Interview: 'Catch a Rising Star' - Eagle Theater's Tim Rinehart

Among Tim's theater credits he has been seen in seven productions with the Eagle Theatre (Hammonton, NJ), South Jersey's only Equity year-round Equity Theatre. His favorites include "Glenngary Glenn Ross" (Moss), "Next To Normal" (Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine), "Urinetown: The Musical" (Bobby Strong) and most recently he played Captain Emmit Lochrain in Eagle's much acclaimed and 2014 BWW Award Nominated "Civil War: The Musical". Tim was also a 2013 BWW Award Winner for Best Actor in Eagle's "Lombardi". He's also nominated in the BWW 2014 Awards Season.

Pati Buehler: Tim, that's quite a line up. Please tell us where you call home and how and when you got involved in theater?

Tim Rinehart: Home for me is in Cherry Hill, where I also started performing my senior year at Cherry Hill East. Most of high school I ran track until a back injury. I couldn't do athletics anymore so it seemed like the next logical step; anything to keep me from studying.

PB: You are a very versatile singer/actor and also a quite decent guitar player (Civil War). How do you prepare yourself for each role?

TR: That really means a lot, thank you. For the most part I like to read through the script a number of times before we start rehearsal. Then it's just a matter of trying different approaches with my director until we find the best fit. As far as the guitar playing, I'm really glad I got chance to show that side of me. When the director (Ted Wioncek III) told me I'd be accompanying myself on guitar a few times, I was excited-and a little bit terrified.

Tim is once again flying with The Eagle Theater's production of Sondheim's "Into The Woods" playing Cinderella's Prince and Wolf which will run from Nov. 7 to Dec. 6.

PB: What a great role in such a wonderful production. How will you approach this one?

TR: In preparation I spent the summer living among a pack of wolves, learning their ways and gaining their trust. I think my experience will really help. Honestly, though this is my fourth time getting the chance to work with the director, Ed Corsi. He's excellent at what he does and he's given me some great insight on these parts. I'm especially excited about this cast. Everyone is outstanding and very supportive of each other, which really makes a huge difference when in rehearsal.

You can enjoy Tim & the entire cast of" Into the Woods" at the Eagle Theater, Hammonton, NJ 08037. Performances run on selected dates through December 6. For tickets and more information visit www.theeagletheatre.com or call 609.7045012.

Photo # 1 Tim in Glenngary Glenn Ross

Photo # 2 Tim as Wolf in Into the Woods

Photo Credits: Chris Miller