Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

George DvorskyGeorge Dvorsky’s favorite roles seem to be reluctant father figures who warm to juvenile charm. “I guess it comes with age. In High School I was voted the man who would be the best father.” said Dvorsky. He recently appeared as Captain Von Trapp in the TUTS production of The Sound of Music and now plays the lovable tycoon Oliver Warbucks in the current production of Annie. Dvorsky, who has the looks and voice of a prime time Robert Goulet, has to shave his head for the iconic part,.  “Because I do a lot of work in Houston, it has been my honor to get to know President and Mrs. Bush. Barbara called and asked me to lunch a week before the show started so that she could still see me with hair” he laughed.

Annie was first produced as a Broadway musical in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning nine Tony Awards. Signature songs “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard – Knock Life” are still crowd pleasers. Dvorsky thinks that the Depression – era show is still popular because it fills a void. “We’re at a point in this country where we need more optimism and love. People relate to the economic times portrayed on stage and the need for a more positive attitude.” he said. “And it’s not played like a cartoon. The characters, the problems and solutions are all real.”

Dvorsky has played this role on more than one occasion and admits customizing his interpretation of the character based on the age and appearance of the actress playing Annie.

“The last time I was Daddy Warbucks, Annie was twelve years old. I played the role strong and supportive. The Annie for this production is nine and a little smaller. Her name is Sadie Sink, a Texas native and very talented. I’ll play Daddy a bit more sensitive and not so overpowering. My favorite song in the show is “Something Was Missing.” It’s just me and Annie – and very sweet.”

With more than a few Broadway shows under his belt, Dvorsky compares audiences along the big White Way to theater goers in Houston. “I love Houston – it’s a theater town.  The audiences are always warm and very savvy.” he said.

Leapin’ Lizards. Don’t wait until “Tomorrow”. Tickets are available now by calling 713-558-8887 or CLICKING HERE Annie shows at the Hobby Center March 20-April 1.