From Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and years of touring productions, to appearances in Feature Films like Captain America: Civil War and Television favorites like Nashville and Devious Maids, I've spent decades as a "working actor" in virtually all facets of the business. Here are a few of my favorites~including this Dickensian diptych of past and present: from the Artful Dodger in high school to Scrooge at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Such is an actor's life...
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
A Co-Production of Aurora Theatre and Theatrical Outfit
As Scrooge in the Alliance Theatre's "A Christmas Carol"
A Christmas Carol
adapted by David H. Bell
"De Vries, for his part, is fully transformed into a glowering and formidable Scrooge. His take is finely nuanced, never over-the-top. That is, until he becomes the bouncing, buoyantly happy, born-again child in the old man’s body...
If you’ve postponed seeing this production, or haven’t yet seen David de Vries’ deliciously intimidating take on Scrooge, time is of the essence." --Wendell Brock, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was proud to be the "last candle standing", coming back to play the role of Lumiere in the closing months of Beauty and the Beast at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York. I played this role of a lifetime with 4 different companies in 42 cities. Spanning eleven years and thousands of performances, my involvement in the "tale as old as time" was a life altering experience that shall remain unforgettable.
with Melissa Thomson in the Toronto Production
Twelfth Night ________________________________ As You Like It
Carapace
Alliance Theatre, Atlanta
The Kendeda-winning "Carapace" at the Alliance Theatre was an extraordinary experience. Directed by Tony-Award winner Judith Ivey, with an all-star Atlanta cast that included Joe Knezevich (pictured) and Betheny Anne Lind, Carapace was a heart-breaking family drama about love and addiction and the consequences of our misprized loves.
"Carapace" at the Alliance Theatre
As Sigmund Freud at Theatrical Outfit
Freud's Last Session
Theatrical Outfit, Atlanta
Having the opportunity to do a two hander with Andrew Benator was a pure pleasure. Having the opportunity to work with director Jessica West after so many years was an wonderful reunion. Having the opportunity to delve into the world of Sigmund Freud was a peak career experience. I called upon the memories of my Dutch Uncles (not figuratively, literally my Dutch uncles) to help me slip into Freud's skin. This fun and challenging script imagines a meeting between two of the great minds of the Twentieth Century, at opposite ends of the spiritual spectrum. Needless to say, they have some things to talk about. And yes, sometimes a cigar IS just a cigar.
Remember The Titans
Feature Film
I spent one day shooting Remember The Titans. I had one line and remembered it mostly for the tasty lunch I enjoyed and a brief glimpse of Denzel Washington. Yet when I would emerge from the stage door in New York after working my @#$ off running around in a 25 lb. candle suit in Beauty and the Beast, many of the fans just wanted to ask, "Who were you in Remember the Titans?!" Oh well...such is the power of cinema.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre
An Adaptation of the controversial and beloved film that would be Spencer Tracy's last performance, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner still has relevence today. This production was lovingly brought to life by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon and his frequent collaborator Todd Kreidler, with a cast featuring Tom Key, Phylicia Rashad, Afemo Omelami and Tess Malis. I've worn the collar a lot in my day! Starting in "The Royal Hunt of the Sun" (Father de Nizza) at Theatrical Outfit, I've played 6 priests and I'm still counting...
Glengarry Glen Ross
Alliance Theatre, Atlanta
Another all-star Atlanta cast rendered David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross with poetic venom in the Hertz Stage at the Alliance. Delicious words and unabashed testosterone were the order of the day in this terrific production directed by BJ Jones. Larry Larson (pictured) was a great scene partner; Dave Moss was one of my favorite turns.
with Larry Larson in "Glengarry Glen Ross"
As Dr. Dillamond in "Wicked"
Wicked
Pantages Theatre, LA
I spent three years with Wicked as Dr. Dillamond. Runs in Chicago at the Oriental, Los Angeles at the famous Pantages Theatre and originating the role for the 2nd National Tour. A great experience all around. 26 different cities, from the single digit chill of Schenectady to the triple digit swelter of Austin. A great theatrical spectacle with enduring appeal, it's a story that will be loved for many years to come.
I did my own make-up and threw it all on in about 12 minutes. I spent the rest of my time working on a Master's degree.
as Vera in "A Tuna Christmas" at ATL
A Tuna Christmas
Actor's Theatre of Louisville
The ugliest woman in show business is a man and I think I get the prize! Multiple character roles have been a stock in trade for me - I played 7 characters in "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter", 5 in "Shadowlands" and 10 in "One Last Summer" - all at the Alliance Theatre. At Actors Theatre of Louisville, the "Tuna" plays call for 11 characters by each of the 2 actors. Playing along my old friend Bart Hansard, we shall never forget this one. What a hoot! Well...it was terrifying at first...then it was a hoot.
