Post by Eloise Marie Valadez, Guest Blogger
Television journalist Janet Davies is showcasing her talents as an actress in the latest play at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre in Michigan City.
Davies said she has long been interested in theater and live performance, as well as what they bring to an audience.
“What I like about theater is hearing a reaction to what you’re doing on stage, whether it’s a gasp, a laugh or a chuckle. You know you’re touching someone,” Davies said.
Davies added the immediacy you get in the theater is great and nothing is ever exactly the same twice.
“You can’t get that on television,” she said.
Davies stars alongside actor Kevin Giese in “Misery,” The play, directed by John Hancock, continues to June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre. “Misery,” based on the book by Stephen King, is a thriller which recounts the story of writer Paul Sheldon who is held hostage in the home of his deranged number one fan Annie Wilkes after his car crashes near her house.
About the production “Misery,” Davies said it’s “very emotional.” It’s also a production with highly dramatic ups and downs and “blood and guts,” she added.
Davies said she admired Kathy Bates work in the hit film version of “Misery,” which she’s seen once.
Working with Dunes Summer Arts Theatre on this show, Davies said, is a real honor.
She said she wanted to give a “shoutout” to her “Misery” costar Giese, as well as director Hancock who are both terrific to work with.
Davies, who has been retired from television broadcasting for the past five years, lives in southwestern Michigan. She is heavily involved in the arts and theatrical community and serves as board chair for Acorn Center for The Performing Arts in Three Oaks, Michigan.
Throughout her career, Davies was a TV journalist in Chicago, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. She spent 37 years as a reporter, host and executive producer at ABC-7 Chicago.
Davies said she entered the field of broadcast journalism when she was in her twenties.
“There weren’t a lot of women in it (then) and I didn’t have a lot of competition.”
Davies said she’s enjoying her stage stint at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre and wouldn’t mind doing future work with the organization.
FYI: “Misery” continues through June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City. Tickets range from $30 to $35. Visit dunearts.org.
Cover photo: Kevin Giese and Janet Davies are pictured in a scene from “Misery.” Photo by Tony V. Martin
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
