Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Students taking part in various aspects of the Presque Isle High School Shipmates’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof” got a first-hand opportunity to get some acting tips from a former student with a bit of stage experience of his own.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
STAR STRUCK – Members of the Shipmates’ cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” rushed on stage Friday, Nov. 16, a bit star-struck, requesting John Cariani’s autograph. Cariani, a native of Presque Isle, was in town for a workshop with cast and crew of this year’s play – a play he himself had the honor of performing in on Broadway a few years ago. The actor stayed in town long enough to catch the Friday evening performance, before heading back to his home in New York City. Pictured, from left: Cariani, Germaine Scott, Melissa Morrison, Matt Flora, Jordan Francke, and Katy Schneider.
John Cariani, a 1984 graduate of PIHS, was on hand Friday, Nov. 16, to meet with the cast and crew of this year’s production – a play he knows quite well, having received a 2004 Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance of Motel in “Fiddler” on Broadway. Cariani spent over an hour answering questions and giving acting tips to those seated in the school’s auditorium.
“Preparing can be one of the hardest things,” said Cariani. “Friends can be a big help in learning lines – having someone to go over your lines, help you study.”
Getting along with fellow cast is an important ingredient for a successful play, added Cariani.
“When I was in the play, we were like a family. We spent so much time together – 13 months. It’s important to be supportive of your cast mates,” said Cariani.
Cariani explained how costumes for Broadway productions are made to endure the demand of daily performances.
“Our costumes (for “Fiddler on the Roof”) cost an estimated $4,000 each. Costumes were built tight on people, because it was understood that everyone worked so hard, they’d lose weight and the outfits would loosen up on us,” Cariani told the group.
For those whose characters had to kneel, Cariani said extra care was taken to strengthen the pant legs.
“We had triple knees. We spent so much time on our knees, if the pants ripped, it wouldn’t show skin,” he said.
Cariani noted that a good pair of shoes made a big difference too.
“We took really good care of the shoes. When you’re on your feet for extended periods, a good pair of shoes can make all the difference,” said Cariani.
Students were advised on what to do if they were interested in pursuing an acting career.
“After high school, I went to college and studied history. I recommend you study something other than acting so you’ll always have another interest,” said Cariani. “And an interest in reading helps. I’m always reading plays, books.”
Cariani said the locations to pursue an acting career depends on what type of acting one is interested in.
“If you like plays, go to New York or Chicago. If it’s movies, go to L.A.,” he said.
He noted that while roles for leading actors decrease as a person gets older, work for character actors seemed to increase.
“I’ve found, from my own experience, that as I get older there are more options for me as a character actor,” he said.
Although he’s appeared on Broadway and recently retired his recurring role of Julian Beck on “Law and Order,” Cariani admitted he’s just as star-struck as many of those present at Friday’s session were with him.
“I run into famous people all the time. Living in New York City, you can’t help it. You go out to eat and find a star seated at the next table. You can’t go, ‘Oh my God, you’re . . .’ You have to try to stay calm,” said Cariani.
But staying calm was not an option for several of the students following Cariani’s appearance, as they made their way to the stage seeking autographs. First in line was Melissa Morrison.
“Could I have your autograph?” asked a smiling Morrision, extending pen and paper to Cariani as other cast mates chattered enthusiastically in the background.
Cariani modestly obliged, appearing a bit bewildered still at being on the receiving end of such admiration. He told those present he’d be back for the evening’s performance and had plans to visit with Dan Ladner and his family later as well.
“I may see you at my grandfather’s later then,” said Germaine Scott, another cast member. “We’re glad you could make the trip.”
Cariani, who’s currently between acting jobs, made the trip to his hometown, using a car borrowed from a friend. The trip wasn’t without incident however.
“I got pulled over by police in Bangor who warned me to be careful of the moose. I opted to spend the night in Bangor rather than continue the drive at night,” said Cariani. “I forget how far it is from New York to Presque Isle.”
Cariani said strikes on both sides of the country have limited work prospects for now, but his play, “Almost Maine,” keeps him busy, with productions taking place in both California and Florida.
“The writers’ strike has halted a lot of productions in California and the stagehand strike in New York has put a damper on plays. One of my most recent appearances was in a play at the Williams Town Theater Festival where I appeared in a couple scenes with Wayne Knight, of “Seinfeld” fame,” said Cariani. “My play, “Almost Maine,” closed in Edmonton, Alberta, was performed in Burbank, Calif., and is scheduled for Fort Myers, Fla. I feel lucky, play writing hasn’t been affected by the writers’ strike.”
Tamia Glidden, stage director for the high school production, expressed gratitude for the former Shipmate’s willingness to visit and attend the play.
“It was an honor and pleasure to have John here. Everyone had a great time. He provided a lot of good advice,” said Glidden. “We thoroughly enjoyed his visit.”
Cariani said he hoped to get back north again sometime.
“This is home – the place that made me who I am. No matter where I am, a part of me will always be here,” said Cariani. “I’d like to come back for another visit sometime – maybe visit another Shipmates’ play.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
AS A THANK-YOU for putting on a workshop with the cast and crew of this year’s Shipmates’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” John Cariani, at center, is presented with a poster of the play signed by all involved in this year’s PIHS presentation. Pictured with Cariani, at left, is Jay Nelson, music director; and at right is Tamia Glidden, stage director.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A WORKSHOP held Friday, Nov. 16, at PIHS found John Cariani, a graduate of the school, giving acting advice to Shipmates cast and crew. This year the group put on a production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” a play dear to Cariani’s heart, since he himself had the honor of performing the role of Motel in “Fiddler” on Broadway not so long ago.
