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Tri-State Theater

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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Interview with "August: Osage County's" Jonathan Maynard

   You have three more chances to catch the ARTS production of August: Osage County in Huntington, starting Thursday night - and we have a few more interviews with the cast to share!

    Stepping up to the imaginary microphone today is the talented Jonathan Maynard, who plays a hometown boy who took on a surprising job.

Q: Tell us about August: Osage County.

Jonathan: The play follows the tale of the Weston family of Osage County Oklahoma in August of a year in the late 2010’s. Beverly Weston, the patriarch, hires a live-in maid and subsequently disappears. As the family converges on the house on the plains, family secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the question of what it means to be a family is brought to the forefront. 

Q: Why did you want to tackle this show?

Jonathan: My favorite theatre pieces are those that teach us something about ourselves, the ones that show the truths about humanity and what it means to be a flawed individual. August: Osage County embodies everything about that idea. None of the characters are particularly lovable. There are no winners or losers. But there are people. Real people. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Jonathan: I play Sheriff Deion Gilbeau. He has the unenviable task of delivering bad news to people he's know his whole life and may care a little more than he wishes to admit about this particular family. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Jonathan: I have been performing in community theatre throughout the Tri-state since 2012. 

Q: I've heard the set is amazing...

Jonathan: Not only is it massive, it's functional. I've rarely seen a set this well thought out and put together, let alone acted on it. I mean, it's a three story house with a front porch for crying out loud. 

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Jonathan: The cast are some of the most talented  individuals in the area. They have worked tirelessly to create the world of the Weston family and I, for one, am honored to be a small part of this cast. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Jonathan: If you go, you will laugh. You will feel uncomfortable. You will hate and pity and relate to the characters. You will lose track of time. You will learn something about yourself. You will see one of the most well-written pieces of American theatre produced by a group of people who truly care about the material. What could be a better use of an evening?

Thanks, Jonathan!


   ARTS presents August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, on May 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Show only tickets: $15, Dinner and Show tickets: $30. Call 304-733-2787 to make dinner and show reservations. Tickets can be bought online or at the door on the day of the performance.

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