Over the last month, Houston Ballet has been pleased to welcome the beloved Texas actor Jaston Williams as a guest artist, performing the role of the narrator in Stanton Welch’s new production of The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, which continues in performance at Wortham Theater Center through Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 pm.
Ballet: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra; Artists of Houston Ballet; Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Since 1982, Mr. Williams has served as co-author and co-star of the Tuna trilogy (including Greater Tuna and A Tuna Christmas), chronicling the citizens of the small fictional town of Tuna, Texas on and off Broadway, at The Kennedy Center, the Edinburgh International Arts Festival, the Spoleto Festival USA and on tours across America. He won the LA Dramalogue and the San Francisco Bay Area Critics Awards for his performances in both Greater Tuna and A Tuna Christmas. A native of Austin, Mr. Williams toured for several years in Larry Shue’s The Foreigner, and received a nomination for best actor for Washington DC’s prestigious Helen Hayes Awards.
Jaston Williams; Photo by Brenda Ladd
In this week’s blog, he spoke about his surprise at being asked to collaborate with Houston Ballet, his admiration for the work ethic of the dancers, and the solicitude of music director Ermanno Florio in working with him during the rehearsal process.
Houston Ballet: When you were first approached about appearing as the Narrator in The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, what was your initial response?
Jaston Williams: I first met members of the Houston Ballet last year when they and I were being honored with the Texas Medal of the Arts Awards. I must say then when I got the call I feared they might have dialed the wrong number! But of course I’m honored to be a part of this production.
Houston Ballet: You’ve worked with actors and theatrical companies across the nation. What was it like to collaborate with dancers and orchestra musicians?
Jaston Williams: Sadly I can’t allow myself to watch the dancers in the performance because I will get so mesmerized that I’ll forget what I’m supposed to be doing. As for the orchestra the conductor has taken great care of me and has been beyond patient and helpful.
Ballet: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra; Artists of Houston Ballet; Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Houston Ballet: What has been the most challenging part for you about appearing as the narrator in The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra?
Jaston Williams: My greatest challenge has been trying not to show my age among these beautiful young people. I fear I look like everyone’s grandfather when I’m up there on stage.
Houston Ballet: What has been the most rewarding part of the experience?
Jaston Williams: I find it humbling to observe the work ethic of dancers. We don’t work that hard in the world of theatre.
Houston Ballet: Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about your experience working with Stanton Welch, collaborating with Houston Ballet and its orchestra?
Jaston Williams: It has been a distinct pleasure to observe Stanton in all his brilliance and to be allowed to have this unique performance opportunity. I will recall it fondly.
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Houston Ballet continues its performances of The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra through Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets: https://www.houstonballet.org/Ticketing_Schedule/Season_Calendar/Young_Persons_Guide/
Or call Houston Ballet’s Box Office at 713 227 2787 Monday – Friday 9 am – 5pm.
Watch a clip of Stanton Welch’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, with narration by Jaston Williams.
