Thespian shines on life’s stage

Courtesy Photo | Mike White, right, in the role of Pap Finn in the musical production of “Big River” at the Fort Lee, Va., Lee Playhouse.  

FORT LEE, VA, UNITED STATES

10.22.2014

Story by Nick D'Amario 

Defense Contract Management Agency

FORT LEE, Va. - Mike White has spent 23 years entertaining thousands in Broadway musicals, comedies and dramas, dedicating up to 48 weeks a year to his theatrical passion. All while balancing a military career and, since 2012, his job with the Defense Contract Management Agency.

White, a retired Army officer and DCMA program analyst with the Financial and Business Operations Directorate’s business planning program and analysis division, knows his dream could have been short-lived without the support of his former military commanders and current supervisors.

“I’ve averaged three to four productions a year since 1991, with each production requiring an average commitment of 11 to 12 weeks,” said White. “I have been very fortunate to work for understanding supervisors over the years, enabling the indulgence of my passion for both my professional and theatrical pursuits.”

White attributes his start in theater to his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Leah, also a DCMA employee.

“Patricia had been doing theater for four years, and Leah had just done two shows,” said White. “The fact that they were involved in theater spurred my interest. You’re here for your family, so you might as well make your time useful.”

The Lee Playhouse director convinced White to take on a role as a salesman in the May 1991 production of “The Music Man.” Smitten with theater, he signed up for three more performances that year, including “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Shenandoah,” and “Mame.”

Since then, White has performed in 76 productions, with more than half performed at the Lee Playhouse. His military career as an Army quartermaster officer took him to Korea in 1993 where he performed in six productions. During various assignments in the U.S., he performed with theater groups in North Carolina and Virginia. Over his 23-year stint in theater, a year did not go by where he wasn’t involved in multiple productions.

White has received awards and accolades for his theatrical performances, to include two prestigious Top Hat awards: Best Cast Member in a Production and Best Show. His most memorable roles are Pseudolus in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and Frank Gianella in “Over the River and Through the Woods.”

“After 23 years of continuously doing this, I still find an immense amount of joy and satisfaction in theater,” he said.

Leah, a DCMA instructional systems specialist with Human Capital’s Strategic Learning Division, is also still involved with the Lee Playhouse as the backstage manager.

“The Lee Playhouse is always looking for cast members and volunteers to help with set construction, costumes, backstage and ushering,” said White. Interested persons can call 804-734-6629, email [e-mail] or visit the Lee Playhouse homepage at http://leeplayhouse.com.

White will be cast in the dual roles of Ezekiel Foster and The Snoring Man in the upcoming Lee Playhouse production of “White Christmas” opening Nov. 7.

Asked how much longer he anticipates being involved in theater, White rubbed his chin, squinted his eyes and took in a long slow breath before answering.

“I think 100 productions isn’t totally out of the question,” he said, breaking into a big grin.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2014
• Date Posted: 11.05.2014 15:34
• Story ID: 147073
• Location: FORT LEE, VA, US