3/18/2010 - West Side Leader
     

On the Mark — By Craig Marks

Now that Corbin Bernsen’s Soap Box Derby film “25 Hill” is a go, it’s time for the big decisions to be made. And, no, I’m not talking about which interpretive dance should be performed at the Academy Awards when the movie’s soundtrack is nominated. That decision can wait for a while.

I refer to the casting. As this movie will be partially financed with area cash, it seems appropriate to look locally for actors and actresses to take on the choice roles. Fortunately, the talent pool of people who grew up here or work in the area is pretty deep.

So let’s dive in and see who’s ready for their closeup:

• John Lithgow:

Pros: Award-winning actor. Spent part of his childhood in Akron.

Cons: Would demand a meaty role.

• Chrissie Hynde:

Pros: Award-wining musician with acting experience. (According to the movie Web site www.imdb.com, she was a guest on “Friends” and a voice of a penguin in “Happy Feet.”) The Akron native is owner of Vegiterranean restaurant.

Cons: Would demand a meatless role.

• Eric Mansfield:

Pros: WKYC news reporter who performed as “The King” in Weathervane production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Cons: Soap Box film may not be shot in technicolor.

• Shaquille O’Neal:

Pros: Basketball superstar, Richfield resident, who currently has some free time (suffered a thumb injury and won’t be back till playoffs). Has acting experience.

Cons: His primary acting experience was in the movie “Kazaam,” in which he starred as a rapping genie with an attitude. Reviews were not kind.

• Melina Kanakaredes:

Pros: Big-time TV star of “CSI: NY.” Firestone High School graduate.

Cons: Might prefer to practice her craft in New York.

• LeBron James:

Pros: Big-time basketball star who was featured in the documentary “More Than a Game” and will be seen in the upcoming “Basketball Fantasy Camp.”

Cons: Might prefer to practice his craft in New York. But we hope not.

• Yours Truly:

Pros: Received rave reviews as “G-Man” in the Firestone High School production of “You Can’t Take It With You” many, many years ago.

Cons: His Clooney-esque looks could be a distraction.

But I will make myself available for the interpretive dance.

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