There are many professors here at East Carolina University. One professor in particular is not like all the rest. Joe Horst, an English professor, is also an actor in his spare time.
Beginning June 14, Horst will perform in the upcoming production of the comedy, “Don’t Cry for Me Margaret Mitchell,” which he describes as an irreverent comedy about the writing of the movie “Gone With the Wind.”
In the play, which will be shown at the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina on Red Banks Road, Horst plays David O. Selznick, who was the original producer of the film version of “Gone With the Wind.”
“The cast is of three men and one woman and the play is based on real life events,” said Horst.
The three leading men play the roles David O. Selznick, a film producer, Victor Fleming, the director of Gone With the Wind, and Ben Hecht, the screenwriter.
“Selznick and Fleming basically kidnapped Hecht and had him write a script, even though Hecht hadn’t even read the book, while Fleming and Selznick acted out the scenes. The three men held themselves up in Selznick’s office for seven days until they had a new screen play,” said Horst.
Director of the play, Andrea Croskery, truly believes Horst was the right person for the role of Selznick.
“Joe is a very dedicated actor. He is willing to do what it takes to put on a good show,” said Croskery. “Joe listens to what the other actors say to him and his reaction is based on what he hears. We call that being very generous.”
Playing the role of a very difficult, particular person is a challenge. However, Horst manages to embody the role of Selznick with grace.
“Joe plays the role of a larger than life character and he plays him well. He is hilarious and very good at what he does,” said Croskery.
Being the main character in a play might be a bit difficult for some aspiring actors to pull off, but it doesn’t daunt Horst at all.
“In this play, Joe is always on stage except for intermission but he’s perfectly adapted to the role,” said Croskery.
The play has showings beginning June 14-16 and then again on June 20-22 with show times starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinée.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, please call 1-888-622-3868.
This story was originally published by The East Carolinian
June 12, 2013.
