'Seinfeld,' which ran nine seasons and ranked among the top two in the Nielsen ratings for its last four seasons in a row, is only one of the large successes that Jason Alexander – who played George Costanza in the acclaimed TV series – has participated in during his acting career.
Now Alexander, the actor who has also appeared in several Broadway musicals and won a Tony Award as best actor in 'Jerome Robbins' Broadway' in 1989, is headed to Utah County.
On Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., UVU’s student association is hosting an “Evening with Jason Alexander” in the Grande Ballroom of the Sorensen Student Center.
Alexander will participate with UVU students in an acting presentation and will follow with a question-and-answer session. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
Jared Gay, studying public relations at BYU, is a major 'Seinfeld' fan (his favorite episode being 'Man Hands') and views the chance to watch a talented comedian as a neat opportunity.
”George is such an upset bald man,' Gay said. “He’s just so anxious and so angry all the time it’s just kind of funny.”
Darren Perucci, from Lake Tahoe, Calif., also enjoys 'Seinfeld,' and said he also enjoyed the watching Alexander in 'A Christmas Carol' musical.
“I think he’s really talented because he can play different roles,' Perucci said. 'He can go from acting in 'Seinfeld,' which is one of the funniest shows ever, but he can also be in a musical.”
Alexander's show is only a part of his big visit to UVU. On Feb. 27-29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, Alexander will be conducting three workshops — at the Noorda Theater — on monologues, two-person scenes and musical theater songs.
The workshops are open to all UVU students, but School of the Arts students and faculty will be given priority.
UVU's event manager for School of the Arts, Traci Hainsworth, said that UVU is very excited at the opportunity to have Alexander visit.
“This is Jason’s first visit to UVU, and he is excited to work with our students and to meet our faculty to share ideas and a love of the theater,” Hainsworth said. “His workshops will give our acting students an opportunity to learn from an award-winning actor and fantastic teacher. He will also be sharing stories and insights on acting as a career and what it takes to ‘make it.’”
Matt Hopkins, from Concord, Calif., feels that such a visit speaks volumes about the talent that is present in the community.
“This validates the talent that exists here in Utah Valley that such a famous actor would want to come out here, see the scene and take the chance to see some of these outstanding students,” Hopkins said.