Jonathan Bailey Recalls Blaming Himself for Childhood Play Failure
Actor Jonathan Bailey recently reflected on a childhood mistake that he believed had dire consequences for a theatrical production. This revelation came during an episode of the interview series “Actors on Actors,” hosted by Variety.
Childhood Theater Experience
Bailey recalled his experience in the 1996 production of “Les Enfants du Paradis,” directed by Simon Callow, known for his work in “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” In a moment of youthful folly, Bailey mentioned that he spoke the name “Macbeth,” violating a well-known theater superstition.
Theater Superstition Explained
This superstition warns actors against uttering the title of Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” within a theater. Many believe that doing so can lead to disastrous outcomes for a production.
- Superstition: Avoid saying “Macbeth” in a theater.
- Consequence: Believed to lead to failure or bad luck in performances.
Show’s Disappointing Outcome
Following his blunder, Bailey’s chaperone claimed he contributed to the failure of the production, which he humorously thought might have ruined the Royal Shakespeare Company. Despite this early setback, his career later flourished.
Current Success in Acting
Currently, Bailey is garnering acclaim for his role as Fiyero in the musical “Wicked” and its sequel “Wicked: For Good.” His talent has overshadowed this childhood incident, proving that early mistakes do not define one’s career.
Despite the lighthearted nature of his childhood superstition faux pas, Bailey’s recent success serves as a reminder to aspiring actors about the challenges and humorous moments in the theater world.
