Grand Terrace Resident Wows Onstage as Leo Bloom

Josh Morgan, a six-year resident of Grand Terrace, is currently performing in a lead role of The Producers with the Rialto Community Players in Rialto. Cast as Leo Bloom, the character previously made famous in the film version of the play by Hollywood actor Matthew Broderick, Morgan adds this prestigious role to an already impressive repertoire of work in the theatre. Beginning his acting career in the third grade, Morgan performed as Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carole, most notably remembering that he was required to do a “ghost’s voice” for that play. In later productions, he tackled the roles of Harold Hill in The Music Man, performed as a Puppeteer for Audrey II in the Little Shop of Horrors, and most recently brilliantly fulfilled the Jimmy Stewart titled role of George Bailey in a Grand Terrace Community Players version of It’s a Wonderful Life. “The role of Harold Hill from the Music Man prepared me well for this current role as Leo Bloom,” said Morgan. “There are so many wordy songs, with no backing tracks. The music has a lot of difficult cues that you just have to do.” Morgan procured the part of Leo after having received an email from his wife Laci one day at work while in a training class. She forwarded him a notice about impending auditions, but almost shrugged it off due to his busy schedule. That same evening, while on his way to a church meeting, he received a second email from her letting him know that the Rialto Community Players were expecting him that evening after his meeting as she had sent in his resumé, and they scheduled him for an audition. Morgan chuckled thinking about the short practice time he had on his way from the meeting to the theatre that evening. He was called back and given the part the next day. Cameron Harris, the director of the play, stated, “I haven’t had this much fun in so long. The laughter we share, as well as the help everyone gives each other is the true definition of community theatre! I truly wake up each morning counting the hours until rehearsal. I know it’s cliché for a director to say that about his show, but it’s really true! I can’t wait for everyone to see this hilarious show!” As for Morgan and his family, even his two-year-old son Brendan has been bit by the theatre bug. As Brendan watches Daddy practice, he sings along with the songs and wears the top hat and sports the cane around the house for Mommy Laci. When Laci tries to sing along, Brendan reminds her, “No mama sing, Dada sing!” Morgan said, “This has been a great opportunity to play a dream role with a cast and crew who are not only talented but have fun and love this show! The focus is on bringing good theatre to the community as a team. This is what theatre is all about!” The play runs through Aug. 2, with performances held on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The Rialto Community Players Playhouse is at 150 E San Bernardino Avenue in Rialto. You can get tickets and further information at 909-873-8514 or online at rialtocommunityplayers.com.