12-11-12 – Audio Interview

Jeff Parker began appearing in musicals as a youngster and although he did four years of actor training at California’s USC. But knowing that he could always fall back on ‘the family business,’ Jeff says that he “kind of coasted.” Then a friend set up a surprise audition for him at the theater at which she was working. He was hired and literally never looked back. Last year Jeff starred as the charming, erudite, if arrogant Henry Higgins in Asolo Repertory Theatre production of My Fair Lady at directed by 2 time Tony winner Frank Galati. This year he is back as – the passionate, erudite John Dickinson, who was the only member of the Continental Congress to refuse to sign the Declaration of Independence – in The Asolo’s production of 1776 which is also directed by Frank Galati and he is so convincing you almost want him to prevail. Come see this multitalented actor, singer, dancer, in this extraordinary production.

12-13-11 Interview

Although he knew he could sing – having made his solo debut in church in the 2nd grade – Joel Hatch always thought he was headed for the seminary and a religious life. Despite being cast as the lead in Annie Get Your Gun and The Sound of Music, Joel doggedly continued to believe that he would become a Pastor. After graduation he spent a year as an assistant Pastor and learned that there were things about that life that were not what he wanted. Ironically Joel found that he had more opportunity to lead a truthful life on the stage than in the Church. Listen to this thoughtful, interesting man talk about this discovery and hear the song he sings in My Fair Lady, performed here by Robert Coote and Rex Harrison from the film version.

12-6-11 – Interview

Jeff Parker began appearing in musicals at his church as a youngster but it was not until spending the summer of his high school junior year at Northwestern University’s National High School Institute, that he began to think seriously about a career in theater. He did four years of actor training at California’s USC, but knowing that he could always fall back on ‘the family business,’ Jeff kind of coasted. While teaching at Northwestern’s Institute, a friend surprised him by setting up an audition at the theater she was working at. He got the job and literally never looked back. Today Jeff is starring as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota FL. Charming and easygoing he nonetheless makes you believe that Henry Higgins is cold, and even boorish. Listen to Sharon Leslie’s review of the show and two songs from the film version of the show, sung by Rex Harrison.