Fresno-raised Connor Barton moved to New York during the COVID-19 pandemic to chase his wild theatre dream of making it big.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, he\u2019s preparing to bring his talents back home to the William Saroyan Theatre for the showing of the musical comedy, \u201cMrs. Doubtfire,\u201d on May 26-27.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really hope that someone gets to see someone from Fresno who went out and was able to make it happen, and [that] they get to do that too,\u201d Barton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Doubtfire\u201d is a classic tale of a pseudo-Scottish nanny born out of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his children.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After going through a complicated divorce, Daniel Hillard creates an alter-ego, Euphegenia Doubtfire, who becomes a nanny for his ex-wife and children.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father,\u201d according to the show\u2019s press release.<\/p>\n
But a lot goes on behind the scenes to create a production of this beloved story.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a swing for the production, so I cover the male ensemble, which is five different tracks,\u201d Barton said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Barton\u2019s case, being a swing means being ready to sub in for any given male role due to unforeseen circumstances.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But they said that stress is part of why they love it.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favorite part of doing the show, honestly, is finding out 30 minutes before the show that I\u2019m on for a track,\u201d Barton said. \u201cIt kind of is this big test of your mental capacity and knowing these tracks inside and out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having just celebrated his 50th swing-on in Omaha, Nebraska, Barton said his tour group hits as many as two cities per week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I\u2019m not on, I\u2019m rehearsing for my other tracks in the show, or I\u2019m working on auditions for other projects, or I\u2019m updating my website, I\u2019m taking voice lessons,\u201d Barton said.<\/p>\n
For some, this might seem like an endless loop of hustle and bustle, but Barton said it\u2019s all about balancing personal needs with those of the production.<\/p>\n
And, for them, the craziness is worth it for such a special show.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe show speaks on such universal themes of family and chosen family,\u201d Barton said. \u201cYou don\u2019t realize that it\u2019s kind of hitting you in the heartstrings until you leave, because you\u2019re just laughing the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n