Review Fix chats with actor Jonathan Swain about his performance in Reid Farrington’s “Tyson vs. Ali,†a gripping new production that brings the long thought about dream bout to the stage.
Review Fix: How did you feel the first time you read the script?
Jonathan Swain: I said to myself, “Oh shit, this is really going down. I’m really doing this.†I felt nervous, happy and amazed at the same time. All kinda thoughts went through my head. I was telling myself you gotta do this right, you’re representing two kings… There is no half stepping.
Review Fix: How did you prepare for the role?
Swain: We had long rehearsals at foxy films where we spent hours working on Tyson’s and Ali’s voice. But outside of rehearsal I spent even more hours on YouTube watching old interviews and documentaries trying to learn more about both men’s character.
Review Fix: What was it like to work with Reid Farrington?
Swain: I’m so grateful to be working with Reid. Have gave me my start in this acting world I feel like I owe him. Everyday that we met for rehearsal his energy was positive. We all know the work we put in wasn’t easy and hours where long and he manage create a fun work environment for the entire cast and crew everyday we came in. He’s just a great person with amazing vision bottom line.
Review Fix: For someone who hasn’t seen the production, how would you describe the multimedia aspect?
Swain: It’s like watching a movie and a play at the same time that’s how I’ve explained it to everyone since the beginning. It’s filled with action. It so many thing going on at one time you’re going to want to see more than once. If your boxing fan it’s gonna take you down memory lane and if you’re not sit back learn something about two of the greatest who ever did It.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite part of the production? Why?
Swain: My favorite part is round four because of the slow motion segment of the scene. I remember the first time we ran it in rehearsal I was buggin’ out. To be honest, I wish I could switch out wit Roger or Dennis for a couple of shows, Just to do that round.
Review Fix: How do you want your performance to be remembered?
Swain: I want the audience/readers to know that I’m honored and grateful to be chosen to help tell the story of the two greatest heavy weights that ever stepped into a boxing ring. I’m a former fighter. I’ve had the passion to be an actor since I was a little kid. So, for that hour I’m on that stage I’m living a dream that I never want to wake up from.
Photo by Paula Court
For more information on the show, visit www.3ldnyc.org.
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