Jack Lambert directing rehearsals for Seussical, the Musical. Photos: Joe Briol
Ashland Production’s Jack Lambert will be in the wings for Open Door Community Theatre’s production of Seussical, the Musical.
East Ridge High School (ERHS) graduate Jack Lambert returns to his theatrical roots in Woodbury to direct Open Door Community Theatre’s winter production of Seussical, the Musical.
Lambert has worked with Ashland Productions in Maplewood for the last six years and currently serves as its youth programming director.
“Through my role at Ashland, I get to help give back to the communities of the East Metro through the ACT Program, a theater residency program that brings theater to elementary schools,” Lambert says. “I am very grateful for all of the opportunities I had growing up and enjoy being able to now facilitate it for others.”
We spoke with Lambert about his journey from actor to director.
How did your time at ERHS’s The Loft Stage kickstart your career?
Jack Lambert (JL): I was part of the first graduating class at (ERHS), which also meant that I was put into a new social environment my junior year. So, I started doing theater to make new friends and join a community while participating in something fun. Ironically, that first production of mine was Seussical, the Musical. That led to a passion for the arts in college, which eventually brought me back to an appreciation for what theater is as an activity. Because of my experience in high school theater, I see how important it is to have welcoming and fun communities for people to participate in, and theater is an excellent activity to facilitate that with.
What fuels your passion for youth theater and directing?
JL: I believe that theater as an activity can have a tremendously positive effect on anyone who participates. There’s a confidence that an individual can develop that is unique. They absolutely get more comfortable onstage, but it’s even more inspiring to watch kids and adults alike become more confident socially. Creating the right environment can give people a comfortable place to connect with others in ways they might not normally. This is true for many activities, but what sets theater apart for me is the innate vulnerability of being on a stage. Working on a show and building positive relationships with everyone else around you goes a long way in making this initially terrifying experience of expressing yourself onstage into an exhilarating one full of creativity and collaboration. If we do it right, overcoming that vulnerability and fear with trust and excitement is very powerful. The cherry on top is watching the shared experiences and connections carry over into people’s lives long after the curtain has closed on a show.
How are rehearsals for Seussical, the Musical so far?
JL: Rehearsals have been nothing short of amazing. Everyone’s willingness to jump into the deep end and be goofy every day has made it so smooth and fun. I’m seeing friendships grow and form, people are incredibly encouraging of each other and the trust in what we’re creating seems to be there.
Suessical, the Musical will run from January 31–February 8. Tickets are available at opendoorcommunitytheatre.org.
All ages. $18 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and children. Times vary. King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive; opendoorcommunitytheatre.org
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