🎬 From Texas Football to Scrooge: A Conversation with David Coffee | I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In!
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the legendary David Coffee, a cornerstone of the New England and Texas theater scenes. With a career spanning over 50 years, David shares the incredible "sliding doors" moments that shaped his journey — from his childhood in Arlington, Texas, to his iconic 30-year run as Ebenezer Scrooge at the North Shore Music Theater.
Inside the Episode:
📌 The Early Days: David discusses his Texas roots, playing right guard in elementary school football before trade-offs led him to his first stage appearance as a second-grade accordion player.
📌 The Big Break: Hear the story of the "Bill Fagan" era, where a chance encounter turned into a seven-year tour with the Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band.
📌 Theater Lore & Legends: David dives into the fascinating Granbury, Texas legend of John Wilkes Booth, the night the North Shore Music Theater literally burned down during Cinderella, and the physical toll of a lifetime of pratfalls.
📌 The Craft of the Character: From playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (and the vital "fat suit" advice he received) to the emotional "show-stopper" moment in Fly By Night.
📌 A Christmas Carol Legacy: David reflects on playing Scrooge since 1992, his relationship with the "Jesus spot," and why he never lets his understudy go on — even with a torn meniscus!
Key Highlights
Acting Tips: David’s advice for up-and-coming actors: "Don’t lose the joy."
New England Theater: Insights into the history of North Shore Music Theater (NSMT) and the IRNE Awards.
Musical Theater Icons: Stories involving Sandy Duncan, Cheryl McMahon, and the development of the Broadway hit Memphis.
The Life of a Stock Actor: What it really means to be a "regional stock actor" and the importance of an actor’s pension.
Sponsored by the Parody News Network (PNN):
Your favorite movies and TV shows, satirized for your protection. Subscribe at youtube.com/ParodyNewsNetwork for your weekly dose of entertainment and humor.
Subscribe to "I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In" for more deep dives with the best actors in the New England area. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a review on Spotify!
#ISawYouInThatThingISawYouIn #ISYITTISYI #DavidCoffee #StephenLomer #Broadway
