Mr. Joe Walker conducts THIS interview with actor Johnathan Weir. Here he talks his 30-year career and starring as the villain Jafar in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ musical.
THIS: Jonathan, what did you bring to the role of Jafar that you didn’t see in it before?
Jonathan Weir: I will have been with this production for 3 years in April. We were encouraged to make these roles our own even though by the time we were rehearsing we were the sixth production of ‘Aladdin’. What I brought to the role was a sense of humor. I think it’s interesting to always find opposites in the character, and not just play one side, or one shade or tone. I’ve been acting now for 30-plus years and with every role there’s something new to be delved into.
THIS: At this point in your career, what’s the best script you’ve read besides ‘Aladdin’?
Jonathan Weir: It’s really hard to pinpoint one, specifically. On this level I did ‘Jersey Boys’ for 2 ½ years. I did ‘The Lion King’ on and off for 14 years for Disney, both national tours and on Broadway. I did a production of ‘Twelfth Night’ at Chicago Shakespeare [Theater] a couple of years ago; I played Malvolio, a highly satisfying role to play! I did a production of a ‘A Little Night Music’ where I played Fredrik, and that was a special show.
THIS: Performing in both Chicago and New York are special to some because of the rich theater history in both those cities. Can you tell us how performing in front of those two theater communities are different from one another?
Jonathan Weir: In New York its tense because it’s such a big tourist town. I lived in New York last fall while doing ‘Aladdin’ for 8 weeks. There were certain weeks when I was like, “I thought Broadway was supposed to be fun.” The audiences were just so quiet. Often times you get a lot of tourists, you get English as a second language, but they see Disney and they know the brand. They know the story of Aladdin so they go see it, they take their kids. While they may be enjoying it, they may not be as vocal sometimes. But, overall, I think New York audiences are great, I’m fond of the Chicago audiences and the audiences across the country. While there are some differences, I think if you’re telling the story clearly, and you’re letting them into the world, more-often-than-not you’re going to get the desired result.
THIS: We bet you’ve played some gorgeous theaters. Do the buildings get you as excited as the roles and audiences?
Jonathan Weir: By the time this show closes in April we will have played 43 different cities and 43 different stages. We’ve played some pretty spectacular theaters and houses and stages! For me, it’s about the work. It’s about the connection on stage with the other actors you’re working with. That allows us to tell the story and bring the story across to an audience.
THIS: Have you done any directing in your 30-plus years?
Jonathan Weir: I have not. I teach a little bit at Loyola University in Chicago in the theater department…when I’m there. I enjoy teaching quite a bit. I’ve directed the senior showcase, but that’s about the extent of it.
THIS: Has being a part of these incredible productions given you the desire to direct?
Jonathan Weir: I have thought about it. And I’ve had people ask me if I’ve thought about doing it. I guess my response is there’s less opportunities for directors than it is for actors. In a show there may be 30 actors but there’s only 1 director. There’s a lot of people clamoring for that position. I think if I were to do it I would start small with a smaller production. Something intimate. | THIS
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker | Follow THIS on Twitter @THISENT1]
