Cast interview: Ralph Johnson

The Pirates of Penzance opens in just over one month! Today we bring you an interview with one of our Pirates and long-time members, Ralph Johnson.

What's your role in the show?
Pirate and police constable.

Is this your first time in Pirates? If no, how many Pirates productions have you been in?
No, I think this is my 17th Pirates of Penzance production. [Editor's note:  WOW!]

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
My involvement with VLOC began in 1995 in a production of HMS Pinafore in which several of my fellow performers from the Washington Savoyards (WS) were auditioning. The HMS Pinafore rehearsal schedule fit my schedule well, so I auditioned.  Pirates is my 24th VLOC production as a cast member.  I've also served on the VLOC Board of Directors.

What's your favorite part about being in a show (this particular one, or any show)?
My favorite part of being in a show is the reactions of an appreciative audience. This is rewarding, and it inspires us to perform better. I also enjoy the comradeship with fellow cast members during the rehearsal period and performances.

What's your least favorite or the hardest part of the rehearsal process for you?
The hardest part of the rehearsal process is learning new or modified choreography and staging. It's difficult to overcome the first version I learn.

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I sing in a barbershop quartet, Prince William Sound VA; in the Bull Run Troubadours and Harmony Heritage Singers (male choruses); and in the NOVA Annandale Chorale. I'm retired; I do volunteer work on American Red Cross blood drives and driving Meals on Wheels.

What's your Gilbert & Sullivan show and why? (If you don't have one, pick a favorite musical or opera)
My favorite Gilbert & Sullivan show is Trial by Jury, because the story line is so compact but amusing; Trial contains no unsung dialogue and no verbiage that is not central to the plot. The Judge's solo lyrics are wonderful, and the Defendant has a hilarious song, as well. The show requires minimal sets, so is easily transportable. Trial by Jury should be performed in less than 45 minutes, so audiences will not get tired of it..

Anything else you want to share?
"There's no business like show business." (from Annie Get Your Gun) sums up my feelings about this hobby.

What is your Pirate name?
Davey Jones (Pirate literature refers to "Davey Jones' locker").

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