For Reynolds, Cowardly Lion is Role of a Lifetime

When you meet David Bosley-Reynolds, a local actor who works constantly, two things strike you about him immediately.  One, he is very friendly, but very quiet.  And two, he is NOTHING like the larger-than-life characters he brings to life in show after show at both Toby's locations in Columbia and Baltimore.  Currently, Mr. Reynolds is the Cowardly Lion in the critically acclaimed production of The Wizard of Oz at Toby's Baltimore location.  Just before the show opened, he sat down with me for an interview. 

James Howard:  So, this is the first time I've had a chance to talk with you since we named you the 2007 Actor of the Year in Baltimore.  Congratulations! 

David Bosely-Reynolds: Yes!  Thank you so much.  That was very nice and unexpected. 

James:  You are most welcome.  So, these days you are preparing for the opening of The Wizard of Oz.  How do you like being the Cowardly Lion? 

David:  (Smiling) It is my favorite role.  Ok, it's my favorite role at the moment.  But The Wizard of Oz is my all-time favorite movie.  People that know that give me lots of memorabilia!  Seriously, since I've played this role before, it is comfortable.  It is pretty physically demanding, even though I have a lot of down time in Act I.  Still I'm in fill make up and costume backstage.  Thank God the costume is light weight and absorbent!" 

James:  How do you prepare for such an iconic, beloved role? 

David:  Well, luckily there's the Internet to do lots of research on it.  I did read Notes on a Cowardly Lion by John Lahr, Bert's son.  It turns out Bert Lahr was a lot like the Cowardly Lion – very, very nervous and stuff.  But you are right.  This role is very well known, so for kids and fans of the film, I don't think you should toy with it too much, you know?  And this version is meant to be a tribute to the traditional Oz characters.  In fact, they are copyrighted, so you can only do so much new with it. 

James:  How is it performing for a lot of children? 

David: So many things happen!  Kids are unpredictable; anything can happen.  I mean, they are usually very good – they really get into it!  But they also yell out stuff, and scream.  But that keeps it fun and fresh for us.  To be honest, everything is a challenge these days, and it isn't the kids.  We have to compete with cell phones, people texting, and old people constantly unwrapping candy!

James:  Why do you think The Wizard of Oz continues to be so popular?

David: I think it is three things.  First, no one is perfect, just like the characters.  Second, they can relate to Dorothy and her friends. And like the characters, everyone is on a journey.  On her journey, she meets people that make her whole.  Last, I think the idea of "home" is important.  Home is really knowing all about yourself and being comfortable where you are.   

James:  So, how have you trained as an actor to take on such a variety of roles? 

David:  Gosh, it too me eight years to get through AACC (Anne Arundel Community College) because I've always been doing shows – pretty much since I was 14!  But aside from finishing school there and taking every workshop I could at the Maryland Hall for the Arts in Annapolis, I've had some great mentors.  Four artists have really influenced me – Marvin Hunter is a great character actor, Roland Chambers, a local director, Martin Charnin, who I worked with on the National Tour of Annie, and of course, Toby (Orenstein).  You pick up all of these little pearls of wisdom.  With Toby's now, it gets comfortable.  Until recently, she directed all of the shows, but I also know the guest directors.  It can be steady work if you want it, and it's important that I can get insurance through her company. 

James: That's a great benefit. 

David: Especially now.  Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, so I really have to watch my health.  Not get too tired, take care of myself when I get sick…  I tell you that really changed your perspective, which I try to channel into my acting – I really try to put some positive humanity into all of my characters.  You know, I still get calls to do things outside Toby's.  I just got a call to go to New York and be seen for Edna in Hairspray (this wasn't the first time!).  But I feel so loyal to this place.  I can't just pick up and leave. 

James:  Wow!  Hairspray!  You are sure loyal to give that up! 

David:  Well, I've done National Tours before – I did the 2000 tour of Annie, directed by the writer, Martin Charnin.  I was doing Annie at the Chesapeake Music Hall, playing Daddy Warbucks, and we heard there were open auditions.  Everyone told me I should try, but I didn't really know if I wanted to do that.  Well, I auditioned, and was cast as the Daddy Warbucks understudy and as Drake the Butler.  The guy they cast as Warbucks was, I think, holding out for more money, so he was let go, and I got the part. 

James:  How was it touring with all those kids? 

David:  It was great!  I got to see a lot of places in this country and Canada.  What I wasn't prepared for was the climate changes.  I never missed a show, but it finally caught up with me.  I loved it, though, and I'd love to go back out again.  Don't get me wrong, it is very grueling.  All those early morning interviews on TV and radio.  And there was working with Martin Charnin – I don't think he'll ever be done tweaking the show!  I think it was difficult for the kids – they had to have school on the bus!  Still that was pretty cool.  One time, we stopped at the Alamo, not because we were playing there, but because it was a field trip for their schooling! 

James: There are a few roles you've done several times.  How do you keep it fresh? 

David: Well, first of all, if it is a repeat show at Toby's – like The Wizard of Oz is (we did it at Columbia years ago) – if you played a role before you get first refusal.  So I don't have to repeat a part if I don't want to here.  But, yes… I've played the Cowardly Lion five different times, Daddy Warbucks several times and Tevye, too.  The parts are very rich, so I don't get bored.  Plus you always play with different casts so that it is still comfortable, but different.  And playing a show in the round like at Columbia is a lot different than doing it on a proscenium stage like here in Baltimore.  There are days you'd rather stay home (like any job).  But you owe it to the audience – they've invested time and money to see you.  So you keep your acting conversational and LISTEN.  IT is critical!  Actively listening keeps you focused. 

James:  And you mix it up by playing new roles, like in The Full Monty and Titanic: The Musical. 

David: Yes!  The Full Monty was different!  Modern, you know.  But the nudity didn't bother me.  I treated it like another costume!  I didn't know Titanic before we did it; I never saw it.  The music really grew on me, and I ended up loving it.  The costume and the make up really helped.  I think it is sometimes better to have a character and show grow on you, rather than love it from the start.  And I really appreciate the technical skill (of the show).  I tell you, it was very emotional.  You'd have to go out after it and have a drink. 

James:  So, you have a few roles you like doing over and over, and you've gotten to play a wide variety of other roles.  Are there any out there you are dying to try? 

David:  Hmmm…I think I'd like to be Harold Hill in The Music Man and I would LOVE to be Sweeney in Sweeney Todd!

James:  Ok, one last question before you head back to rehearsal… what advice would you give up and coming actors? 

David:  Well, I got some great advice about playing comedy.  Never move when delivering the punch line.  It KILLS the joke!  (He laughs.)  It is so true.  Watch a good comedian.  Hmm...  I know.  This is crucial, and I've seen it destroy other actors.  Learn how to take direction.  It is never wise to fight directors, especially during an audition.  You wouldn't believe the people I've seen who ruin their chance at a role because of that. 

James:  Thanks for your time, David!

 

David Bosley-Reynolds continues as The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at Toby's Baltimore location through June 8.  Go to www.tobysdinnertheatre.com for information and reservations.

Coming Soon:  An interview with The Tin Man, Adam Grabau!

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Toby's Dinner Theatre.  Production photos by Kirstine Christiansen.  Candid photos by James Howard and Joshua Singer.

 

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