His name is synonymous with theatre in this area and on April 15, 16 and 17, Ken Barnett will be participating in his 197th show when the curtain rises on “Steel Magnolias” at the Morrow Little Theatre.
Barnett, a Mount Gilead graduate who earned his degree in education from The Ohio State University, taught 22 years in the English and theater department at Mount Gilead High School.
He has directed productions in the Renaissance Theatre, Mansfield; The Trumbull New Theater in Trumbull County and the Bucyrus Little Theatre. “
I prefer directing to memorizing those lines,” said the affable Barnett, adding “Acting and the theater are part of my life.”
He took his students every two years to see a live play.
His favorite production: “Les Miserables” and his favorite actor is George C. Scott with Robert Downey, Jr. and Hal Holbrook close seconds.
During the open house held at the theatre’s ribbon cutting, Barnett gave a portrayal of Mark Twain that had his audiences enthralled.
This is the third time he has directed “Steel Magnolias.” Barnett expressed appreciation to Cardington for the new home of the Morrow Little Theatre. “We’ve waited six years for this,” he said.
