Centurion actor has no strings attached

A tall, dark and handsome actor from 7de Laan and The Wild is currently appearing in the latest stage production of Disney’s musical My son Pinocchio Jr . The 26-year old Henck Conrey from Centurion, who has been cast in the mature role of Pinocchio’s father Geppetto, says he loves the challenge of playing a character that he was not usually considered for.

My son Pinocchio Jr is currently performed at the Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg from 19 May to 10 August.

Conrey is better known for being in front of the camera in television soaps such as 7de Laan (Jacques) and MNet’s popular show The Wild in the role of the provocative David Jackson. Conrey made his debut in 2009 as a television presenter for the FNB Classic Clashes.

Conrey grew up in Port-Elizabeth and moved to Centurion in 2011 where he lived with his aunt to pursue his career in show business.

A few years ago he started his own production company, Conrey Entertainment. “I enjoy the creative as well as the business aspect of show business and wanted to do something where I could merge my two passions,” Conrey said.

“I also wanted to create a platform for other actors and give them an opportunity for exposure,” he said.

As if his plate was not already full, he also studied law through UNISA.

As someone who has experience in both theatrical and television productions, he said he found it hard to say which one he preferred. “They are different. During theatre productions I have learned certain acting skills, but in a way I have a greater passion for television.”

Talking about his role as Geppetto in Pinocchio, he said he has always loved the story. “I remembered that I loved the television shows as a child, but I could never imagine that I would one day actually play a character in the story.”

But playing a father figure has proved to be a great challenge for Conrey. “It is not only physically challenging, but I had to change my voice as well. It was a huge but incredible step to play this mature roll,” he said.

“The directors had faith in my abilities to expand my horizons and pushed me to my limits after I was chosen for the part,” he said.

The classic Disney story is told from the perspective of toy maker Geppetto and follows the adventures of the little wooden puppet who is magically brought to life by the Blue Fairy. She informs him that he could become a real boy if he proves himself to be brave, truthful, and unselfish. Pinocchio’s efforts to become a real boy also involves encounters with a host of unsavoury characters.

For information about the musical My son Pinocchio Jr, phone 011-403-1563 or visit www.peoplestheatre.co.za.