PAUL KOHN S La Difference Gutman, a graduate of Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, knew act- ing was for him when he played the role of Danny in a school production of Grease. While a sophomore at . Western, he won a $750 scholarship by placing first in the Midwest segment of the American College Theater Festival Irene Ryan Competition. To win, Gutman did a monologue from A Midsummer Nights Dream and a scene from Brighton Beach Memoirs. He was required to recite contrasting presentations. The ever-patient under- study went on to win the 1997 Theatre Guild Scholarship, 1998 Beverly Belson Music Theatre Scholarship and the 1999 Western Michigan University favorite because it was smartly writ- Presidential Scholar Award. ten," says Gutman. "There also are Gutman, who helped new high spoofs of Rent, Footloose, Jekyll and school grads entering Western by per- Hyde and Phantom of the Opera." forming in freshman orientation In his audition for Forbidden shows, is the grandson of another type Hollywood, Gutman sang the ballad of singer, Cantor David Gutman of "If I Loved You" from Carousel and Temple Beit Kodesh in Livonia. the lighter "I'm Calm" from A Funny The younger Gutman recently Thing Happened on the Way to the picked up on religious performance Forum. Afterward, interests by teaching theater at "Forbidden Broadway he was asked to do Temple Kol Ami, where his Strikes Back" spoofi impersonations. family, including parents "The Lion King" and Possible audition Howard and Karen Gutman numbers are upper- and younger brothers Rob and many other musicals. As an understudy, costume most in his mind as Brian, are members. He also changes present a challenge. he plans to attend organized the temple's Purim When he had to go on or tryouts non-stop in play for the junior high stu- another actor in Detroit, New York. dents. Gutman relies on lots If Gutman wins a On the secular side, the of pins and tape. role without going singer/actor has performed in through an under- musicals and serious dramas. study assignment, one of the advan- Professional summer stock perfor- tages will be wearing costumes sized mances include a revue at the Barn for him. When he's had to go on for Theatre in Augusta, Mich., and How another actor in Detroit, he's relied on to Succeed in Business Without Really lots of pins and tape. Meet and Trying, Broadway Cabaret "I've really never had any serious Me in St. Louis at the Timber Lake costume problems, but my wig has Playhouse in Illinois. fallen off," he laughs. "I've learned how to learn. shows very quickly, and I've learned how to stay on my toes, [figuratively], from Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back working on the Detroit revues," says will be performed 1:30 and 7:30 Gutman. He was recommended for an p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. understudy audition by a college class- Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Fridays, mate, an understudy for I Love You, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays You're Perfect, Now Change, a show and 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays that ran at the Gem Theatre and was through Feb. 13 at the Century produced by the same company. Theatre, 333 Madison, Detroit. "When I saw Forbidden Broadway $24.50-$34.50. (313) 963-9800. Strikes Back for the first time, I decid- ed the Les Mis segment was my ❑ LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS Chef's Dinner Feature Angel Hair Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Asparagus Tips and a Hint of Dill LUNCH: Monday - Thursday DINNER: Sunday - Thursday Saturday Evening - 7:15 PM SUNDAY BRUNCH 7295 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322 Robins Nest Shopping Plaza 248-932-8934 Reservations Suggested VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT www.ladifference.com krtifdA i\ Art Galleries Co. Fine Arts Appraisers and Auctioneers Since 1927 ■ 409 E. 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