The Sampson Independent
Actor returns to CenterStage for ‘Life is so Good‘ by Doug Clark
Bringing a show like “Life Is So Good” to Clinton is important to actor Mike Wiley.
Wiley has been through Clinton many times before — just last year the actor performed “Brown vs. Board of Education: Fifty Years Later” for eighth-graders in the area, and “Jackie Robinson— A Game Apart” for seventh-graders as part of the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center’s Class Acts program — and says he enjoys the area.
Because the Class Acts program allows children to experience these types of shows free, Wiley lowered his standard fee to perform both shows for the students.
“I have been in North Carolina for a long time,” he said just after a show in Goldsboro. “And I really enjoy Clinton, and performing all over the eastern part of the state. But the thing I see the most in eastern North Carolina and in the mountains, is that the students are left out in the cold as far as the performing arts. In fact, it was one of the reasons why I got involved with the performing arts. I was always interested in education and entertaining people; I just had trouble sitting in a classroom … I thought it would a great idea to combine education and entertaining, and that is what I have tried to do (with my performances).”
Wiley will be back in town this Saturday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. performing “Life Is So Good” as part of the Exposition Center’s CenterStage series.
The story is about 103-year-old George Dawson, a slave’s grandson who learned to read at age 98. It reflects on his life and offers valuable lessons in living as well as a fresh, firsthand view of America during the 20th century. His unlikely friend, Richard Glaubman, an elementary school teacher, captures Dawson’s irresistible voice and view of the world, offering insights into humanity, history, hardships, and happiness.
From segregation and civil rights, to the wars, presidents, and defining moments in history, George Dawson’s description and assessment of the last century inspires readers with the message that, through it all, has sustained him: “Life is so good. I do believe it’s getting better.”
“I read the book about 10 years ago,” said Wiley, “and I just loved it. I loved the fact that in his entire life, he never learned to read and then in his final stages of life, although he had accomplished a great many things, he felt like it was important enough that he did learn how to read, not because he had to, because he wanted to for him.
“I also found it interesting that he was taught by someone who he had absolutely nothing in common with — a white man who was going out of his comfort zone as well to teach him … it is just a beautiful story of a relationship that develops over time between two men who have absolutely nothing in common except the hunger to learn and to teach. It crosses that divide of race and culture and brings two people together. It was very inspirational to me.”
Wiley said the show is something that is good for all ages.
“It gives you insight on what this man has been through in his lifetime,” he said. “From slavery into an era of seeing people of color being elected into office. It is a very inspiring piece and a great tale of history … It is a show for everyone because of its message.”
Saturday’s performance will bring together Wiley and longtime collaborator David zum Brunnen, who portrays Dawson’s friend Richard Glaubman. “David’s wife directs all of my work,” said Wiley, “this has given David and I an opportunity to work on stage together and it has been very exciting and to be honest, it’s been a really cool experience.”
For more information and clips of the show, click on to www.ebzb.org/life.shtml. For ticket information click on to www.sampsoncenterstage.com.
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