David McBean’s Bucket List

I’m asking veteran local actors to name five dream roles and say why. The answers not only reveal aspirations, they may put an idea in the minds of artistic directors and producers – even choices that may seem out of the box.

Craig Noel Award-winner David McBean

“I’ve been blessed to play so many characters, what more could I ask? I just want to come in at the end of the act, make some people laugh, and go home! Actually, as I’m reaching a new age range and type, I find myself wanting the challenge of tackling more serious work.”

1.) Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street, by Stephen Sondheim. “It was the first play I remember seeing as a child. It was at the Moonlight. My grandparents had season tickets and took me starting at age five. I loved the music and the dark comic beauty of it. Even then I loved theater and would sit through entire shows with my grandmother. 32 years later she just released her seats — at 93 years old.

2.) The Witch, Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. ”Perhaps far-fetched, but on my wish list for sure! I have had the dubious blessing of playing women in shows. I love the challenge and the privilege of discovering the vagaries in that artistic endeavor. The Witch has a heartbreaking and terrifying arc. One moment she is protective and loving, the next demanding the sacrifice of child-like Jack to save her own skin. She loses her powers. I would love to physicalize that power and ugliness then attempt the beauty and loss of facility.

3.) Irma Vep “I wish I could do Irma again, with Phil Johnson if possible. Irma Vep represents a dark period in my life. It was the last production I did in a haze of destructive behavior. I tried to stay present for the process but failed, aiding my awareness about the need for a serious change. I (sort of) remember rejoicing in the crazy quick changing, the over the top but ever truthful dynamics of the piece. I would love the chance to be fully present for that experience. And who could ask for a better playmate than Phil?”

4.) Noël Coward. “Anything! I revel in playing character parts. When I saw Private Lives at Cygnet, I immediately fell in love with Noël Coward. I am sadly remiss in not researching this kindred spirit, but long to speak his words. My affinity for accents and relish for witty language would be perfectly wed were I afforded the opportunity.”

5.) Shakespeare. “And Durang, and Restoration Comedy, but I would delight in learning more Shakespeare. I’ve done Midsummer as a musical twice now – first as the cross-dressing Flute, then the fairytastic Oberon. Some of the darker parts would be a welcome challenge. And after playing Feste in the Old Globe educational tour (a condensed 50 minute version) I hope to play the entire part one day.”