Serendipity and granddaughter brings retiree to the stage for first time

​Dan Twombly isn't shy about saying he would do just about anything for his granddaughters. "For the first time in my 66 years, I'm wearing tights," he said. "And eyeliner and blush. I even know what they are called."

Twombly, who retired last year, said he has never acted on stage before. "Oh maybe a Christmas program at church when I was a kid."

​His granddaughter, Cranberry High School student Kaitlyn Moore, has tried for years to get him to try, and has done numerous shows over the years herself. Since she is getting ready to head off to college soon, he thought this might be the last opportunity he gets to do it with her. And so they are both in the current Barrow-Civic Theatre production of "Pride and Prejudice."

The play called for an older gentleman to play one of the key roles and no one had tried out for the part. He admits it may have been serendipitous that this part in this show happened to come at this time for him to be able to act with Kaitlyn. "I'm not sure I'm much of an actor,"  he said. " But, just about anyone who knows me, knows I'm pretty much Mr. Bennett."

He said it's been stressful but rewarding. "I'm a stress eater, so I've gained a little weight," he laughed. But he was able to draw on his life experiences to help him prepare. Someone who often spoke in public during his career, he wasn't so worried about memorization, but the role required more than just being able to deliver the words. "I felt a familiarity and connection with the character," he said which helped him deliver his occasional snarky lines.

​He said the support of the others was the most important help, such as when he is waiting in the wings and someone puts a hand on his shoulder in support. "Through the whole process I came to realize it's not about me. I need to do what I need to do, but it's the whole team, I guess you call it cast, that comes together and everyone helps everyone through."

He also said connecting with the audience has been energizing. "When a line gets the response it is supposed to get... I want to do the best I can for the audience." 

One big challenge has been some of the physical stuff. "I'm no dancer. That's probably one of the silliest things about this," he admitted. "I had to work on it quite a bit, but the director and producers had a vision," adding that he really respects the way this show came together and how it looks.
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Twombly said if someone asks him next week to be in another show he'd say no. But the he hasn't ruled out ever doing it again. "Maybe in time. It's been an enjoyable experience."

​There are two more chances to see the show at the Barrow - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.