Theater Provides Friendships, Challenge for Grosse Pointe Man

Michael Trudel gave theater a shot to have something to do with his mother. He did a workshop with Grosse Pointe Theatre when he was 20-years-old and has been involved for nearly the last 40 years.

Many interesting people blog on Patch and we want to introduce you to some of them. Each week we will highlight a new Patch blogger.

This week, Trudel answers our questions.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Manchester, England. My father was stationed there in the U.S. Air Force, met my mother and had me while he was there. He was restationed to Cape Cod and then we came back to Detroit after his discharge. I grew up on the near west side of Detroit until moving to Fraser, which is where I ended up graduating from high school.

What are your hobbies?

I've always been a sports guy. Played baseball, hockey and golf growing up. I still skate twice a week and play golf during the summer. I've enjoyed coaching as well. Coached little league in the Park for 7 seasons and I've coached about 15 seasons of hockey. 

Favorite book?

I enjoy the Tom Clancy novels. Recently read "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. Favor non-fiction and business books.

Favorite movie?

Hard to pick one. Shawshank Redemption is likely at the top; enjoyed the Bourne movies, Die Hard, Braveheart, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Saving Private Ryan (and just about every Tom Hanks movie), Oceans 11, and just to show another side ... The Princess Bride.

How did you get involved with Grosse Pointe Theatre?

My mother, Barbara Bentley, is why I've been here almost 40 years. When my parents divorced I had little in common, hobby-wise, with mom, so I thought I'd give this a shot. Never did theater in high school. I did a workshop with GPT when I was 20, about a week before I shipped off with the US Navy. Once I was discharged I jumped back in and I've been active ever since.

What's the best part of being involved with the group?

I enjoy the friendships I've developed, I love the challenge of taking a piece of literature and bringing every aspect to life from scratch. From set design, construction, finding set pieces, props, light and sound design, costumes ... and that's the behind the scenes. From an acting perspective you prepare for auditions, audition, accept a role (maybe) and then begin the process of learning lines, blocking, character development, relationships, and making your character believable. The 10-16 weeks (depending on show) that you're involved is an emotional roller coaster, but in the end the satisfaction you feel for a job well done is priceless.

What's the next big production?

I'm directing GPT's March production, a hilarious comedy called "The Fox On the Fairway," a story about a competition between two rival country clubs, the crazy side bets involved and unusual relationships. Auditions are the weekend after New Years. This show has never been performed in the Detroit area so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also going to audition in late January for GPT's May extravaganza, "Les Miserables." This musical epic is going to be an incredible staging and we will likely have record numbers audition. I've never been in two productions at the same time, but I love LM so much that it's the only production I would even consider being involved while already occupied. Now I just have to find a way onto the cast.

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