"Flourish Without Personal Compromise." - Chatting with Members of the Choir's James Edward Becton

I would like you to meet James Edward Becton. James was recently seen in Members of the Choir at The Chain Theatre written by Evan Edwards and directed by Rick Hamilton. This Niagara University Alumni has performed a lot in The New York Theatre Scene where he has performed for companies such as The Tank, 13th Street Rep, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), LaMaMa, Horizon Theatre Rep, and Classical Theater of Harlem. I cannot express how inspiring it is to see so many amazing artists come together for this amazing production at The Chain, and I am very excited to feature yet another of those incredibly talented artists!

How old were you when you knew you wanted a career in the performing arts? 

My introduction to stage performance came in the guise of Cinderella's Prince in my sixth-grade production of Cinderella, so I was 11 or 12. But the realization of my love and the concept of a career in the performing arts codified with the performance youth group, Niagara Falls Experienced Players (NFEP) when I was 15.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped shape you into the artist you are today? 

Theatre came to me through my high school chorus teacher Marva Frails (Rest In Power 9/30/21). Through her personal attention, guidance, and tutelage, I was heralded into the power of voice. The song came first. Dance came next which garnered my BFA from Niagara University in Lewiston, NY.  Subsequent training presented itself through Stella Adler and Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, MA, but the majority of my training has come from the literal practice and exercise of the craft. There is no experience like experience. To that end, I cannot say that I have or have had a "mentor" or a trusted and experienced advisor who shaped me into the artist that I am now; it was much more the relations with my colleagues, castmates, and fellow Art Makers. Being there, sharing honestly and openly, and truly collaborating to create truth is where the experienced advisors exist. 

Congratulations on Members of the Choir! Evan Edwards is a true gem in this industry, and it is so exciting to see new works come to light like this. What about Members of the Choir excited you?

Thank you! I was invited into this process breathing life into the role of Simon 3 years ago; it's incredibly fulfilling and validating to journey through the development of a new piece from start to finish, made only easier with the penmanship and generosity of Evan. In constructing and composing (see what I did there) this contemplative multi-harmonized piece of orchestration, Evan asked honest questions, and we gave honest answers. It was Collaboration in its purest form. Weall reaped the fruits of what we've collectively sown. That's so satiating. What excited me most about MoTC, is that it was a refreshing and honest presentation of Gayness/Queerness/Homosexuality that showcases the diverse representation of a community within a community that is often commodified without inclusion. Not since Noah’s Arc can I say there has been this type of representation, I think. 

Are there any shows, performances, or moments in your wonderful career that stick out and are near and dear to your heart? 

Thank you for this question! There are three productions that come to mind immediately. The first is the NFEP's holiday production of A Christmas Carol where I was Jacob Marley in the winter of 1989. I was outside of school, performing for the actual public, and visiting Niagara Falls, NY! That excitement, the feeling of accomplishment, and the personal validation of finding something were incredible! I can say wholeheartedly that had it not been for that show, I would have easily become a statistic that is the demise of a black man. From that show was forged a purpose and a literal Dream.

In March 7- April 14, 1996, from Summer Fare, Buffalo's Musical Theater Company (Now MusicalFare Theatre) came the second production wherein I literally found the strength and security in myself as a bonafide, paid professional artist. I portrayed the role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Judas was, by far, my most challenging role being that it was my first real opportunity at a role while still being in University.  My freshman leading performance garnered me a Supporting Actor in a Musical nomination for the ArtVoice Theatre Awards '96. Judas is still my favorite to perform as well as being the most fulfilling role I've done. Although, I believe that's about to change as I am about to step into Che' in Evita this Fall, so I think Judas might come in at a close second. 

The third moment of note would be Season 11 of Kelley Nicole Girod's The Fire This Time Festival in collaboration with Erez Ziv and FRIGID NY. Why? Because that was the first time in my career wherein I was part of a production compiled entirely of BIPOC/Queer/Trans creatives.  

What advice would you give any young aspiring artist? 

The advice I would give is to stay true to yourself and flourish without personal compromise.