by Rikki Lee Travolta
It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee is an entertainment news podcast that has steadily built its following to become a fan favorite for those interested in theatre, music, film, and television.
Every Wednesday, I do my best to share the stories of the interesting people I meet in my adventures in entertainment. Sometimes we have big name stars, and fans always go crazy for that. But we also get huge response from listeners for shows about the up-and-coming artists who might not be on everyone’s radar just yet, but have compelling stories to tell.
Jake Seelye is an actor in the northwest suburbs of Chicago who does theatre for a very good reason – because he loves it.
Jake had one line in a play with me years ago. It was 2016 and I was taking the stage for the first time since I became disabled. The play was One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I played McMurphy. Jake played Ruckly – an acute patient whose only means of communication is repeating one vulgarity over and over.
Even though his character had one line, Jake threw himself into the role. He diligently attended every rehearsal and set about creating the most complete one-line character possible. At the same time, he used those rehearsals and the time on stage to soak up the knowledge of the more experienced actors in the cast.
Thanks to his hard work, Jake has taken bigger and bigger steps in the entertainment world since that show. Jake now stars in lead roles in his community.
I get to see Jake on stage from time to time in my capacity as a theatre critic. I have to be open; I beam like a proud relative whenever I see good people shining in the spotlight, doing what they love. And I get that feeling every time I see Jake on stage.
In a new episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, I invite you to get to know Jake Seelye – a guy who loves to act, and shows how far you can go when you pursue what you love.
To listen to the latest episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee featuring Jake Seelye, visit: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rikkileetravolta
Jake Seelye is an actor in the northwest suburbs of Chicago who does theatre for a very good reason – because he loves it.
Jake had one line in a play with me years ago. It was 2016 and I was taking the stage for the first time since I became disabled. The play was One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I played McMurphy. Jake played Ruckly – an acute patient whose only means of communication is repeating one vulgarity over and over.
Even though his character had one line, Jake threw himself into the role. He diligently attended every rehearsal and set about creating the most complete one-line character possible. At the same time, he used those rehearsals and the time on stage to soak up the knowledge of the more experienced actors in the cast.
Thanks to his hard work, Jake has taken bigger and bigger steps in the entertainment world since that show. Jake now stars in lead roles in his community.
I get to see Jake on stage from time to time in my capacity as a theatre critic. I have to be open; I beam like a proud relative whenever I see good people shining in the spotlight, doing what they love. And I get that feeling every time I see Jake on stage.
In a new episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, I invite you to get to know Jake Seelye – a guy who loves to act, and shows how far you can go when you pursue what you love.
To listen to the latest episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee featuring Jake Seelye, visit: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rikkileetravolta
