Syracuse in focus (SIF)

Timothy Bond, Producing Artistic Director at Syracuse Stage, said Brian Dennehy was one of his heroes because he practices what he preaches about the importance of regional theater.

Seasoned actor Brian Dennehy, whose son attends Syracuse University, was a special guest for the Friday night portion of Orange Central.  He was joined in conversation and an occasional gut-busting laugh by Syracuse Stage’s Timothy Bond.

The event was held at the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (Newhouse complex).

During the hour-long program,  Dennehy gave numerous anecdotes about writers Jimmy Breslin and Frank McCourt, as well as actors Kevin Kline and Zero Mostel.

He discuseed his numerous roles in film, television and his first love, regional theater. “What happens in the theater can only happen in the theater,” he said.

Dennehy, whose career spans five decades, also gave a reading, told some jokes, and even sang during a musical interlude with pianist Jeff Sawyer (an SU grad).

Brian Dennehy, an actor’s actor, prepared for a reading of the work of Arthur Miller on Friday night.