2h « 19 - Wednesday, January 24, 1990 - North Shore News ACTOR GERRY BEAN READY TO TAKE RISKS WITH HIS CRAFT \w good-looking North Vancouver actor has come to talk | T'S A good thing Gerry Bean works from a script. The about his current role in John Patrick Shanley’s play, The Dreamer Examines his Pillow. but when he tries to speak his thoughts, racing at an unbelievable pace, trip him up. In fact, a recent Spotlight inter- view with Bean proved to be a try- ing but rewarding experience; one that left the interviewer paddling up Bean’s stream of consciousness without a paddle. EVELYN JACOB spotlight feature In addition to his new-found freedom of speech add his feelings of angst and a stubborn hangover, to say nothing of a bout of hypoglycemia, and you have what some actors refer to as an “‘in- tense experience.” “We (Mad Love Theatre), we...well, we chose Shanley’s ma- terial because we'd...well...we’d like to see more risks taken (in theatre), more passion — more of the elements we're made up of,”’ he finally blurts out. Shanley’s dark play focuses on the seamy side of relationships, commitment and family. And it’s exactly this kind of subject matter that Bean, 31, would like to see Vancouver's theatres tackle more often. “I’m not opposed to Sinbad the Sailor. but it’s pretty damn hard when things are not evolving. If this town wants its own identity it’s got to manifest through its own efforts, “’ says Bean. ‘I don’t want to have to live in L.A.” Doesn't want to because he al- ready has. In 1983 Bean, your average young actor, hoped to chase down a Career on the stage; so he hop- ped on a motorcycle and headed for the City of Angels. But like thousands of others who get trampied by the big foot of the U.S. film industry, he returned to Vancouver let down and cynical. The need for Vancouver theatre to develop its own identity and the perils of trying to stoke the star- making/heart-breaking machinery of Hollywood are two themes Bean constantly returns to ~ with passion. Now he wants to tell aspiring thespians they needn't seek out the footlights of Hollywood to make a go in acting. “After three-and-a-half years in L.A. | gained more respect for myself than | did for the (film) in- dustry,”’ says Bean. “There's a lot of compromising going on in L.A. | think a lot of people get busted ~ broken down in that city. It’s time we started to explore possibilities in Vancouver and create it ourselves.” With Shanley’s play, Bean says he’s never felt stronger or more fulfilled. One of only three characters, Bean as the tormented Tommy goes through an agonizing process of self-discovery. He locks himself ina basement for four months and trades insults with his girlfriend Donna (Sacha Moiseiwitsch) after she learns that he fooled around with her younger sister. Then he performs a WL REET HRE NCEE SL SHIATS TEAST SEEN DEK To The Music of MICHAEL CUMMINGS J svn, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS ce bone Heats PRIDVAY rr WA Ambleside Inn Pot Reservations Plosise € 1495 Marine Drive, VA G2 2-O1OT West Vancouver LN lengthy soliloquy to a receptive audience — his yawning fridge. The central issue of Shanley’s play, says Bean, is the process of self-discovery and eventual self- acceptance. “We all do things out of desperation. | draw this stuff from my own experience,” he says. ‘We've all had the same feelings as Tommy.” After starring in a number of local productions (Bean made his professional debut in the Water- front Theatre’s production of The Boys in the Band), he found himself on the corner of Hollywood and Vine in 1983. For the first three months he worked the local bars and clubs as a waiter. After hiring and then dumping four agents, Bean had barely broken into T.V. “‘l got a couple of lines on General’ Hospi- tal and did some low-budget films. It was just enough to torment you. It was a real tease,’’ he recalls. NEWS photo Mike Wakefleld GERRY BEAN, who stars in John Patrick Shanley’s play, The Dreamer Examines His Pillow, doesn’t believe aspiring Canadian actors have to go to L.A. to make it on the stage. The time spent in L.A. became a lesson in the art of surviving. “That’s what they mean by pay- ing your dues,” he says. Those years may not have amounted to much in L.A., but ironically, Bean’s career blossom- ed when he returned to Van- couver, His credentials helped him land a principal role in the movie Cous- ins and a smaller part in the Robert De Niro film, We’re No Angels. Sew What? January is the best month to find a bargain. Year end clear-outs, demonstrator and TRADE-INS and unclaimed layaways. Every machine is on sale for three days only. Prices start as low as include free PFAFF — > display machines, $39.95. All machines OMEGA A durable machine with afl the basics Ideal tor mending hemming. and making clothes Sews any tance Easy to use Perfect tor tearing to sew Req 3399 99 Sale $299°" 5 TRADE INS! FULLY RECONDITIONED ; $395 To $995 WESTVIEW CENTRE +) ON THE UPPER LEVELS ~ NORTH VAN. 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