ARTSCENE by Gus Gordon – 10 Questions with John O’Connor
Where might we have seen your work?
I’ve been privileged to work with many of the organizations that make up the abundant theater scene in central Illinois, including the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Spencer Theater Company, Springfield Theatre Centre, Muni Opera, Legacy Theatre, New Salem Theatre in the Park, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and even as a “guest artist” with what is now the Copper Coin Ballet Company!
Can you give us a twenty-word description of yourself?
A dichotomy of outsized ego tempered by recurring self-doubt. A punophile who prefers exploring alleys with my dog to traversing sidewalks.
How long have you been in Springfield?
I came to Springfield in March 1994.
What is your day job?
I am a state government and politics reporter for The Associated Press.
What was your first artistic experience?
In fifth grade, I eschewed the title role in an interpretation of “Robin Hood” in favor of playing Alan-a-Dale because he had the show’s only song – I always wanted to do something more, something different. In Springfield, my 1995 debut was “Wonderful Life,” a musical rendition of the classic Frank Capra film, during which I met a panoply of Springfield theater icons from past, present and future, including the late Don Bailey and Jack Duffy, the legendary Cynda Wrightsman and a young girl who grew up to become a local theatrical tour de force, Anna Maisenbacher.
Who are some of the people you look up to?
My late parents, Jack and Shirley, who taught me persistence and never missed a chance to see me perform; my sisters Sue and Terry, brother Dan and brother-in-law Kevin, who are my biggest cheerleaders.
In local theater, Carly Shank, a remarkable performer and that rare director who engenders implicit trust; and Joshua Ratz, Anna Maisenbacher, Reggie Guyton, Aasne Vigessa, Elizabeth Donathan, Dave Barnes, Mary Myers, Michael Wallace, Jeremy and Sara Goeckner, each for their kindness and grace as well as their extraordinary talent.
What has been your proudest artistic moment?
Having the confidence (read: ego) to take on the one-person show, “Mr. Lincoln,” 90 minutes of performing alone with no one to turn to if you get derailed — “without a net,” is the descriptive phrase Gus Gordon, executive director of the Hoogland Center for the Arts, introduced me to.
What is your latest project?
I’ll be performing in “Mr. Lincoln,” by Herbert Mitgang, in the Peggy Ryder Theater at the Hoogland Center for the Arts April 25-27.
What advice can you give to those who would like to do what you do?
Do not quit. It can be nerve-racking to put yourself out there, but the local theater community is extremely welcoming and will help you at every turn. Ask advice whenever you can. Take advantage of opportunities to volunteer and help out.
Why do you do it?
On my third-grade report card, the teacher, Mrs. Knott, wrote, “John seems happiest when he’s at the center of attention.” There’s no feeling quite like that of performing in front of an appreciative audience. And the trust built among a cast and crew of people coming together to create a unique piece of theater is unequaled.
