2008 Woodie Awards
Johnson to bring 'Nickeled and Dimed' to MJC stage
Tiara Johnson
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: Entertainment
Bacchae, Blithe Spirit, Brigadoon, Fool for Love, and Frankenstein are all plays that one may recognize Jim Johnson directing. Johnson is teaching and directing after working eight years as the Dean of the Arts and an additional year as Interim Vice President of the Institution.
"I couldn't be happier to be back in the classroom and directing," states Johnson.
After the retirement of two of the members of the theater department's members Johnson's return could not have come at a better time.
"The theater department was in need on an additional member to relive some of the stress of the department," stated Jacqueline Pombo, an all around girl when it comes to productions.
Johnson first play back will be an on stage rendition of the best selling expose Nickel and Dimed on (Not) getting Along in America by Barbara Ehrenreich.
When Johnson first saw the onstage version, written by Joan Holden, in San Francisco four years ago he knew that he wanted to direct it.
"After watching Steal Magnolias last year the idea came back to me. I knew that I had the talent in Modesto and it became my number one choice," says Johnson.
It deals with the lead character, Barbara-to be played by Dyanne Durr--going undercover and attempting to live solely on minimum wage with no help from anyone. During Barbara's journey the audience is able to see the heartwarming kindness of others, witty side comments that the third wall, and all of the bad bosses one could imagine--including a sleazy one.
Johnson is a fan of the show 30 Days and intends to show his cast an episode that details Morgan Spurlock and his girlfriend attempting to live solely on minimum wage.
The production will take place October 20-29 in Cabaret West.
"I couldn't be happier to be back in the classroom and directing," states Johnson.
After the retirement of two of the members of the theater department's members Johnson's return could not have come at a better time.
"The theater department was in need on an additional member to relive some of the stress of the department," stated Jacqueline Pombo, an all around girl when it comes to productions.
Johnson first play back will be an on stage rendition of the best selling expose Nickel and Dimed on (Not) getting Along in America by Barbara Ehrenreich.
When Johnson first saw the onstage version, written by Joan Holden, in San Francisco four years ago he knew that he wanted to direct it.
"After watching Steal Magnolias last year the idea came back to me. I knew that I had the talent in Modesto and it became my number one choice," says Johnson.
It deals with the lead character, Barbara-to be played by Dyanne Durr--going undercover and attempting to live solely on minimum wage with no help from anyone. During Barbara's journey the audience is able to see the heartwarming kindness of others, witty side comments that the third wall, and all of the bad bosses one could imagine--including a sleazy one.
Johnson is a fan of the show 30 Days and intends to show his cast an episode that details Morgan Spurlock and his girlfriend attempting to live solely on minimum wage.
The production will take place October 20-29 in Cabaret West.
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