Johnny Peppers, A Life in the Theatre

No matter what anyone else may say, Johnny Peppers is definitely the hardest working man in Nashville theatre. Sure, there are those people who might give him a run for his money, but this week there's just no contest. Not only is he producing two shows opening on successive nights, he's playing the lead in one of them.

On Thursday night, February 4, the debut production from his 3Ps Productions, the Andrew Lippa-Tom Greenwald musical john & jen, starring Martha Wilkinson and Patrick Waller, opens at Backstage at the Barn, while he and his castmates in the Towne Centre Theatre production of Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo take to the stage for their final dress rehearsal before opening night on Friday, February 5.

It's a daunting schedule for the busy husband and father of two, who also runs his own business and finds time to teach for Bethel University - and when you read this interview and discover how many theatrical productions he was involved with in 2009, your mind will reel. Honestly. How he found time to answer our questions, we'll never know.

Thankfully, he did respond to our list of questions and this week, he gives readers of Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com a glimpse into his "Life in the Theatre"...

What was your first taste of theatre?

My first taste of theatre happened in the fourth grade operetta of The Pied Piper. I was fortunate enough to get cast as the Pied Piper, and had all of the children of Hamelin follow me. This was a nice change of pace, as I was the biggest nerd and not many people followed me in real life.

What was your first real job (or responsibility) in the theatre?

My first real responsibility in the theatre came just a mere two years ago, when I was asked to design and build a set for Towne Centre Theatre's Lend Me a Tenor. I had no idea what I was doing - I knew nothing of practical use of space, sight lines or even how to use a saw. Fast forward two years, and I build at least six or seven sets a year for different theatres around town. I am no Jim Manning, mind you, but I enjoy the process of using the set to enhance the world of the production, while not overshadowing it. The best compliment I have ever received for a set was "I didn't even notice it", telling me that it was a perfect blend of believability and period.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theatre?

I knew I wanted to be on stage ever since my first visit to Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre in 1973. I still have a photograph of me and my family sitting at a table (they used to send a photographer around to take pictures of the guests back then) getting ready to enjoy the show. I was star struck by the actors appearing from the ceiling via the elevator stage. I told my mother that night that I was going to be on that stage one day (so she tells me), and that dream came true a mere 35 years later in Breaking Legs. It took a while, but it was well worth the wait!

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here?

I pursue my hobby, and it is really a hobby since it doesn't pay the bills - and let's face it - I am not really good enough to make a living at this - in Nashville because I was born here, I have a business here, all of my family is here (save one or two), and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. The best part of working here is the people. Most everyone is very helpful, encourage those around them to get better, help make contacts, and embrace those who want to give this a whirl. It is competitive, but there is also a lot of camaraderie and helpfulness between artists as well. Not to be outdone, there are such a plethora of theatres, types of shows, and opportunities for all who are lucky enough to be involved. Out of the 17 shows I was involved with in 2009 (7 on stage; 10 off stage), there was not one on stage that was similar to another. I was able to play many different types of characters and expand my acting range. There are so many different types of theatre in Nashville; there is usually something for everyone that an actor, singer, dancer, or audience member can enjoy participating.

If you could play any role, direct any work, design any production, mount any production...what would it be and why?

I am fortunate enough to be bringing my favorite show of all time to the stage in May, Mixed Nuts. I will be producing and directing this show at Backstage at the Barn at Chaffin's Barn. This is my favorite show! First of all, it is set on the 1980s (my decade). Second, it is a coming of age story about a Midwestern twenty-something who goes to New York to pursue a writing career. He moves into a low rent building for Artistes, and we meet the stereotypical neighbors: A 35-year-old actress who is playing Liesl in The Sound of Music on a barge in the Hudson River (she can't get much work), a man who has carved out a niche playing fruits and vegetables (the first time we see him is in an olive costume), and the self-indulgent Russian ballet dancer. Add in a supermodel date, a schizophrenic leading man (and his alter ago), the overpowering mother and crotchety landlady, and you have got the perfect setting for a Han Solo / Princess Leia dream sequence! I cannot wait!

Who would play you in the film version of your life story?

Probably Dick van Dyke, because I look a little like him, but that wouldn't work because he will probably be long gone (he is about 40 years older than me)

What's your favorite play/musical?

My favorite musical (since you know my favorite play) is The Music Man. It's cheesy, I know, but I love that show. More modernly, The Drowsy Chaperone. I saw it in New York in 2006, and am pumped about seeing it again in February at TPAC!

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the theatre, who would you choose and why?

Philip Bosco would be my first dinner guest. It seems that I have played many of the same roles that he originated on Broadway. I guess we are kindred spirits. Second, Joel Grey, just to hear the stories of Broadway's heyday and the differences now. Third, Victor Garber, just because I think he is brilliant and I could learn a lot from him.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own theatrical dream...what would you say?

I would tell anyone who asks me (and my two boys have asked this question) to constantly try to learn and get better. I know a lot of actors who have a lot of ego (and probably well deserved) and growing as an actor, director, designer, etc. gets stunted by ego. Some of the best actors I know personally are always trying to improve, regardless of how many accolades, awards, or pats on the back they get. They are never satisfied and always look to do better the next time. Second, there is no such thing as a small role. I know this is cliché, but I have grown more as an actor with a small role than a large one. It's relatively easy to talk on stage - it's darn hard to react for 15 minutes and stay in the scene without saying a word. That improves focus and staying in the moment while on stage, as well as connecting with the other actors (which by the way, makes the leads better).

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