Robidoux Resident Theatre

Spamalot – Robidoux Resident Theatre – 2014

Posted on September 8, 2015October 5, 2020 by Tee Quillin

In the Fall of 2014, I was invited to direct Robidoux Resident Theatre’s production of SPAMALOT! In addition to being on my Musical Theatre Bucket List, much mayhem was created

Ron Coronado

RN, BSN

I was scared to death... I worked all my life to suppress the signs that I was gay. Growing up in the Midwest, that's what gay boys do; they hide any trace of their homosexuality. So when Tee asked me to create a character based on the line describing my character as "The J. Edgar Hoover of Japan", I knew it was time. Time to access that flaming, flamboyant, screaming queen that lives inside me. The one I've always known existed, but never wanted anyone else to know or see. I pulled together a costume, hid from the cast, waited for my cue, took a deep breath and made my grand entrance. To top it off, I was shirtless with a cape and I waved a light-up wand! The cast, literally, stared at me with their mouths open in complete shock. This was the first time I ever worked with Tee and I truly thought he was going to flip his sh*t! After all, my version of The Mikado was far from what he originally imagined (a character more closely resembling Elvis Presley). I was prepared... prepared for Tee to crush my creation. Instead, what I heard was Tee laughing. Laughing with that wonderful laugh of approval. Tee supported my choices as an artist. He molded my decisions and truly guided me to one of my best character performances of my career! I don't know how he did it, but he made me feel safe. We collaborated and together created an experience for the audience that was truly original. I do not say this of most, but if you have the opportunity to work with Tee, grasp it with both hands and really sink your teeth into it. Take risks and trust that he will use you to paint a beautiful picture that will be remembered by all those who experience it.

actor | director | voiceover artist

Tag: Robidoux Resident Theatre