Vintage Wine and Memories
Withnail: Monty used to act.
Monty: I’d hardly say that. It’s true I crept the boards in my youth, but I never had it in my blood, and that’s what so essential isn’t it? The theatrical zeal in the veins. Alas, I have little more that vintage wine and memories.
Somewhere in the ephemera of my collected life are boxes and envelopes containing the remnants of my public turn as an actor. I generally don’t think about them much, but occasions such as the 40th Anniversary of the St. Lawrence Centre inspire one to dig out the boxes. I happened to find a couple of nuggets in a file folder here at the office.
My first show at the Centre was in 1984: Privates on Parade. The following year I did Cecil Philip Taylor’s And A Nightingale Sang, but these shots are from the last show I did at the Centre in 1986, Talley & Son (A Tale Told) with Donald Davis. It was a thrill to work with such an experienced actor and an incredible cast.
But even better, it was the show that Carol McCartney came to see me in, and soon after we went on our first date … we’ve been together ever since.
That’s the value of these things, I guess. They put our lives into an historical context that—hopefully—makes us smile. This one sure does…
The original Playbill for the show.
The Cast – l to r: Jesse Collins, Ken James, Charmion King, Marcia Tratt, Donald Davis, David Ferry, Deborah Kipp, Cynthia Belleveau
Photo Credit Robert C. Ragsdale, f.r.p.s.
Jesse Collins as Timmy Talley
“Talley & Son (A Tale Told)” by Lanford Wilson, Theatre Plus Toronto 1986
Directed by Hutch Shandro; Artistic Director, Malcolm Black; Co-director, David Ferry
Photo Credit Robert C. Ragsdale, f.r.p.s.
The Discussion
10 Comments
Fantastic, great photos, thank-you so much for sharing….
My pleasure, mate. I had some great times in your barn.
Just finished reading your blurb on Talley&Son. An apt subtitle might be ” The Ravages of Time”. Pictures like that make me feel a whole lot better about how I’ve aged. Keep up the good work!
You’d really feel good if you could see the picture that the party photog captured of Carol and I at the 40th Anniversary party for the STLC. I look like I have eight chins — when I know for a fact that I only have three.
Did you do other acting parts besides Rin Tin Tin K-9 cops? The only movies or show I seen you in were. Rin Tin Tin and The santa claus with Tim Allen.. Do you still do acting now or have you moved on to other things? And have you gone to New York and did any broadway plays…
Hello @casey: I still occasionally produce and direct theatre, but I’ve taken an extended break over the past several years while my son was growing up. I have some business interests in the web communications field and my wife and I travel a great deal.
The closest I’ve come to Broadway is the audience—might have to add that to the Bucket List! :)
I’ve watched you on Katts & Dog (a.k.a. Rin Tin Tin K-9 Cop), you were great in that. I had no idea the show was a canadian TV Series but that doesn’t matter, great show; you are a mighty handsome man and I am sure you still look like that way today.
Hello, Happy Easter!!!! I noticed you havn’t checked your blog lately, I am sure you are very busy. Well I just wanted to drop you a line or two. Hope you had a wonderful holiday. Take care!!!!!!
Jesse, you are a very good writer! Just found your blog and am looking forward to following along. I became a fan of yours when I was in middle school and discovered Rin Tin Tin K9 Cop here in the States. Glad to see that you are doing well!
Jess, always a star to me.
love Carrie.