Antonio Jaramillo to star in William Mastrosimone’s 'The Woolgatherer'
US Lifestyle speaks with Antonio Jaramillo, the star of William Mastrosimone’s The Woolgatherer. The play premiered Off-Broadway in 1979, earning critical acclaim for its heartfelt and poetic storytelling. Mastrosimone, a Daytime Emmy Award winner, has created a body of work that explores trauma, connection, and the human condition. The play, Directed by Rob Nagle, follows Rose and Cliff, two damaged yet hopeful people seeking solace and understanding. As fantasies give way to painful truths, they discover whether love is possible for them after all. Here is what he briefly told US Lifestyle Magazine about his journey.
Which obstacles have you overcome, what did you learn from them?
Antonio- Personally the difficulties and obstacles I've dealt with are the same ones we all deal with at one point or another in our lives. The feeling of not being enough? Not being worthy? Specially after spending most of my childhood in a Mexican orphanage however those experiences have made me who I am today and it’s given a unique perspective on life.
Where, in your journey, did you make your most impactful transformation?
Antonio- One of the most important transformation in my journey occurred when I gave myself the permission to fail? When I realized that I've had something to say that might be of value to others and the best way to express that was through the Arts! I can't paint, I can't dance, I can sing a bit but Acting seem to suit me best.
Who has inspired you through-out your journey?
Antonio- My biggest inspiration is music!! I love music. All kinds of music! Classical, rock, country, pop, jazz, mariachi music, all of it specially music in Spanish, the language, melodies, the voices. and of course the writings of Anton Chekhov! His humor,his insight on humanity and his understanding of people.
How did you start the collaboration with William Mastrosimone?
Antonio- I chose to Act and Produce this wonderful play "The Woolgatherer " by William Mastrosimone because these roles/characters spoke to me. Their brokenness, loneliness and their inability to recognize the humanity in each other while still being hopeful that together they might create a better world for each other plus it is a very funny play!!
Antonio Jaramillo and Ashley Alvarez
How does the play relate to the way people live in America today, and through out history?
Antonio- I think many people are living this way right now! With inflation being so high and the economy not being the strongest at this moment. People are suffering in this country. Feeling lost, broken, alone and in need of someone to come along and offer them a glimpse of hope, a smile, a better tomorrow! Even if that tomorrow isn't sunshine and rainbows? Everybody needs somebody to lean on!
Which character, that you have plated, onTV, Film orTheatre , has the most similarities to your personal style?
Antonio- I believe every role/character I've had the pleasure of portraying is similar to me in many ways. In order to play them we must possess those same qualities the role/character requires? The trick is to take out what doesn't work and amplify what does. As Actors we have the gift of playing with all the colors even if we only lead our daily lives in Black and white. If I had to mention a single role? I would say playing "Miguel zepeda" in Shades Of Blue opposite Jennifer Lopez was very cool. Terrific show!!.
What would you like to share with our audience?
Antonio- Finally life is short and we only get one!! So do that thing, whatever it is that its inside of you..that thing you most think about. Do it!! Don't ask for permission, give yourself the green light.
The play runs until September 7th at The Victory Theater in Burbank , CA
