Lyon still loving being on the stage and telling stories

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This article was published 09/12/2016 (3413 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jennifer Lyon says Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s latest production works on many levels.

The Winnipeg-based actor is playing the part of Kaa, the snake, in MTYP’s new production of The Jungle Book. The show — which will run until Dec. 30 — is based on the book by Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Greg Banks and directed by Robb Paterson.

“I love playing Kaa,” said Lyon, 50, who was speaking to The Lance moments after the first performance of the show’s three-week run.

“It’s only a 90-minute show, so the audience gets a little taste of each character. For my part, I’m channelling my inner-Eartha Kitt, so I’m having a gas. The show is really fun and energetic.”

The St. Boniface resident said while this particular adaptation differs from Kipling’s book to some degree, the essence of the story is the same and it still imparts a timeless message.

“At the end of the day, the theme of the show is belonging. It’s about being part of a family that shows unconditional love. It’s a universal story,” Lyon said.

As well as classic themes that transcend generations, Lyon said the show also bears similarities to more contemporary issues.

“We started rehearsals two or three days after the U.S. presidential election and it was noted that the character of Shere Khan the tiger, this big bully, bore a resemblance to Donald Trump,” Lyon said, with a laugh.

“The fact that people can be swayed and charmed by this large character makes the story kind of interesting this way, and means you can also look at it from an adult point of view. There are lots of debates in our show and some are certainly relatable to our show. I play more of a Hillary Clinton-type character.”

Having been an established name in Canada’s acting community for decades, Lyon has enjoyed a long association with MTYP, which began in 1991 when she performed in Two Weeks, Twice a Year. She has since performed in some of MTYP’s most popular shows, including Comet in Moominland, which also had a three-week stop on Broadway at the New Victory Theater in 2007. She has also appeared in 18 shows at Rainbow Stage and is a Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame inductee.

And through her countless roles and performances, Lyon is still driven by the love of storytelling.  

 
“It’s why I became an actor in the first place. My passion all boils down to telling a good story. I also love the physical challenges of acting, as well. The older I get, I like to be challenged as an actor. I don’t want to ride off into the sunset having played the same kind of parts,” Lyon said.

With the holiday season approaching, and as she reflects on life at 50, Lyon said she has much to be grateful for.

“Life is fantastic, life is great,” she said.

“I have a wonderfully-supportive wife, Amanda, three dogs and a great house. I had a health scare a couple of years ago and went through treatment, so every day further away from that is a good day. An experience like that is a big wake-up call and puts everything into perspective. Life is precious and I’m incredibly thankful for what I have.”  

 
MYTP is located at 2 Forks Market Rd. Go online at www.mtyp.ca for tickets or more information.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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