Katy Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Sep 2009: KATY KID -

Like every closing scene from The Waltons, the famous ’70s TV drama, Michael Iovine and his dad spent months shouting words to each other at bedtime. Only, they weren’t yelling, Good Night, John Boy.

Both Michaels, name of both dad and son, were cast members in the play You Can’t Take It with You, and right before drifting off to sleep each night, the two actors would yell their lines back and forth for practice.

Michael is a member of Dionysus Theatre Troupe, an inclusive group that brings together actors with disabilities along with actors who are non-disabled. Michael, a 2009 graduate of Cinco Ranch High School, has Down syndrome. He ’s perhaps known more for his acting skills than anything else.

Michael fell in love with theater while at Beck Junior High and has loved it every minute since. He considers his strong suit to be his ability to remember lines.

“I never forget my lines,” he said. “I always know everyone else’s lines, too.”

So true, agrees his dad who said Michael had to constantly help him remember his own lines.

According to Deborah Nowinski, Dionysus founding artistic director, Michael’s dad won the part because the other actor never showed up.

“Michael (senior) was sitting in the theater night after night—and if you’re really going do that—you might as well get up and work,” said Nowinski.

“What I loved about this rare allowance of father/son participation is that it gave them time to really do something together. Michael prompted his dad several times with his lines and felt good about teaching him something. Actually, Michael memorizes everyone ’s lines. I never have to worry with Michael (junior) on stage. He’s my walking script.”

Although he’s not new to acting, this is Michael’s first season with Dionysus and already he’s a director’s dream. The list of accolades describing him is a long one, according to Nowinski who said she loves

how he gives something extra every day at rehearsal and at every show. She says he has this spirit the audience loves.

“When he was in You Can’t Take It with You playing the role of Mr. DePinna every night, he brought something new to his character. Most actors after awhile phone it in, but Michael was up there every night re-creating and figuring out how to add a new twist. He ’s a hard worker and it shows. He’s well liked by the cast, too.

Michael wasn’t the same person after the show as he was six weeks prior to walking into Dionysus. There was more confidence and maturity and that beautiful smile he has is charming,” said Nowinski.

And as a bonus, Michael came highly recommended by his high school theater teacher. Nowinski loves when actors come from educators or organizations dealing with special needs because it usually means they see something beyond their label.

“I know I truly won in finding Michael. His smile and enthusiasm got me from the get-go. I became a Michael Iovine fan. ”

Dionysus is a nonprofit organization started by Nowinski in 1997 shortly after

her oldest son, Dustin, died of bone cancer at 15. He was a student at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in the vocal department. Music helped him through chemo and gave him a connection outside of the hospital.

Before he died, Dustin told his mom that people need to get rid of labels and allow everyone to express themselves. He was and still is her inspiration.

Dionysus began with six kids—three disabled and three able-bodied—all friends of Dustin’s. The unique theater group has been in existence for 12 years and is going strong, having grown to a hectic schedule of four shows a year, a youth theater, touring troupe and classes. The actors get a stipend for their work.

Nowinski believes they live up to their motto, changing lives...one act at a time. Her dream is to own her own building some day. Since 2004 the theater group has been performing successfully at the Jewish Community Center.

Now that his play is over, Michael’s goal is to join Dionysus’ youth theater and perform in schools. He’s also slated for roles in two more shows this season. His long-term goals involve more acting.

Michael lives in Katy with his dad and his mom, Mary Lou, who is a teacher at Creech Elementary. He has two sisters: Heather, 24, a teacher at Seven Lakes High, and Ashley, 19.

Like most actors, Michael is not at a loss for words when it comes to offering his philosophy on life.

His advice to anyone who wants to try something new?

“Go for it. Don’t worry about what’s going to happen. Just have fun with it,” he said.

For more information about Dionysus Theatre Troupe, visit www.dionysustheatre.org, e-mail deb@dionysustheatre.org or call
713-728-0041.