Entertainer James Brown was known as "The hardest working man in show business" and indeed he always seemed to have multiple irons in the fire.
On a more local level, James Webber, known as Jim to friends and acquaintances of whom he has many, can certainly give Brown a run for the money.
Last year he did 14 shows including an Actor's Fund benefit in Hollywood, and is presently up for an NHTA award as Best Director for "Good People". In addition, 7 actors he directed are up for awards, a testament to his skill at bringing out the best in those he directs.
Jim, who used to be found at the world famous Hollywood Bowl, balances his day job at the Capitol Center for the Arts with a plethora of directing and designing efforts. At the NH Technical Institute, he directs plays including their upcoming production of "Crimes of the Heart" this April. Jim, whose reputation as a set designer is well deserved, is working with our own Community Players on two upcoming productions - "Kong's Night Out", in February and "Hotel LaPutts" in May as well as directing and designing "Cabaret" for the Majestic Theatre in Manchester.
I've known Jim since 1980 when we somehow managed to sing, tap dance and play the uke - all at the same time - in a Community Player's production of "No, No Nanette". For Jim it has been upward ever since.
The other day Jim paid me a visit on WKXL's "Downtown Dialogues" and we spent a very entertaining 45 minutes talking about theatre and the many opportunities to experience life theatre, locally, as well as experiencing the directing and designing talents of my guest.
Here's a link to our spirited discussion:
http://concordnewsradio.com/?p=4457
After listening, check out some of the upcoming theatrical opportunities in our area. I promise you'll be more than entertained.
