Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
High Voltairage: Cast members, including Steve Wozniak at center stage, rehearse for the Los Gatos High School production of the musical 'Candide.'
Apple founder takes his creativity to the 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.
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.
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.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
