Interview: Actor Bill Lovern

Bill Lovern is a busy actor who is having a lot of fun.

MCL: When and where did you start acting?

BL: I really didn't start acting until I went to Niagara University in 1983. I always sang in choirs. I even joined a top 40 cover band when I was 19 called INCOGNITO. I remember I was taking the place of their lead singer who had really bad vocal issues. They flew me to Florida. I was there for two weeks learning all the material; Unfortunately I was young, in love and immature. I ended up leaving before I even started to perform. I regret that to this day.

MCL: What made you want to be on stage?

BL: I knew when I saw a production of Pippin at Artpark and said that is what I want to do.

MCL: Any local mentors?

BL: There was Ted Jost and Dale Sandish at the time. They inspired me

MCL: Best advice you were given that you still use on stage?

BL: Find your light

MCL: What roles turn you off and what kind do you look for?

BL: Campy roles tend to turn me off. I love character roles that require you to sing legit

MCL: What is the joy of being onstage all about?

BL: It's the thrill and excitement of creating a piece of work and then sharing that work with the audience.

MCL: Tell us about some of your favorite roles?

BL: Oh, I played the band leader Hartley in the 2nd National tour of Titanic. He was a lot of fun and I got to sing a ragtime song while all the dancers did their dance around me. The Padre in Man of La Mancha. The Beadle in Sweeney Todd.

MCL: Do you want to repeat any of these roles?

BL: Funny you should ask. I am performing the role of the Beadle in Kavinoky Theater's production of Sweeney Todd this September. I think its going to be very different than the last time I played this role 35 years ago

MCL: What's some advice for those new to acting?

BL: Be a sponge in life and learn all you can. Never stop training and when you have the chance, go for it.

MCL: How would you describe Buffalo, New York Theater?

BL: It's wonderful we have so many theater options for actors and audiences. Some of the new theaters are producing some marvelous works and using some bright new talent. I love seeing some of the theaters that have been around reinventing themselves. Everything changes and you have to move forward or you'll be left behind. I love when theaters use new talent. Let's face it some of us have been around the block. It's our turn to share the light so to speak.

The one thing I would like to see more of is more diversity in casting and more collaboration between theaters. Think of the possibilities.

MCL: Please talk about your backstage fun ...

BL: There have been many Shenanigans offstage that I can't mention. One memory I will share happened while doing a production of Into The Woods. We all decided we would each have a visible body mole and it would change from night to night.

MCL: Finally ... 2018 is only half gone. What's coming up for you for the rest of it?

BL: As I shared, right now I am preparing for Sweeney Todd. After that? Call me. I'm available.

FOR MORE BILL LOVERN:

http://www.kavinokytheatre.com/