Cast Spotlight: Flash Black

Good morning, world!

This week we're interviewing the one and only Flash Black, who's playing Michael in "A Nice Family Gathering." Enjoy!

Tell us a bit about yourself!
My current favorite hobby is playing disc golf (aka Frisbee golf) with Rock (his son).  Just spending time with Rock is always great.  I have lived all of my life in Knoxville except for two years when I lived in Nashville.  Some people think that I have OCD just because I like to brush my teeth every ninety minutes, wash my hands through three cycles each time (if any part touches the sink or faucet, I have to start the cycles over), get up at 4:17 (I used to get up 4:18, but then I started feeling rushed), etc.

What's a fun fact about yourself?
I drove in Bill Clinton's motorcade when he was President.

How did you get involved with the Powell Playhouse?
I am the Advocacy Team Chair for JDRF (Diabetes Research Foundation).  As Chair I need to communicate with our Congressman and Senators the importance of legislation to keep diabetes funding strong.  I heard a great speaker who attributed his speaking skills to acting.  After that I decided that acting would help me with my advocacy efforts.  I could not find the lessons in Knoxville; however, I saw the auditions for "The Odd Couple".

Can you give a brief timeline of your involvement in theatre? 
My first play was "The Odd Couple" last June (playing Felix).  In February I was in "Everybody Loves Opal" (playing Brad).  My third play is "A Nice Family Gathering".  Brian Murphy has been in all three plays with me.

What is your favorite role you have ever played and why? 
Very difficult decision, but I guess that I would go with Brad because I had my first kissing scene in it.  Hopefully I will have one in all of the rest of my plays.

What is your favorite show you have been in and why?
"The Odd Couple" was special because I had an opportunity to work with Ms. Black (PPH founder) in it.  I will always appreciate the chance that she gave me and the way that she helped me.

What is your best (or worst) onstage mishap?
During "Everybody Loves Opal" I was supposed to deal cards to Sol.  When I picked up the cards the deck rolled down my leg and all of the way into the audience.  Fortunately an audience member handed them back to me.

Do you have any funny audition stories?
I showed up and told Ms. Black that I wanted to audition for a small part in "The Odd Couple".  She immediately told me, "There are no small parts Mr. Black, only small actors!"

What is your dream role and why?
Any role which contains a kissing scene.

And that, ladies and gents, was Flash Black! Stay tuned for more interviews!

Remember to contact the Jubilee Banquet Facility if you want to eat lunch or dinner before any of the performances!

Photo Credit: "Everybody Loves Opal", Bob Longmire, dir. Nita Buell-Black and Elizabeth Attaway Eaker; "The Odd Couple", Nancy Anderson, dir. Nita Buell Black.