Gilgamesh Taggett looks like he was born to play Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks in "Annie."
His commanding presence, not to mention his austere crown, brings to mind the billionaire who befriends little orphan Annie. What we can't see from the outside, though, is Taggett also has something in common with Annie that makes this story a bit more personal.
FAQ
‘Annie’
WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Nov. 27 & Nov. 28; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27-29
WHERE — Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, 495 W. Dickson St.
COST — $30-$72.50
INFO — 443-5600, waltonartscenter.org
Taggett is an adopted child who grew up in a loving home where he was encouraged to pursue his dream. He was raised in mid-Michigan by his farmer father and his school bus-driver mother.
"They tried to instill in me the best values they could, reminding me that community is important," Taggett says. "But they were not theater people. They had no idea what to do with me at first when I started showing these tendencies while growing up on a farm. It wasn't in their paradigm."
But they made it part of their lives because it was important to their child.
"They very much encouraged theater, and they saw the result of what theater can do for a kid," he says. "When people invest in the arts -- especially businesses -- they can't always expect a financial return. But [my parents] understood that the return of the arts is about enriching the community with a sense of enlightenment."
Taggett, who now lives in Cleveland, works with a children's theater in his hometown when he's off the road.
The production of "Annie" that's coming to Walton Arts Center next week -- spanning the Thanksgiving holiday -- takes place around Christmas. The setting is the perfect opportunity to remind people that generosity is important all year long, he says.
The cast and crew -- which includes Paige Zaloudek, a Fayetteville High School graduate -- will have Thanksgiving Day off to explore Fayetteville. Zaloudek has talked up her hometown to everyone in the production, Taggett says. They are excited to be in Fayetteville for the show and for the holiday, he adds.
"It's one of the most receptive audiences you'll ever have in any city anywhere," Zaloudek says she told the cast and crew. "Everybody's friendly. You're going to get to work, and then all you are going to want to do is cross the street at Dickson and find a place to eat or have a cocktail. Everyone is going to know who you are."
They also can stroll down to the Fayetteville square to enjoy the Lights of the Ozarks.
Zaloudek, properties supervisor for the production, will spend her holiday with her family, which includes three nephews and one niece.
"They will get to see the show, come back stage and meet the girls and dogs and get to see what Aunt Paige does," she says.
The show, the family, the atmosphere is "a nice start to the holiday season," she says.
NAN What's Up on 11/20/2015