Jonathan Wexler

Biography:

Jonathan Wexler is a young actor, serious about seeking answers to the mysteries of theatre. He is studying Shakespeare in private acting classes with London director, David William, a former artistic director of the Stratford Festival.

Wexler, now based in Toronto, looks back fondly on many influences. "It goes all the way to Original Kids when I was in St. Thomas," he says of the days when that program was based at its Alma College site in the early 1990s. He was also with Original Kids productions at its venues in Museum London and the Grand's McManus Theatre.

In the summer of 1995, Jon was 10 and a pirate in the Original Kids production of The Pirates of Penzance at the McManus directed by Don Fleckser. The next summer he was at the Stratford Festival in The Music Man. The summer after that, he was in the Amabile boys' choir, rehearsing for a Canada Day gig in Ottawa before the Queen.

There were also the Grand's High School Project productions of Hello Dolly and Guys and Dolls. There was Lost in Yonkers, a London Community Production directed by Fleckser. More recently, he was at the Grand in It's a Wonderful Life, directed by Bernard Hopkins.

Former Grand artistic director Kelly Handerek, who knew Wexler through the High School Projects, was also in the cast. "An amazing experience," Wexler says. "Working with Bernard Hopkins was an incredible gift."

Wexler quietly asked Handerek to look over his application to study theatre at the Juilliard School in New York. Handerek could see the seriousness of Wexler's approach to the craft. "It's an anomaly in a world where a sense of entitlement reigns," Handerek says. "I wonder what kinds of theatres he will create, not just be a part of."

When the Doodlebops called, it put theatre school on hold but still makes time to study with William.

Basics:

Name: Jonathan Wexler
Birth Date: February 7th, 1985
Age: 22
Height: 5'7"
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Brown
Hometown: London, Ontario, Canada
Currently Resides: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Handwriting:


^ Thanks Fay! ^

Pictures of Jon:



Past work:

Theatre:

1996 - The Music Man
Role: Winthrop Paroo
Review: As a surprise standout, Jonathan Wexler is the lisping Winthrop Paroo. Wexler's ovation at the play's conclusion was almost equal to those of the two adult stars. Another Ron Howard in the making? - Full Review

Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
- 1996 Stage Door Awards

2000 - Guys and Dolls
Role: Nicely Nicely Johnson

2001 - Hello, Dolly
Role: Cornelius Hackl

2002 - Oliver!
Role: Mr. Bumble
Review: As for a strong stage presence, Jonathan Wexler and Yurisa Kawamoto, the wacky and hilarious Widow Corney, are untouchable. Together, they are a perfect pair who steal the majority of the play's humourous moments. - Full Review

2004 - It's a Wonderful Life
Role: Angel Clarence Oddbody
Review: Londoner Jonathan Wexler makes his Grand debut with a younger, more physical version of the angel Clarence. Wexler's agile ability to be part of the play's flashbacks scenes without seeming intrusive is remarkable at times. It's an athletic, assured performance that is easily the best thing in the show.
- Full Review
The Gazette Review

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