by Marcy Horst

Steve Arnold, Kathleen Berger, Aaron, and Charlie Vogl at the Lion and the Lamb B&B

Seasoned ACT I theatre goers know Mr. Aaron Murphy well. He first appeared on our stage in Bye Bye Birdie as Hugo Peabody, and has since been cast as Tumnus the faun in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, his favorite ACT I role.

 
“Tumnus was such a funny character; he suited me to a T!” 

Aaron has also made his mark performing numerous roles for the Murder Mystery Series which is performed at The Lion and the Lamb Bed and Breakfast in Vinton. Recently he played psycho hair dresser Vidal Bassoon in “Murder at the Opera” during the welcoming Murder Mystery dinner party for Kathleen Berger. As well as performing in and managing the Mystery Series, Aaron works partime at The Lion and the Lamb where he does everything from giving historical tours to serving dinners.

In his very busy young adult life Aaron is supported by his mom, Paula and dad, Rick Murphy, his older, mentoring sister, Brooke, and younger brother, Ben. Aaron is active in show choir, chamber choir, mixed choir, band, and Jazz 1 at Washington High School in Vinton. As a sophomore, he has All-State plans again this summer.   In the midst of all this extra-curricular activity Aaron has recently taken on the job of Assistant Director, working with Artist in Residence Kathleen Berger, in Hansel and Gretel.

“I’m very excited to be working with Kathleen and finding out what it’s really like behind the scenes, as I have only been up on the stage until now. I’m very anxious for rehearsals to begin!”

 
Working with Kathleen during tryouts and pre-rehearsal organizational meetings has been an honor and inspiration for Aaron. As Aaron plans to attend college upon his high school graduation, and continue his focus on musical theatre, it’s been a thrill for him to meet and work so closely with Kathleen, who’s already fulfilled so many of Aaron’s dreams.

 
“Wow, Kathleen is amazing! She’s taught me so much, and not even by teaching me, but by me watching and studying her habits and way of doing things. She has such an amazing voice and career. I would love to have what she has right now. But I know that it will take a lot of hard work and determination to get to there from here….I’m so anxious I can’t stand it!”

 
Aaron is indeed a very determined young man, talented and conscientious. He works and relates well with both youngsters in the STAGE! program and adults in the regular ACT I productions. He looks up to director, actor, writer, and ACT I president Steve Arnold as a major role model.

Grease Paint salutes Mr. Murphy for his hard work, consistent participation, and exceptional talent. We encourage his dreams, share in his hopes, and won’t be surprised to see Aaron’s name in Broadway lights someday! 

Update:

Since the publication of this article over two years ago, Aaron has been kept very busy with ACT I and other fine arts activities.  For ACT I he appeared in A Christmas Carol, My Fair Lady, and played Paris in Romeo and Juliet.  For Theatre WHS his roles have included the title role in Sherlock Holmes, Shroeder in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and a leading role in Rest Assured.  He also continues to be active in vocal music and dance activities.  During the summer of 2001, he toured with Celebration Iowa playing in the jazz band, and during the summer of 2002 (following his graduation from WHS) he repeats that gig but as a member of the show choir.  Aaron's dad Rick also became involved in ACT I since this article was originally published, playing major roles in My Fair Lady, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and It Runs in the Family.

Aaron Murphy, left, is pictured in the Palace Theatre green room with Josh Deutch before a performance of Romeo and Juliet.

                                                                                                                    Photo by Julie Zimmer

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