Let’s Murder Marsha – 2016 – (left to right) David Sweeney and Ann Bronson
David Sweeney first appeared on the Coaster Theatre stage in the 2000 summer production of The Music Man. Since then he has spent 17 summers at the Coaster Theatre (not to mention the many other shows in the winter, spring fall and holiday season)! He appears this summer as Ben Quade in Let’s Murder Marsha – a comedic romp about murder, double crosses and birthday surprises. In 2013 and 2014 he pulled double-duty over the summer in both summer shows – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The Importance of Being Earnest in 2013 and Into the Woods and The 39 Steps in 2014. For those who have worked with David on stage they know what a dedicated actor he is and that he is also the master of a good pun. Off stage David serves as secretary for the Coaster Theatre’s Board of Directors and is the pastor at Calvary Episcopal Church in Seaside.
A few of David’s Coaster Theatre credits include Once Upon A Mattress, Little Shop of Horrors, Murder on the Nile, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and many more over the years.
Murder on the Nile – 2015 – (left to right) Frank Jagodnik and David Sweeney
1. What is your present state of mind?
Busy. Summer on the coast always seems busy. Even if I’m not pressed for time, myself, I feel the busy nature of visitors in town, trying to fit all their relaxation into limited vacation time.
2. Who are your favorite playwrights?
I like many of the “classic” playwrights, such as Shakespeare or Shaw. Still, I tend to gravitate towards lighter fare: Agatha Christie, Ken Ludwig, early Neil Simon. I really like musicals but often am more aware of the composer and lyricist than the playwright.
3. Your favorite musician?
So many to choose from. I think I’ll go with my first impulse: Bing Crosby. He’s my favorite as much because of his place in the development of popular entertainment as of his musicianship.
4. Who are your favorite characters?
Into the Woods – 2014 – (left to right) Darren Hull and David Sweeney
I have particularly enjoyed playing Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; the Narrator and Mysterious Man in Into the Woods; Don John in Much Ado About Nothing (got to be kinda evil!).
5. Who are your heroes in real life?
First responders – fire, police, medical.
6. What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Innate outgoingness.
7. What is your most marked characteristic?
Probably playing with words.
8. What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty, loyalty, and acceptance.
The Importance of Being Earnest – 2013 – (left to right) Cameron Lira, David Sweeney and Karen Martin
9. If you could be anyone throughout history, who would you have been?
Probably not a famous person. Right now I’m thinking I’d like to have been a confidant of Abraham Lincoln.
10. What is your motto?
I don’t necessarily think of it as a personal motto but I do try to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Photos by George Vetter/Cannon-Beach.net
Leave a Reply