milt thomas

The 2026-27 Riverside Theatre season kicks off with an homage to the roots of American theater. My Vaudeville Man is based on the true story of Jack Donahue, who dreamt of fame as a performer in the most popular medium of his time. Vaudeville reigned supreme as entertainment for the masses from the 1870s until the early 1930s before radio, television or Broadway.

Jack (played by Joseph Cullinane) left home at age ten against his mother’s wishes to find work as an entertainer. This was 1898 – obviously before child labor laws – but Jack had a gift for comedy and a musical talent all the rage back then – tap dancing.

He eventually hooked up with a traveling band of performers that included singers, comedians, magicians and live animal acts. They played in small towns far from the big time and in the early days he was given bottom billing, often performing after the animal acts.

The play focuses on his relationship with his mother (played by Terra MacLeod), affectionately called “Mud” – if that can be termed ‘affectionate.’ She did not approve of his career choices and wanted him to come home, fearing he would turn out like his father, who came from a long line of drunkards. But Jack persisted in pursuing his dream, although at times he isn’t so sure it was the right choice. Mud refused to attend any of Jack’s performances, even in nearby towns, showing her displeasure in his choices. Their reconciliation begins, when she finally starts showing up.

My Vaudeville Man is perfectly suited for the intimate Waxlax Stage and the choice of theater-in-the-round seating. Through most of the show, the relationship between Jack and Mud is carried on from afar through letters, memories and music. The spotlight shifts from mother to son, she at home and he onstage, each sharing their points of view until they gradually come together in the emotional finale when they agree to share their future together.

Cullinane and MacLeod are superb actors and this show puts their talents on display. (You may remember Cullinane in Riverside Theatre’s 9 to 5 and Singin’ in the Rain). His tap dancing is a sight to behold at times defying gravity. The audience is always close to the action with the three-tier, theater-in-the-round seating. He is a fine actor as well and the transitions from dancing to monologue must be exhausting, but he doesn’t show it.

MacLeod’s Irish mother character channels the hopes and fears of every mother for her child. Her passionate singing and acting are the perfect counter to Jack’s infectious optimism.

The original musical score by Bob Johnston and Jeff Hochhauser may not be familiar to most people, but you will be humming those melodies long after leaving the theater. Milton Granger once again leads the multi-talented band, which is just offstage.

As always, the stagecraft is perfect for the small theater and stage. If this is your first time at Waxlax, you will be impressed how two actors can change their stage props and their clothing while attention is focused on the other. Four digital backdrop screens change with each scene so everyone in the audience has the same view.

This play struck a chord for me. My great-grandfather was in Vaudeville and he died on the road at age 39. His mother had always wanted him to stay home in the family business. My Vaudeville Man though, has a much happier ending.

The real Jack Donahue went on to have a career in Vaudeville, the Ziegfeld Follies and then became a star on Broadway. He passed away in 1930 at age 41.

To experience first-hand and up close the life of a Vaudeville entertainer, I highly recommend seeing The Vaudeville Man, which runs through November 22. For tickets call the Riverside Theatre box office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.riversidetheatre.com.