Greater Lowell Music Theatre Production Runs June 27-29
06/11/2014
By Sheila Eppolito
As Director of University Events, Rick Sherburne has choreographed some big ones – think Stephen King, Meryl Streep, commencement.
While his behind the scenes efforts are noteworthy, so, too, is his on stage presence.
For more than 40 years, Sherburne has acted, sung and danced his way through a variety of theater roles, and served as performance and voice instructor at Emerson College. Rick has played Ebeneezer Scrooge and Kris Kringle, Thernadier in “Les Miserables” and Horace Vandergelder in “Hello Dolly,” his first lead role at just 17.
In one of his favorite roles, Sherburne played alongside his son, Jacob, in a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Later this month, he will play butcher Lazar Wolf in the Greater Lowell Music Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” directed by playwright Jack Neary ’73.
“Every theater person knows Jack Neary,” says Sherburne, who is looking forward to working with the director for the first time.
Cast alongside Rick is Tony-nominated Eddie Mekka, who played Carmine in TV’s long-running series “Laverne and Shirley.”
Asked how his theater experience jibes with his role coordinating campus events, Rick cites skills that are critical in both areas, such as project management, timing and public performance.
“Fiddler on the Roof” will be presented June 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 at 2 p.m. at Durgin Hall, 35 Wilder St., Lowell.