Actor/ Musician, Julian James in World Premiere Musical
Moonshine & Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas Tale
Will open in Preview, Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:30pm at the Garden Theatre, Orlando, Florida. Performances through December 22, 2023
In the World Premiere of Moonshine & Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas Tale, actor/singer/musician, Julian James will debut in the role of Dewey Joe, as the “prodigal son” who comes home during the Depression era to reconnect with his family and patch up a long standing disagreement. Heartfelt original music in the Appalachian folk style, including, according to Julian, “the authentic sound of a mountain mandolin, Kentucky fiddling and dulcimer.” Julian James is excited to be originating this role, in the very city where he grew up. In fact, he performed at this very theatre, the Garden Theatre in Orlando, Florida when he was in grade school.
Julian James grew up in a “musical family,” much like his character does in this show. His parents are music and event producers, and Julian has travelled with them, along with his siblings, who all sing. They call themselves the JAMES GANG. They’ve performed on cruise ships, in Las Vegas shows and in the original HARRY POTTER stage production that Julian’s parents co-created with Universal Studios Theme Park. He has also been hired as lead performer in THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, Cape Fear Theatre. He has enjoyed performing classic legit plays by Chekhov and Shakespeare too.
Julian attended college at the Tisch School of the Arts, NYU. He studied Sanford Meisner Technique for Acting and had classes in voice, music theory and sight reading. These classes have helped Julian to learn his material in advance and be “super prepared,” as the rehearsals for this production of Moonshine & Mistletoe were at a furious pace, and some of the other principal cast members are in the Actors Equity Union, so Julian wanted to be on top of his game.
Julian says, “I did deep homework so I could portray my character with dignity and serve the work with justice. Some of our audience members' families may have been impacted by the depression… and I love learning about history and how that informs my performance.” He also watched classic movies like THE GRAPES OF WRATH starring a young Henry Fonda in black and white, which really hit home.
“The idea that there was no work anywhere and no money, and people were so desperate just to survive…” says Julian, really moved him. It also helped shape his acting approach and make the stakes high for his character. Julian says the theatre has an approachable neighbourhood feel, but with professional creatives and staff and AEA actors- “it’s a delight.” In the show program, these notes are included:
“In the midst of the Great Depression, they have no gifts to exchange, but instead, they share their love of Appalachian hymns and carols.”
Julian is excited for his family and friends to see the production. He’s also relieved that just after this show, he can return to auditioning for television and film projects, now that the SAG/AFTRA strike has ended, which is encouraging to the entire entertainment industry. Julian earned his SAG eligibility shooting a Hallmark movie. His hope is to “get really good at this” and do more work on camera. He loves procedural dramas and indie films and looks forward to being cast in exciting roles that challenge and inspire him. At 6 '1, with a sturdy athletic build and square jaw, he has the good looks to personify young leading men. But Julian also loves character roles where he can immerse himself in complicated stories and dimensions. He is serious about his craft and loves “working hard” and the collaborative effort involved with all facets of performance on stage or screen. And he says there is nothing like live theatre to keep your energy level focused and ready for action. The audience feeds him.
This production is produced by Victory Productions and Jessica Huckabey Theatricals; Book by DJ Salisbury; Arrangements by Larry Moore
For the performance schedule and to purchase tickets, see:
https://gardentheatre.org/event/moonshine-and-mistletoe/
For More on Julian James, see: https://resumes.breakdownexpress.com/866402-2449203-11504
Julian James is managed by Michelle Zeitlin, More Zap Productions & Management
