FringeHIGH Artist Profile: Jon-Michael Reese, Actor
Meet Jon-Michael Reese
Jon-Michael Reese is the lead actor in When Last We Flew, an extraordinary story that begins on an “ordinary” Midwestern day when misfit teen Paul steals a copy of Angels in America and events unfold that change his life forever.
The Stats
What’s next on your Netflix queue?
A Place in the Sun, because I think Montgomery Clift is just the bees knees. Instant watch? Arrested Development and Strangers with Candy. Always.
What’s playing on your iPod right now?
Underneath the Stars, Mariah Carey. It’s literally my JAM. Like, I want to say “Ooh girl, that’s my JAM!” every time it comes on.
Last good book you read was…
Well, I’ve been reading Angels in America over and over and over again. So, that’s been wonderful, and not as exhausting as it may sound. But Middlesex was my last good pleasure read.
Favorite restaurant in the city?
Oh goodness - I don’t get out much. I like my corner deli and my Netflix Instant Watch.
All-time, hands-down favorite piece of theater?
Woof. Depending on my mood, either Sweeney Todd or Sunday in the Park with George.
Why Jon-Michael Loves Fringe and the Arts
What’s the best thing about the Fringe Festival?
This my first Fringe, but just looking at all of the different pieces being performed, it’s an incredible chance for people to see all different kinds of work under the very broad umbrella of theatre. So, that’s awesome.
What’s the #1 reason people should come see your show?
Awkward inter-racial groping. Seriously though, to witness the emergence of a new voice in American Theatre.
Do you have any Opening Night rituals?
Not really, actually. Just prayer and a moment of silence.
What are the craziest performance conditions you’ve had to work under?
My first professional gig was the male understudy in a revue of 70s pop songs. Lots of variations on step touching, tight harmonies, inanely high singing, and platform shoes. I was at the rehearsals, ya know, step touching on the side and lip syncing on the side, but no one ever really specifically taught me anything. Come 3rd or 4th preview, I sit down to watch the show, and one of the male performers just leaves during the middle of a number. Turns out he’s upchucking in the bathroom. Fine. We ask if he’s ok. He says yes. He goes back onstage for a few numbers, and then in the middle of another, starts apologizing to the audience - I go backstage, and the stage manager tells me to go put on my bell bottoms and afro. And after the number, he exits, and I enter, hand held mic in hand, feet wobbling in platform shoes, doing a show I haven’t rehearsed. But I do it. Including a 10 minute disco medley. The things your brain can do are astounding.
How did you get involved with the arts?
Well, when I was young, I wanted to be rich. So, I was either going to be a doctor or an actor. I was in church plays - and those were fun. I played the viola, saxophone, piano, and I started singing somewhere in middle school. I did plays in high school, and I was VERY serious about them. (How can you not be serious when you’re playing Torvald in A Doll’s House at 17?) Then I went to school for acting, and now I live in New York and I act. I guess the point is, the arts were always there. And everyone supported me - so I never made a decision to get involved; it was kind of a natural progression and no one ever questioned it. I’m very blessed in that regard.
Learn more at the FringeHIGH web page and buy your tickets to When Last We Flew today!
