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Pastor takes the stage in Masquers’ production of ‘Oliver!’
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Wednesday, 02 July 2008
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Pastor Paul Brown can’t fake a belch, but he’s sure trying to learn.
Playing Mister Bumble in Masquers Theatre Company’s upcoming production of the classic musical “Oliver!” requires this normally soft-spoken pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake to push the limits of parochial propriety.
However, he is also embracing the opportunity to perform in front of an audience that’s not his congregation.
Brown participated in high school shows and community theater when he was younger, but recently caught the “theater bug” again when he saw his sister perform in a production of the musical “Oklahoma!”
After urging from “Oliver!” director Janice Murphy, who is a member of Brown’s congregation, he decided to audition.
“I hadn’t really heard him sing until he auditioned, and I was very impressed with his voice,” Murphy said. “It’s been fun developing a different relationship with him, getting to know him outside of church.”
In his scenes with Widow Corney, played by Emily Lehmann, Brown portrays a pompous church officer with aspirations of marrying to increase his social status.
“It’s not the kind of scene that a pastor wants his parishioners to see, but it’s just so darn funny,” said Brown.
Bumble gets more than he bargained for in Widow Corney, however, and lives to regret his decision. Those who share the stage with him say that Brown delivers on the idiosyncrasies of Mister Bumble.
“It’s strange to see a pastor playing such a reprehensible character,” said Lehmann. “But he’s incredible – a great actor and really fun. I always feel a little guilty beating up a pastor, though!”
Brown has been in rehearsals since early May for the show and is especially enjoying working with the 40-plus member cast as the production comes together. He finds that there are many parallels between pastoring and acting.
Brown said he often tries to memorize his sermons, a skill which he reports has come in handy when trying to learn his lines and songs. He also enjoys getting the reaction of his audience, whether in the pews or theater seats.
There are even life lessons within the script that resonate with him in his church life, Brown added.
“Bumble puts on airs with his authority, more than his station offers him in life,” Brown said. “Hopefully as a pastor, with the sense of leadership, my power comes from above and not from the person.”
Brown hopes that his congregation comes to see the show, but also says with a laugh, “I fear that they’ll be sitting in the front row, harassing me.”
Masquers’ production of “Oliver!” runs July 11-27 at Forest Lake High School.
More information about tickets can be found at www.masquerstheatre.org or by calling (651) 464-5823.
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