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| Jason Wilhoite as Leonard, a Jet's Pizza delivery guy who is the "baby daddy" in Let Nothing You Dismay PHOTO by Jim Kelly |
Let
Nothing You Dismay truly puts the “fun” in a dysfunctional
family! The Gordon and Saperstein
families collide over the expected birth of a baby on Christmas Day. At the center of the chaos are adoptive
parents Allie and Kevin, whose plans for a “cozy couple’s Christmas” are
derailed when their extended families show up uninvited at the hospital. In the Farmington Players production,
Jason Wilhoite plays adoptive father Kevin. As Jason says, “Kevin and Allie are
forced to balance the stresses of becoming parents in somewhat uncommon fashion
and that balance is at the center of the story. I love the well-crafted dialog
of the show’s open and getting the chance to collaborate with another actor
back and forth as we set the stage for what’s about to unfold. It’s so
important to create the chemistry between Kevin and Allie from the very first
look.”
Like all actors in this crazy farce, Jason
plays multiple roles. In addition
to Kevin, Jason says, “I also play Leonard, who is ‘the baby daddy!’ But I
really love that he is so much more than that. While Leonard and Lizzie face an
all too common situation of an unexpected baby before they are truly ready, the
couple makes the brave and loving choice of adoption. I really want to share
the love and connection Leonard and Lizzie have for each other and the great
gift they give to this very appreciative pair who will welcome their baby boy
into a crazy and loving family.”
Jason enumerates the themes of this show as “family,
imperfection, forgiveness, admiration, second chance, and renewed hope. The
fabric of this show is extremely complex. Much like the relationships of any
family, we see the multidimensional and changing-on-dime emotions that come
from a group who call themselves a family. What I truly love about the story is
that it is not a family based on traditional blood connections alone, but
extended to those we choose to make part of our family. It’s really beautiful
to be reminded that a family is greater than just siblings and parents; it’s
about those who support you, those who inspire you and care for you, no matter
what the situation. I’m blessed to be part of this kind of family off stage and
I’m honored to share this onstage family with our patrons.”
Jason knows this show will resonate with
audiences because “we all have families. However you personally choose to
interpret a ‘family’ is your choice, but we have people we love and respect and
who make the world bearable just having them around you. The holidays always
seen to remind me of that truth and this show beautifully brings that message
to life. The complexity of family and the dynamics we share with people who
have lived with us through those life moments of triumph and sadness is an
immeasurable gift. This show celebrates those gifts and brings us a truthful
modern American family in a loving, personal and accessible way. I’m sure our
audiences will leave the theatre in laughter and gladness and perhaps even with
a warm tear welling in their eyes.”
Jason feels a special connection to Let Nothing You Dismay because he was
part of the team who selected this show for the Barn’s season. And, on a personal note, he says, “Ironically,
my little sister is pregnant and expecting her first baby. She’s due in
December and I look forward to being on the other side of the story in real
life.”
Let Nothing You Dismay has 10
performances at the Farmington Players Barn Theater from November 30 – December
15. The show is proudly sponsored
by Weinstein Jewelers. Tickets are
available online at farmingtonplayers.org or by emailing
boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org or calling the Barn box office at 248-553-2955.
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