Well, Sunday, September 2nd, 2007, the fifth day of over
100 temperatures, and more than that many days of over 100
for the past two or so weeks, my cousin, Gabrielle Giusti,
and yours truly set out for the Sacramento Music Circus'
production of the historical musical 1776,
the show's closing night, and the final production of the
2007 season. Walking after a heavy meal, and my possibly
foolish choice to end my meal with Italian Grappa, made
from the dregs of the wine barrel, and rather high octane
stuff; the waiter shocked me by not bringing out a small
liqueur glass but a rather large one, filled to the brim
-- mind you Grappa is again high octane stuff.
I have been a fan of the musical since I first saw the movie
version. In 1999, I attended a version, also starring Matthew
as Thomas Jefferson, put on by Sacramento's Community Center
Theater. Last night's production was fabulous, the cast
and minor roles were all wonderful and of course Matthew
was "da bomb" as the surprising shy, quiet, homesick
Jefferson -- a recent bride groom, hundreds of miles from
his new wife, in hot Philadelphia city. Matt played Jefferson
both serious, and with humor, and his voice was top notch;
though too bad that the Jefferson role did not have more
singing.
The Sacramento Bee's critic had given the
show Four out of Four stars -- not all productions this
season garnered such praise. The cast and Matthew were all
praised for their talents portraying our Founding Fathers,
and showing sides to them which was not presented in the
history books. A reporter for another area paper, also gushed
about the production, and had this to say in particularly
about Matt, "Ashford, a handsome, strapping man widely
known for his Jack Deveraux role on NBC's Days
of Our Lives, infuses his Jefferson with stately
aplomb and vulnerability, especially in the scenes leading
up to the visit from his wife, Martha, played by Bets Malone."
(Richard Bammer/Features Writer; The Reporter,
Vacaville, CA).
The theater is in the round, and the Music Circus has been
in existence for over 50 years, bringing popular, current
and obscure productions to Sacramento, during the summer
months, what is very often for Sacramento very, very
hot summer in the heart of the Sacramento Valley. Originally,
and up to a couple of years ago, the Music Circus was just
that, theater under a circus tent. Today, it is a state
of the arts theater, which keeps the appearance of a circus
tent via its structure. Unlike the past, outside noise
and the often scorching Sacramento heat is kept out, to
the gratefulness of the audience and the actors.
After the play, I waited around in hopes of getting a glimpse
of Matt. And was rewarded for my efforts. It is of no shock
to anyone who has met Matt in the past that he was friendly,
gracious and willing to talk, and that he remembered me.
Also, as obvious Matt looked great. As my cousin Gabrielle
said, he looks great, and so young, and that she saw what
I meant about him being such a great guy, friendly and so
willing to talk to fans. She left as so many others who
have met him a bigger fan, and singing his praises for not
only is acting and singing talents, but his looks and his
graciousness and friendliness; and though she has not watched
the show in sometime, hoping that TPTB at Days
of Our Lives brings him back and gives him the stories
that he so deserves.
Anyway, I fear I bothered Matt and talked to him longer
than I should, though it was past 10:30, it was still warm,
and Matt had to have been exhausted after being on stage
for over two hours under the hot lights. However, he was
gracious as ever, and was more than willing to answer the
few questions I asked, and he was as always, not just passionate
about his answers but articulate, introspective and intelligent
in his responses.
Of course, too immediately and too spastically, I asked
if he was returning to the show. He looked at me perplexed,
and wondered what I was talking about. I mentioned his interview.
He still was confused. I told him about the interview in
The Sacramento Bee. He still seemed a little
confused. I told him how the reporter had quoted him as
saying, "That Jack was in London but will return."
He then said there are no immediate plans for a return.
Though it was obvious that it is not his doing. Though it
is always possible and that, from what I gather from what
he said, he still seems to be technically on a recurring
status. So, it seems that anything is possible.
He did seem to imply that he does not think that The Powers
That Be at DAYS seem to know or maybe want
to write for Jack's complexities. He seemed to imply that
he would prefer that that is what he would like for Jack
were he to return. Matt continues to care very deeply for
the show, and of course his Jack Deveraux character.
He did say that he was busy with movie projects. He mentioned
that one of the projects, it seems he means The Unlikely's,
might be popping up at the Sundance Film Festival (which
takes place early in the new year). He seemed very upbeat
and positive about his various movie projects eventually
coming out for public viewing. He also mentioned that the
movie now has its own webpage, TheUnlikelys.com.
We then briefly spoke about the current state of the show.
He voiced his fears and saddness at the prospect of DAYS
cancellation. I told him that NBC has made some remarks
about such a thing occurring. He was not too happy for he
fears and believes that network executives want to have
cheaper reality shows to fill the show's place. He pointed
out that soaps were the original reality shows, with their
stories about relationships. I pointed out that many social
issues were also first put forth on soaps. However, he worries
that there will be relationship realty shows to take the
place of soaps which have been about relationships. He really
hopes that Ken Corday saves the show from extinction.
Next I asked him how he enjoyed our weather. He said that
at first it was not bad, though as time went on, it did
effect him. The heat caused him to lose his appetite, and
to try and keep hydrated. I asked him had he ever performed
in the Music Circus when there was the old tent when the
heat really was an issue. He said he had not but had heard
stories about how it was.
The three of us spoke about the Music Circus. He really
gushed about it, and said it is great theater. He told us
that Sacramento should be proud of its region theater. I
believe he said that many such venues in the LA area have
closed up. He said it was great that Sacramentans support
it and that it will continue, and has been a success for
so long. Again, he thinks highly of the Music Circus and
really thinks it is great musical theater, one of the best.
I hope that means that we Sacramentans will get more chances
to see Matt in town in the future.
He said Emma was doing fine.
After agreeing to a few photos we said our farewells, and
as Gabrielle and I waited for our ride we watched him as
he graciously spoke at the light to other lingering fans,
and then walk alone done the lonely street.
A perfect end to a perfect evening, but of course no surprises
since it is a given that Matt is not only talented, a great
singer, but also one of the most sincerely personable celebrities
around, one who is passionate about his craft and introspective
about it as well.
NOTICE: The photos of
Matt are MY PERSONAL photos, the information on this page
is not from any magazine or article but from a personal
chat with Matt. Do not copy and paste what is written just
cite the Matthew Ashford
Homepage and link to the main page. |
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