![]() ![]() This “Zero Hour” is the culmination of eight months of work, including Marks’ research into Mostel’s life, watching not only his films but appearances on television variety hours, and reading biographies and other materials. “Jason has worked hard to establish a true physical and emotional sense of who this man is,” Clinton says, “and I think the moments work best when Jason is accessing his own personal story because of what and how Mostel’s words make him feel.” The characters realized by Mostel live on in continuing productions of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Forum” and “The Producers.”Ī fine balance exists when portraying real people, and any actor in such a role must work to avoid imitation. Besides the play fulfilling the mission of the Jewish Family Theatre at the Weinstein JCC, Marks hopes it either reminds audiences of, or introduces them to, the legacy of Samuel Joel “Zero” Mostel. “It’s incredibly timely it’s political, it’s historical - he’s a great figure of the American theater, and as time goes on, great figures often fade into obscurity,” Marks says. The significant component of intolerance within Mostel’s experience evokes the current times. ![]() “I was far too young to be playing the role at the time - and I’m still too young to be playing him now - but I’m older, wiser and have lived some life that has allowed me to reach a deeper place emotionally in understanding this man than if I had done so 10 or 15 years ago.”Ībout the time Clinton began thinking of turning Marks into a version of Mostel, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and now the whole thing seems like, well, kismet.Ĭlinton reflects, “Mostel was a human being whose story mirrored so much of the less-than-admirable chapters in 20th-century American history.” Those unfortunate events include antisemitism and the 1950s Hollywood blacklist, which, through accusations of communism or communist sympathies, deprived many in the film industry of their livelihoods. ![]() Marks explains that he’d not thought of the play as a vehicle for himself. He mentioned the show to director Debra Clinton as a great piece for the JCC. The play first came to Marks’ attention through news of its premiere. “So it kind of made sense that it was finally time to tackle Mostel himself, and not just his stage roles,” Marks says. During his career, Marks has performed in roles Mostel made famous, including Pseudolus in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and twice as Max Bialystock in separate mountings of “The Producers.” Marks, known for his award-winning work in the region’s theaters, first experienced Mostel’s comedic energy on a repeat episode of “The Muppet Show.” That antic program introduced him to entertainers he’d grow to admire. “Zero Hour,” a 2009 play by New York actor Jim Brochu, is a one-person show set in Mostel’s New York City painting studio. Jason Marks brings entertainer Zero Mostel to the stage of the Sarah Bell November Theatre at the Weinstein Jewish Community Center for a limited engagement running March 29-April 2. on Saturday, June 5, at the Houston American Legion Club.Jason Marks as entertainer Zero Mostel in “Zero Hour,” onstage at the Weinstein JCC March 29-April 2 (Photos by Todd Schall-Vess) There will be a gathering and reception to celebrate the life of Jason starting at 2:00 p.m. two grandchildren: Eleanor and Cooper a sister, Jennifer (Jeff) Schumacher of Rapid City, South Dakota and by a nephew, Justin (Corrinne) Mark. He is survived by his parents: Ray and Anne two sons: Dalton (Erin) Schulte and Matt (Nikki Hagen) Rediske, both of Spring Grove, MN. He was an active member of the American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, and M&W Pullers Community. But most of all he loved helping his friends with whatever chore that needed doing, any time, any place. Jason enjoyed pulling tractors, watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with his friends and family. He was truly one of a kind and fun to be around." Jason was raised and lived the majority of his life in Looney Valley and was a 1994 graduate of Houston High School. His kindness and willingness to help others was second to none. "Jason was one of the greatest human beings. Jason was born on September 15, 1975, in La Crosse, WI to Ray and Anne (Wiedman) Mark. ![]() Mark, 45, of rural Houston, MN quietly left this world of suspected heart issues. ![]()
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