Interview: The Legend of KYLE BASS

Once upon a time, in a land pretty nearby, a kind theatre director was directing a concert version of GUYS AND DOLLS for his church. Being a benevolent director, he put out the word far and wide that all people of the village were welcome to participate. Down in the village there was a not so young girl who had loved and done theatre her whole life, but a scary dragon had scared her into having horrible stage fright and she had hidden in her cottage for years, only venturing out to work backstage when the young people of the village needed her.

When the kind director named Kyle sent forth the decree asking for volunteers, the not so young girl decided to slay her dragon by asking if she could be in the chorus of the show. Kyle, being very agreeable, let her join in even though he had no idea if the not so young maiden could even act or sing. Before the show was over, the girl had a solo and the bond between the girl and Kyle was one that would last throughout the ages until present day.

The kind director was Kyle Bass, one of the most thoughtful, easy to get along with people you will ever meet. The not so young girl was me. The opportunity he gave me changed my life and helped put me back on course.

Always interested in theatre, Kyle Bass has performed since high school, although once he was out of college and on his own, he stepped up the pace. He is what I would call a quadruple threat- he sings, he acts, he directs, and he has even written and produced his own show- THE PABLO CRUISE INCIDENT. Kyle recalls, "I took a little break from doing community theatre when my kids were growing up. During those years, I kept a little notebook and jotted down a funny little story about the little garage band I played with in high school. It told how that band could have really made it big if their demo tape had not been ruined by a recording of Pablo Cruise (a Top 40 band from the 1970s). I added some "far out" 1970s style songs and made a musical out of it. It had lots of rough edges, but I was able to convince an incredibly talented cast to help me produce a "workshop version" of it at the Virginia Samford Theatre in 2012. It was great fun and lucky for me the cast, the band, and the crew made it look and sound much better than it was."

Usually the go-to guy for many directors needing a strong voiced character actor, the role that stands out for me was Kyle's portrayal of Van Helsing in Virginia Samford Theatre's production of Bram Stoker's DRACULA. A large, serious, non-musical role proved that Kyle was up for anything. He showed all of us just how deep his talent ran.

Although he enjoyed that moment on stage and was marvelous in the role, Kyle is the first to tell you that "I enjoy all of it, but I probably prefer acting in a small, character role best. Something I can really sink my teeth into and have fun with."

When asked what keeps him coming back, he stated, "The whole process of community theatre. I thoroughly enjoy working with great folks in a cast (I'm really lucky... I have gotten to work with lots of fun people), putting a show together, and then bringing the finished product to entertain an audience."

With that in mind, Kyle is adding to his long resume with a brand new project, starting a theatre in the Homewood area. "The purpose will be two-fold: to provide some live entertainment in Homewood, and to promote theatre all over the Birmingham area. The thought is that it would be great to have some small arts performances in and around the downtown Homewood area, but there is no need to recreate what is already being done at other theatres. We have wonderful theatres in Birmingham... I love what they are doing... and I enjoy seeing their shows (and performing in their shows), so maybe we can offer some complementary things while also promoting the shows that are being scheduled at all the other theatres in Birmingham. Maybe we can cultivate some new audiences for the Birmingham theatre. If someone who does not frequent local theatres takes a chance on something in Homewood, maybe that will encourage them to try something at other theatres. If we bring in a few non-traditional theatre customers, maybe that rising tide will lift all boats."

Being uplifting and supportive is what Kyle is all about and his new venture proves just that. On August 19 and 20 at 7:30 the new Homewood Theatre will present a NIGHT OF MUSIC at the Dance Foundation in Homewood. Featuring the incomparable Amy Johnson, Kyle Bass and Dana Porter singing some of our favorite tunes, it promises to be a great kick off for the newly formed Homewood Theatre. With tickets only $15 and very limited, it promises to be a night of excellent entertainment you don't want to miss. Go to www.homewoodtheatre.com or call 205-873-1816 for tickets and information.

Hopefully theatre will grow and prosper in the nearby land due to the hard work, talent and dedication of the kind director Kyle and all of the people, not just the usual theatre folks, will find joy in the theatre and live happily ever after.

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