There are few better examples of how a life can turn on what seems a whimsical decision than that of Jonathan McMurtry, one of the most admired Shakespearean actors in America.
McMurtry is a guest artist this week at the William Inge Center for the Arts and will perform in a one-man show, a reading of a new play, on Saturday, November 6, 2:00 p.m., at Independence Community College’s William Inge Theatre. Admission is free to the rehearsed reading, part of the Inge Center’s Playwrights-in-Residence program.
McMurtry is in his 43rd year as artistic associate at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego—one of America’s top Shakespearean companies, and much-sought actor for classical roles. But his journey to fame started as a lark while a junior college student in Los Angeles. McMurtry already held a promising job with the Disney Company as a graphic designer but an instructor persuaded him to enter a Shakespeare competition.
He won the regionals. Then, at the national finals, he tied for first place with Larry Linville, who later played Frank Burns on the TV series “MASH.”
The prize for the winners was a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London. There, he roomed with Albert Finney—later to become an acclaimed actor in Great Britain. Actress Dame Judi Dench was a classmate. And he was mentored by the best instructors and actors of Shakespeare as only RADA can provide.
From there, it was stints at the Stratford, Connecticut, Shakespeare Festival, but he found his artistic home at the Old Globe, one of the most consistent producers of Shakespeare in America.
McMurtry has played virtually every major Shakespearean male role—often, several times. His career also includes stints on television with recurring roles on “Wings,” “Frasier,” and “Cheers” among others. Stage is his first love, and he often steps outside the Shakespeare canon. For example, he portrayed Dr. Lyman in William Inge’s “Bus Stop” at the Old Globe.
It is appropriate, then, for McMurtry’s path to cross Independence, Kansas. During his week’s guest artist residency, he conducted workshops for ICC drama majors and conducted a lecture for all students.
He also characteristically plunged into rehearsals for his reading, titled “Acid Test.” It is a one-man show about the life journey—with surprise ending—of Ram Dass. He was a friend and spiritual brother of iconoclast Timothy Leary, and Dass became famous as a sort of “guru” during the 1960s. The play explores Dass’ thoughts of his life and choices.
The play is written by Lynne Kaufman, current Inge Center playwright. Kauffman was the 2004 Inge Center’s “New Voices in the American Theatre” award-winner, with her play, “Magician’s Choice.” The guest director is Simon Levy, an award-winning director and a playwright himself. His adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” premiered at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
“Acid Test,” starring Jonathan McMurtry, is rated PG-13. Curtain time is 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, at the William Inge Theatre. Admission is free to this rehearsed reading.
At 7:30 p.m., there will be staged reading of the comedy “Herbie: Poet of the Wild West.” It features actor Blake Robbins, who recently emceed the Queen Neelah Coronation ceremonies in Independence. He will appear with an ensemble cast of guest artist professionals and ICC students.
The play is a comic mixture of the plot of “Hamlet” on the Wild West frontier. Written by current Inge House playwright-in-resident David Szymcowicz, “Herbie: Poet of the Wild West.” is recommended for ages 16 and older.
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