Sisters actor lands role in 'The Rainmaker'

Sisters actor Shawn O'Hern has landed the lead role of slick grifter Bill Starbuck in 2nd Street Theater's production of "The Rainmaker," slated to open February 18 in Bend.

The Dust Bowl drama, written in 1954 by N. Richard Nash, was made famous by Burt Lancaster's riveting rendition of the play's charismatic con man who tries to swindle a small town's hopes and dreams during an epic drought.

O'Hern is originally from Oak Lawn, Illinois, birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, and moved to Sisters from Los Angeles in 2004 after purchasing Sisters Video. He's been acting since 1985 and appeared in regional theater productions, stand-up comedy clubs and auditioned for several TV and film roles during his Hollywood stint.

"I got close on a couple things, but so much of success is having the right people behind you, and I never quite got to that next level," said O'Hern. "It's difficult trying to make a living and going on casting calls. I studied comedy at The Groundlings, and did some acting classes based on Meisner Techniques, a method-style of realistic absorption of the character using your own emotional components."

He and his wife Kate are actively involved in community events and school functions with their three children.

"I've always loved acting. My brother and I used to get up early Saturday mornings and watch all these old movies, Westerns and detective mysteries. That really was the spark that made me seek out more, and I didn't start focusing on it until I got into college."

Besides some earlier community theater, "The

Rainmaker" is one of O'Hern's major roles, and he's anxious to instill the part with some gritty edge and locate those similarities between himself and the character, drawing closer to it to make an easier pathway to fill those shoes.

"This is a great role, and I'm really lucky to have the chance to play Bill Starbuck," said O'Hern. "It's one of the great acting challenges in the theater. It's also one of the truly great American plays and has certain elements that make it exciting to create the character."

Set in a drought-ridden, Mid-Western town in Depression-era America, the play tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of spinster Lizzie Curry. Lizzie keeps house for her father and two brothers on the family cattle ranch. As their farm languishes under the devastating drought, Lizzie's family worries about her marriage prospects more than their dying, suffering cattle. A charming trickster named Starbuck arrives and promises to "conjure" rain in exchange for $100. His arrival sets off a series of events which enable Lizzie to see herself in a new light, unleashing romantic aspects of her passionate personality.

"My acting teacher once told me never to watch the movie adaptations or other taped theatrical versions of the play as I practice, because you tend to bring in aspects of their interpretations sub-consciously, so I'll probably wait until after the play to see the Burt Lancaster movie," O'Hern said. "It's such a wise and vibrant role. I'd read the play years ago when I was studying in California and always admired its richness and complexity. I want to try and bring my own personality and character to the role and make it my own."

2nd Street Theater is located at 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave. in Bend. "The Rainmaker" runs February 18 through March 19. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors. For tickets call 541-312-9626 or visit http://www.2ndstreettheater.com.