Randall Dodge as Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz

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 seem outside the box.

Craig Noel Award-winning actor: Randall Dodge

Randall Dodge

1.) Cervantes, Man of La Mancha, music, Mitch Leigh, lyrics, Joe Darion, book, Dale Wasserman. “That’s the pinnacle role for me. I have coveted it for many years but knew I couldn’t play it until I was much older. I think I’m about there, age- and experience-wise. Not sure I’m a good enough actor, though…maybe someday.”

2.) Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, music and lyrics, Stephen Sondheim, book, Hugh Wheeler. “I love Sondheim so much. He is by far the greatest American composer in my opinion. I played Judge Turpin in the one production I’ve done of this show and had an amazing experience. Again, this is another role for my kind of voice and size. I also feel that I wasn’t old enough before but now am ready to take this one on.”

3.) Georg Novak, She Loves Me, music, Jerry Bock, lyrics, Sheldon Harnick, book, Joe Masteroff. Georg, the gentlemanly shop manager of Maracek’s Parfumerie, has a secret pen pal. “The role of Georg has always been a favorite. In the only production I did, at the Laguna Playhouse, Johnny Bissom played Georg. It was wonderful working with him (he even tried to teach me how to tap dance during the down times) and being in such a well-written and fun show.”

Randall Dodge as Billy Flynn in Chicago (with Adrian Storrs and Natalie Nucci)

4.) George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life, music by Joe Raposo, book and lyrics, Sheldon Harnick. “I was in the West Coast premiere at Laguna Playhouse with Ralph Bruneau as George. We got to work right alongside Sheldon Harnick, who was there to get the premiere off the ground. It is still a highlight for me, working with a theater legend. I sang a three part harmony song with two other actors (one was Steve Glaudini). The first night Sheldon joined us at rehearsal, we sang “Linguini” for him. I was a nervous wreck. Afterwards he was so sweet and complimentary. I thanked him for his kindness and asked how he could hear my part above the sound of my knees knocking together from fear and nerves. He just smiled and said it was delightful.”

5.) How the Grinch Stole Christmas, music by Mel Marvin, book and lyrics, Timothy Mason. “I was in this show many years at the Globe, and was the Grinch understudy, and even went on several times for the Big Green Meanie. However, covering a role isn’t really like getting to make it your own. For sake of continuity, the cover must try to replicate the performance of the person they’re filling in for. When I did get the chance to wear that incredible costume and sing that amazing score it was the thrill of my career so far. License to chew the scenery and be deliciously mean will always be something special! I would love the chance to make that role my own someday.”