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5/28/2008 |
Mexico City |
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Mexico City, adapted and directed by J-Powers, dramatizes the politics and violence that colored the Games of the XIX Olympiad. In the aftermath of the assassinations of two major statesmen, unconventional leaders call for change in a nation caught in an unpopular war with urgent domestic needs. First, it was students at the Democratic Convention in Chicago, and now it is Olympic athletes. Mexico City traces the emotional journey of world-class sprinter Tommie Smith from when he first comes to national prominence on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine to the silent but powerful gesture on the victory pedestal in Aztec Stadium. The dramatization also examines the student protests and massacre of innocents in the Plaza of Three Cultures days prior to Opening Ceremony.
James Lesure (Tommie Smith) James gives new meaning to the term, Hollywood Hunk. He portrays Mike Cannon, a suave, competitive, and fun-loving member of an elite surveillance team, at a luxury casino, on the hit NBC drama, Las Vegas. In addition to handsome looks and magnetic charm, this bachelor has a firmly grounded personality. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Lesure's path to Hollywood began with a few unexpected turns. Athletic, adventurous, and in search of his purpose, he served in the Air Force Academy before attending the University of Southern California where he received his B.F.A. in Theater. During his time at USC, he also studied abroad at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. While there, he performed in the productions "Hair" and "The Island." In addition to performing abroad, he was able to fulfill a life long dream – becoming an amateur boxer. A natural both in front of the camera and on stage, Lesure has also worked in a professional theater company in Los Angeles, where he played the role of Macduff in Shakespeare's great tragedy "Macbeth." Perhaps best known for his role as Holly Robinson-Pete's husband on the series For Your Love, Lesure recently appeared in recurring roles on Alias and The Division. His other television credits include guest starring roles on Seinfeld, NYPD Blue, Mad About You, Diagnosis: Murder, Martin, and The Burning Zone. His expanding film career includes the horror sequel, The Ring Two and various independent productions. He also appeared in the feature film Crimson Tide opposite Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. He now resides in Los Angeles.
Jeison Azali (John Carlos) A theatrically trained actor, Jeison studied at Ruskin Group Theatre where he is now a company member and has appeared in Lobby Hero, Bacciarelli, The Collision Festival West, and a number of Café Plays, both acting and directing. Although at home on the stage, he is passionate about film. He has finished one project, Jack and Daniel, in which he wrote, produced, and acted and is set to complete a second, 7 Weeks, by the end of summer. Other credits include The Venice Walk and General Hospital. A SAG/AFTRA actor, this is Jeison’s first experience with Works in Progress.
Frank Pepito (Frank Deford) Frank last appeared with Works in Progress in the four-part series The 9/11 Commission Report. Other recent South Bay shows include The Pirates of Penzance for the Torrance Theatre Company; Damn Yankees and Promises, Promises for the MBCC Theatre Board; Cinderella Waltz for Sterling Repertory Company at Marymount College; and What the Butler Saw, 4 by A.A. Milne and The Nerd for PV Players. Frank is also a founding partner of Another Coconut Production, bringing the comedies Oh, Baby & The Unexpected Return of Sherlock Holmes to Hollywood and soon to open another comedy, Wonder of the World, this August at the Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro. When not working in theatre or visiting Disneyland, Frank’s remaining waking hours are spent directing a graphic services studio for a local promotional resource manufacturer.
Ken Seeraty (Peter Norman) This marks Ken’s third appearance in a Works in Progress production. Last month, he portrayed Jerry Rubin in Chicago, the explosive third chapter of the 1968 series. The previous summer saw him taking a lighthearted turn as the village idiot (pure typecasting) in Don Nigro’s Cinderella Waltz. His credits include stints at the Long Beach Playhouse (one of which earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 2002 Ethel Case Awards) and scene showcases at Burbank’s Third Stage and San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre.
J-Powers (Writer-director) While known to many as John Powers at Torrance Cultural Arts Center where he creates and produces various performing arts programs, J-Powers produces the theater series, Works in Progress, for which he has written and directed a number of original stage adaptations of compelling contemporary events. These include The Examination of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson at the Court at Newton, The Army-McCarthy Hearings, The Watergate Tapes, The Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas Hearings, Trial of Lenny Bruce, Court-Martial of William Calley, McMartin Preschool Trial, and Trial of O.J. Simpson. In 2006, he adapted and produced 9/11, the world’s only dramatization of The 9/11 Commission Report. His original drama @HEART was recently produced at Ruskin Group Theatre, Santa Monica, where it was a critical success. He is married to Deborah Green and he is a proud step-dad to their three children Alissa, Spencer, and Cameron. |
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From left, Frank Pepito (Frank Deford), Ken Seeraty (Peter Norman), James Lesure (Tommie Smith), Jeison Azali (John Carlos) comprise the cast of Mexico City. |