Weigel Goes Regal in “Witness”

SBINSIDER EXCLUSIVE REPORTING| March 1st, 2025

Editors Note: In support of our outstanding local talents, SBINSIDER interviews another of the leading players in the upcoming production of “Witness for the Prosecution.”

SBINSIDER: Al Weigel, when did you first become interested in acting, and what was your first role on stage?

AW: I became interested in acting during college and my first role was a small part in “The Man Who Came to Dinner”.

SBINSIDER: How long have you been a part of Community Circle Players and what roles have you played?

AW: I moved to SaddleBrooke in June of 2021. I saw there were auditions for a series of one-acts and was fortunate to be cast in two of them.

SBINSIDER: What role do you consider your best work thus far, and was there a role that you would like to play again?

AW: My favorite role was in college where I played a young man who was killed in a post Vietnam play called “Summer Tree”. My best work to date in SaddleBrooke has been as a Senator in “The Curious Savage”. That would be a fun role to play again.

SBINSIDER: Your character in “Witness” Sir Wilfrid Robards, has an extensive amount of lines that require memorization. Is this the most challenging role you have played from that aspect?

AW: Yes, the role of Sir Wilfrid Robards is the most demanding character I have ever played. I think this is because of the number of lines and the British phraseology. However, it is also due to being on stage 100% of the time, and because Sir Wilfrid’s character drives the play through his intense and dramatic behavior.

SBINSIDER: Had you seen the movie or stage play of Witness for the Prosecution, prior to taking on the role?

AW: No, I have not.

SBINSIDER: What do you look for in a role\script before you to try out for the part?

AW: I prefer quirky characters that will force me to think and stretch my abilities. I tend to prefer a play that is on the dramatic side versus a comedy.

SBINSIDER: Have you ever directed? Would you consider doing so?

AW: I did a little bit of directing in college. I would consider directing at some point now that I have had the opportunity to act over past couple of years in SaddleBrooke.

SBINSIDER: Where did you live before moving to SaddleBrooke?

AW: I am originally from Kansas City, but have lived in Arkansas, Ohio, Oregon and New York prior to moving to Arizona. All of these moves were job related by choice.

SBINSIDER: Besides acting, what other in what other SaddleBrooke activities do you indulge.

AW: I am a person who likes to stay active. I go to the gym 5-6 times per week, and also play bocce ball, Corn hole, billiards, poker, walking, hiking and travel 2-3 times a year.

SBINSIDER: What would say to those residents who are thinking about purchasing tickets but are undecided?

AW: I think they are missing out on a exceptionally good local dinner theater opportunity. The food is much improved over several years ago and the quality of the production will surprise them.