Apple Computer founder takes his creativity to another stage
By Rebecca Ray
Not only does Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple Computer, play small parts in the musicals at Los Gatos High School, he takes his roles seriously.
Wozniak, who has lived in Los Gatos for about 20 years, arranged his schedule to accommodate every rehearsal and performance of the school's upcoming production of Candide, in which Wozniak plays an agent of the Inquisition.
"I choose to be here, even though I don't have to be here for everything, because acting doesn't come natural to me, and I want to get the best total picture in my head of how things look," said Wozniak, 50, during a recent rehearsal at the school. "As insignificant as a high school musical might seem outside of the people involved, I don't want to do anything to make it less than it could be. I want to do the best job I can on my few lines."
Although Wozniak is no longer affiliated with Apple Computer, he sets up computer equipment and programs, and teaches classes to children and adults, including teachers, at local schools. Wozniak has won numerous technology awards, including the National Medal of Technology, Inventors Hall of Fame and the Kilby Award. He is slated to receive the Heinz Award, given annually to a humanitarian who contributes to the arts, in Washington, D.C. But he will make the trip between performances of Candide.
"We love having Steve participate because he's a model for taking time out of his busy life for creative expression," said Diana Pleasant, who co-produces and co-directs the musical with Jeff M. Hicks. "He has a very small walk-on cameo appearance, but he gives 100 percent to it. He sets the example that nothing is too small to do well."
Pleasant, who is the chairwoman of the school's performing arts department, added that Wozniak always studies the music and comes prepared.
Although Wozniak was never involved in theater when he attended Homestead High School in Cupertino, some of his relatives have been involved in theater. He has attended community plays his whole life.
But Wozniak, who described himself as being shy and the last person to be on stage, never considered performing in a Los Gatos High School theater production until 1999, when his son Jesse, a Los Gatos High School student, was performing in the musical Into the Woods. The directors asked parents to fill the cast. "I was scared to death, at first, but I got the hang of it, and the best part is interacting with the students," Wozniak said.
A gala organized by Stratagem, an event-planning company, will take place after the March 9 performance of Candide. At the event patrons will have the opportunity to mingle with cast members on stage and sit on pieces of the set, which were designed by professional set designer Warren K. Sodt.
The school won American Musical Theatre awards for best actor and musical for its production of Fame in 1998, and best actress for Into the Woods. It was one of three schools nominated for best musical with How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which the school performed last year.
"I think parents will be surprised a high school can put on a show of this caliber," costume designer Laurel Dentoni said. Candide, a satire based on Voltaire's 18th century work, is often a challenge to interpret. Pleasant said that the musical is rarely performed by high schools.
Wozniak's character reveals what Voltaire perceived to be the flaws of the 18th century Reformist philosophy of "Everything is for the best," by turning over a couple of accused heretics to be hanged.
Performances will take place in the LGHS auditorium at 8 p.m. on March 2, 3, 9 and 10, and at 7 p.m. on March 8. Tickets are $12 for reserved seating, and $10 for general admission and are available at the box office for up to one hour before all performances. For more information, call 408.356.8470.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
