We are happy to present Steve Sorriero as the
recipient of the Landmark Community Theatre Volunteer Spotlight Award! Steve
has been an active member of our wonderful group of volunteers both on and off
stage for many years. He has most recently been seen on stage as the comical
stage manager and sound effects guy, Lou, in The
1940's Radio Hour, and
as the wary guardian, Grimsby, in The Little Mermaid. Although we love having
Steve perform for us, he does much more than you may know. In addition to his
acting talents, Steve happily helps at many Landmark events, such as the Golf
Tournament and building sets for shows he may not even be a part of. He is also
known for providing vintage props for shows such as Radio Hour (you may have seen all the Coca-Cola signs) and lending
the use of his old fashioned limo for the Memphis promotional video.
Steve Sorriero is a gym teacher by
day and an antique collector and clock repairman by night, but in between the
career and hobbies Steve’s time is filled with generous volunteer work at
Landmark Community Theatre and other theaters in the area. Steve has been
volunteering at the Thomaston Opera House since 1974 and he has been
involved with almost every show since then. Since LCT took over the space in
the Thomaston Opera House, Steve has been on stage performing in The
Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Young Frankenstein, Miracle on 34th Street, The
Little Mermaid, The Thrill of it All,
and The 1940s Radio Hour.
Steve started acting in the 1960s when
his high school put on Man of La Mancha. Although he was only cast as a guard,
he got bit by the bug. (Steve recently performed in La
Mancha as the Barber at The
Gary-The Olivia Theatre). Throughout his acting career, his favorite role is
Bellamy from The Fantasticks (his go-to song is “Plant A Radish”). His favorite show that he has performed in is Titanic in 2012 at the Warner Theatre. Steve
claims it was a very emotional show because not only was it the 100th
anniversary of the Titanic, but the cast was privileged enough to meet
relatives of passengers on the Titanic. Although his acting career has been a
long time running, Steve still has hopes and dreams. Steve’s dream role is Tony
in the Most Happy Fella,
one he hopes to play one day. Steve has also disclosed that once he retires
from his life as a gym teacher, he wants to try out the New York scene. Many
people have different reasons to perform or be involved in theatre. Some people
get involved because of their kids, some because of the fact that they are a
guy and can sing or dance (or can lift people). Steve, on the other hand, sees
performing as a hobby, more specifically, it's a hobby where he can meet people
and recreate history. He also finds a connection to shows he's seen on Broadway. He likes to be able to bring life to characters and
stories he once watched from the audience.
Apart from performing Steve is also
an assiduous volunteer behind the scenes. Steve has assisted with providing
props for shows and promotional videos (many of his antique advertisements have
been featured in LCT productions), including his desk which has been seen in
almost as many shows as Steve himself, he claims some were better shows than he
was in. Although Steve enjoys working backstage and procuring props, Steve’s favorite
part of working on show is building sets. His go-to tool is a ruler (measure
twice, cut once). When he goes to a show, he looks at every aspect of the
production to see how it all works together, something someone truly involved
in theater would do. Steve is an irreplaceable asset to our family and we could not
be happier to present this award to him. Thank you Steve!
In a quick Q&A Session with
Steve he revealed some important information about himself and his experiences
with Landmark Community Theatre.
What is your favorite
thing about working with Landmark Community Theatre?
“It feels like home, it's almost an
extension of home.”
What is your favorite
mustache style?
The Handlebar mustache which I grow every two to three years. Apparently “Mustache Steve’s” mustache runs in
the family; his father and grandfather both had outstanding mustache styles.
What is one piece of
advice you would give other volunteers in theatre?
“Get involved and don’t be afraid to
audition.”
Do you have any pre-show
rituals?
I like to find a quiet spot
five minutes before the curtain. Believe it or not, you can always find one.
If you could pick a
season for LCT, what four shows would you include?
The
Fantasticks, Most Happy Fella, The Music Man, West Side Story--Steve really appreciates the classics!