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Schenectady High Grad Organizes LA Production of “Topdog/Underdog”
Posted by Gail M. Burns - January 2010
SCHENECTADY HIGH 1997 Grad M.D. WALTON GATHERS CELEBRITIES TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE 2010 PULITZER PRIZE WINNING LOS ANGELES PRODUCTION OF TOPDOG/UNDERDOG BY SUZAN-LORI PARKS
Actor/Producer Michael “M.D.” Walton, a 1997 Schenectady High School graduate has recently acquired the performance rights for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize Winning Drama Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks. This will be only the 2nd time in Los Angeles that this historical production will be presented in Los Angeles, CA. Ms Parks is the first African American Woman Playwright to win the Pulitzer. The play opened Off Broadway with acclaimed actors Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright in the title roles. The show went on to Broadway in 2002 and garnered a TONY Nomination for Best Play and a TONY Award for Jeffrey Wright (Best Actor).
Mr Walton acquired the performance rights for Topdog/Underdog in September 2009 and hopes to launch this production in May/June 2010. It’s been his dream to launch this production for 9 years ever since seeing it with Cheadle and Wright. Walton, who goes by M.D., credits Bill Ziskin, Schenectady High School teacher (John Sayles School of Fine Arts, SHS) for helping him decide to launch his acting career. “Bill Ziskin has been instrumental in helping me choose acting as a career choice. I still look at him as a mentor to this day.” Ziskin had cast him in the title role of Shakespeare’s Othello in 1997. “I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life after that experience.”
As part of Walton’s fundraising efforts to raise capital to launch Topdog/Underdog he has reached out to a variety of celebrities who have come out to do Inside the Actors’ Studio type QandA sessions. Ben McKenzie, (THE OC, SOUTHLAND), Harold Perrineau (LOST), Keith David (Platoon, There’s Something About Mary, etc), Tracie Thoms (COLD CASE), Larry Gilliard (THE WIRE), James Avery and Tatyana Ali of (THE FRESH PRINCE OF BELAIR), Nate Parker (THE GREAT DEBATERS/George Lucas’ RED TAILS), Enver Gjokaj (DOLLHOUSE), Rob Corddry (THE DAILY SHOW ), Nate Corddry (30 Rock, the DAILY SHOW), Harry Manfredini (Composer of the original FRIDAY the 13th SERIES) have all come out to support M.D. in his mission.
Walton has enjoyed a career in television, film, theater. Notable theater credits include: Williamstown Theatre Festival, Public Theater NYSF, West Coast BROADWAY TOUR (Seattle Rep, Old Globe, Golden Gate Theatres) of Take Me Out in the lead role under the direction of TONY Award Winning Director Joe Mantello. Tv/film credits include guest stars/recurring roles on Law and Order, Law and Order CI, Fox’s LIE TO ME , The Unit, All My Children, Guiding Light, FX’s RESCUE ME, and NBC”s web series THE GEMINI DIVISION. He has a supporting role opposite Adam Sandler in Columbia Pictures’ REIGN OVER ME. He has a lead in the thriller/horror film The Black Waterof Echo’s Pond which is due for theatrical release this spring in 500 theaters across the US.
Mr Walton plans to give a percentage of any profits from the Topdog/Underdog production to The Shriner’s Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles as well as an organization called Family Promise that helps fight homlessness within families. “It is my duty to give back to the community. Both organizations hold a special place in my heart.”
Walton has raised $6200 so far and continues to fundraise to reach the budget goal of $20-25K to cover advertising/production costs. Walton has teamed with the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank, CA who is serving as the production’s 501c3 non profit. He seeks out support from angel donors/investors /businesses in the Capital District who wish to help him launch this event in May/June of 2010. Donations are tax deductible. Please contact M.D. Walton at mdwalton79@aol.com for donation/investor information.