Actor Gregory Wooddell makes his 12th appearance with the Shakespeare Theatre Company as Sir Robert Chiltern in Oscar Wilde’s comedy “An Ideal Husband.” The protagonist is a perfect husband in the eyes of his wife. He is also a prestigious member of the House of Commons and is regarded by all as a man who excels in every way. Or does he? “Even though Robert has a perfect life, perfect home and perfect career, he is haunted by a little secret from the past,” Wooddell says. “Wilde’s point is that we are all human and make mistakes. He doesn’t pull any punches. I first met Wilde in ‘The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde’ at Gallery Theatre in Houston, one of my early professional roles. Later I appeared in Shakespeare Theatre’s ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan,’ so this is my third encounter with Wilde.
| Onstage |
| ‘An Ideal Husband’ |
| Where: Sidney Harman Hall, Shakespeare Theatre |
| When: Through April 10 |
| Info: Tickets $20 to $85 at 202-547-1122, 877-487-8849 or shakespearetheatre.org/tickets |
“Shakespeare Theatre has become my home away from home. I live in New York, but I’ve been coming here since 1999. I’ve loved everything I’ve done here, especially ‘Cyrano,’ which sticks out as one of my favorite plays.”
From junior high on, Woodell participated in every school play. He looked forward to rehearsals after school for the release it gave him following the long day in class. Summer were spent at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan.
“I was open to everything,” he said. “My school was small, and the head of the drama division was rooted in the classics. Each year he would stage one Shakespeare production, a musical and another play. I even played the role of Macbeth at 17.
“My parents, both educators, were always supportive. They’ve grown to love seeing the productions I’m in so much that they attend several times. The first time, they watch me. Then they come back several more times to see and enjoy other aspects of the play.”
Dreams do come true and, with a degree from Juilliard in hand, Wooddell soon was performing Shakespeare and other classical works on regional stages. Along the way, he appeared on such television programs as “30 Rock,” “Guiding Light,” “One Life to Live” and “Days of Our Lives.” His Broadway credits include “Cymbeline” at the Lincoln Center and “Girl Crazy” for New York City Center Encores. Excerpts from his role in the film “Exposed” can be viewed on YouTube.
“The stage, film and TV are very different experiences,” he said. “I’m fascinated by film and TV and the subtleties of putting a show together, but I love the instant response in theater. Whether the audience knows it or not, I believe they are doing half the work. Life happens, and theater is a microcosm of life.
“I want people to leave feeling how a play has affected them personally. One of the first things that got me excited about doing this show was the story revolving around a man who is ambitious with a huge desire for power in the political arena. There is much hypocrisy in life, and one always has to ask if the ends justify the means.”
