Jeff's Enthusiasm

John McCarthy was there at LAI's 30th Anniversary celebration, so after trying several times earlier, I was able to get a copy of "Journey With Jeff" into his hands. John was the one to encourage Jeff's love of acting. ~~~ The "Enthusiasm" chapter in the book is their story. ~~~ "John, a recreation therapist at LAI, directed a residence production of The Wizard of Oz with Jeff in the role of the Cowardly Lion. He tells this tale: 'Everyone in the cast was doing a fine job playing their parts. When it was time for Jeff's entrance dressed as the lion, he let out a loud, ferocious, powerful, heart-felt growl! The audience thunderously applauded. Jeff did not merely say his line and play the role--for all practical purposes Jeff became the Lion. Jeff knew the story so well he was able to improvise dialogue with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and Tin Man. It wasn't a recitation of lines, Jeff lived the part and the audience felt his enthusiasm and believed his convincing portrayal of the Lion. That's typical Jeff. I've never met anyone so enthused about stories and movies than Jeff Reisch!"