MAS*H actor has major role in school's drama

David Ogden Stiers hopes Arts and Communication Magnet Academy’s play connects with students

By Ray Pitz

The Beaverton Valley Times, Feb 8, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Actor David Ogden Stiers admits that his biggest challenge in directing young people is connecting on their level.

“Part of the difficulty is I’m not fluent in kid,” said Stiers, probably best known for his role as the pompous Major Charles Emerson Winchester III in the TV sitcom M*A*S*H. “I don’t speak kid.”

New to directing teens, Stiers called the challenge both a “delight and a frustration.”

That said, Stiers is the guest director for the Beaverton Arts and Communication Magnet Academy’s production of “The Day Billy Lived,” a production that delves into the sensitive topic of teen suicide.

Performances are set for tonight (Thursday), Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. along with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.

Getting someone of Stiers’ caliber to direct the play wasn’t a random occurrence.

“We’ve maintained a friendship since 1966,” said Joel Morello, Arts and Communication Magnet Academy theater director. “He directed the first show I was in.”

That play was “Tom Jones,” where Morello played the part of “The Highwayman.”

Fast forward to today.

Stiers ran “The Day Billy Lived” by Morello who gave the script to an ACMA counselor and administrators, “and they loved it.”

“I thought it was a great play,” said Morello who is in his first year heading up ACMA’s theater department.

Written by Canadian playwright Chris Craddock of Edmonton, Alberta, it is the first time “The Day Billy Lived” has been performed locally, said Morello.

“It addresses the issue of teen suicide in a way that’s non-confrontational but exceptionally meaningful,” said Morello, who previously spent six years at Beaverton High School. “It offsets the poignancy with humor.”

Stiers is the first to admit that Craddock – an award-winning playwright who has penned numerous other plays aimed at teens and social issues – doesn’t pull any punches with his subject matter.

“He does shock you,” said Stiers. “There are moments where people are going to clench.”

Stiers said he hopes that after audiences see the performance they start discussing the issue of teen suicide more openly.

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