded like something a horses ass would spit out if you ask me. So, no full monty. I called it ¾ Monty the whole time.

 

 

Terry: How were the reviews and did you have a going away party before you left and how did that go?

That show had about the best opening night I’ve ever been a part of, it was absolutely electric. The whole run was good! And the party thing, there are always parties for these things. I’m convinced that some people act simply for the parties! Just a blast all around.

There is a story about closing night and the show in general though and I only tell it because I learned a lesson and it has a happy ending:

It probably isn’t any secret to anyone involved that I didn’t get the role I was gunning for. I wanted to play the lead. I’ve never really played a father onstage before and, to be honest, I’ve very much been in a dramatic place regarding acting lately. Another comedic character didn’t interest me, so the lead was perfect in my eyes. After auditioning, I felt that I was the absolute best choice for the role, just as, I am sure, the fine fellow and friend who actually got the role felt that he was the best. I mean, you have to think you are or could the best, even if only deep down, or else what the hell are you doing there? Anyway, despite whatever divine visions of grandeur I had, I was offered a different role, a character role. The director (RJ Lowe, a truly wonderful man and one of my best friends on Earth) had to make some tough decisions and shuffle a few people around based on certain people’s conflicts with certain roles and, ultimately, a limited number of males to cast. I’m one of those actors that will accept any role in the cast because, no matter what, I absolutely love this business and I don’t see any reason to be sitting on my ass at the house instead of performing if there’s no good reason for it. But, I was hot about it. Even though I understood from a practical standpoint, I didn’t like the way things turned out.

So, because I don’t know any other way, I obviously accepted the role and a few days later talked it out with the director, got it off my chest, and felt a lot better. I know it sounds silly but when acting is your world, little things to outsiders are very big to us. Anyway, we get through the run and it turns out that the “character” role I thought I was being plugged into turned out to be the rawest emotional outlet of my life and I got a few truly beautiful moments onstage and made some people cry. My friend who got the role I originally wanted did a fine job and I actually wound up having what was probably a better experience than I would have otherwise.

The lesson I learned was that life doesn’t go the direction you want it to all of the time because you don’t know where in the hell you need to go. That’s an important thing to understand. Looking back, I feel a little stupid for the way I felt at the time but I needed to go through that, it made me a better man.

The icing on the cake is what my friend (the one who played the lead) Josh Martin did for my wife and I on the last show. Given that I’m such a heart-on-my-sleeve guy (I have a heart literally tattooed on my sleeve), Josh new I wasn’t thrilled in the beginning with the way things turned out. But, because my wife and I mean something to him and we mean something to that community, on closing night, unbeknownst to us, he arranged for a Broadway-style curtain call just for Natasha and me, just like when performers leave a Broadway run. Josh arranged the whole thing, said some more nice things and we got to share a beautiful moment with some of the people we love the most and with the audience. My parents were there that night. My granny, who’d never seen me onstage before was there to see me in the role I dedicated to my recently deceased grandfather who I thought about every night before curtain. During that tribute to us, I bawled like a damn baby. Josh didn’t have to do that but he did and I’ll love him forever for it. I hope he reads this.

 

Politics

 

Terry: What are your thoughts on the way the United States is headed right now?

Sometimes I feel like it’s one step forward and two back. We finally make some progress on health care and then the government gets taken hostage.

 

Terry: What do you think about this government shutdown?

I’m embarrassed, completely embarrassed. I’m a registered Independent (like everyone should be) but my voting record has been largely Democratic based solely on social issues- mostly marriage equality. I don’t want to polarize the audience but I think the shutdown’s blood is on the Right side of the aisle.

 

 

Terry: So, tell us a little bit about what’s happening for the natural.

Tons of reading; I’m way into philosophy. I’m trying to take a few months and make up for lost time. When you do show after show after show, and you do it right, you don’t have much time for book learnin’. I am, however, getting a little itchy and will inevitably hit the stage somewhere. All of the3 shows I want to do are in the suburbs, so I’m buying a car in January. These classes I’m taking are great and I’m learning a TON, but performing is performing.

 

Terry: When can we expect a visit from you and your wife?

We can’t make it in for the holidays which is a total bummer. Like I said, all signs point to us returning to the loving arms of home. In the meantime, I’m taking full advantage of the resources here.

 

Terry: Anything you would like to say to your friends back home and to the new friendships you are forming now?

I miss you all more than I can even say and you’re irreplaceable. We’ll see you soon, and we’ll probably be there to stay.

 

Years ago, I asked one of my favorite stage-mates, and a man I highly respect, Don Geibel how many shows he’s done. He said “Um, probably 30 or better.” I set my goal right then to perform in 30 shows. Beyond that, who knows? Maybe direct or stare at a wall. Right now I’m at 10 shows so the curtain is down on Act I. We’re patiently waiting for ACT II to start.

 

 

Thanks for this time to catch up Chris, can't wait to meet you sometime.