Livermore's Jeff Morrill Plays the Villain You Love to Hate

Most actors enjoy hearing cheers and applause. But Jeff Morrill is trying for boos and hisses as the wicked Leather Monger in the East Bay Children’s Theatre production of “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business”. And he’s getting them at every performance from audiences who are delighting in his hysterical villainy.

“I love playing the Leather Monger!” Morrill enthuses. “Villains have always fascinated me because of their complexity. Leather Monger is over-the-top and melodramatic, and I love the energy he has--that I sometimes don’t.”

Based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale The Shoemaker and The Elves, “Shoe Business” (commissioned from local award-winning writer, Ron Lytle) is a side-splitting one-hour Musical Comedy for the Entire Family.

The mission of EBCT is to bring live theatre to underserved, Title 1 elementary schools in the East Bay. The company provides this indispensible service free of charge to the schools it serves. And they’ve been doing it since 1933, without ever missing a season.

It’s a mission that clearly resonates with Morrill, who has returned to the company season after season. As he explained while preparing for a performance:

“I’ve been involved with EBCT for seven years now. I perform with them because of the company’s dedication to the students. My opinion is that everyone of any age must experience theater and its power. EBCT’s ultimate goal is for every child to get a glimpse into the world of theater. And that is important work. “

And with that, the actor throws on his cape and top hat, and lets loose with a comically evil chortle. It’s show time, and there is scenery to be chewed and laughs to be milked.

East Bay Children’s Theatre presents “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business” at JCC East Bay in Berkeley (March 15, at 1:30 and 3:30), and Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette (March 22, at 1:30 and 3:30.) Tickets are $12-$15 (Group Rates Available)

For tickets and more information, visit www.ebctOnline.org