James A. Hughes

James A. Hughes
Photo courtesy of The Pollard

James A. Hughes, resident company member of the Pollard Theatre is one of the most versatile actors in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area.  Hughes studied dance and costume design at Oklahoma City University, and his credits include directing and choreographing as well as performing on stage.  His range includes many roles, from the beloved Bob Cratchit in Pollard’s “A Territorial Christmas Carol” to Boolie Werthan in “Driving Miss Daisy” also at the Pollard.  “Driving Miss Daisy” is coming up again at the Pollard, opening August 23, 2019.  And Hughes will be back reprising his role as Boolie Werthan in this latest production.  Hughes has played many roles with remarkable skill and ease such as “The Elephant Man” developing the role of John Merrick with an unusual approach as well as consummate skill.  Hughes is also known for his roles in many other productions among them R.P. MacMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”  Jesus in “Godspell”,  George in “La Cage aux Folles”, Tom in “The Glass Menagerie”, The Mute in “The Fantasticks”, Mike in “Wait Until Dark” and  Otto in “The Diary of Anne Frank” just to name a few.

Hughes is currently Shop Foreman at the Pollard Theatre which shows that his behind the scene skills are broad, encompassing sets, costumes and design in both areas.  He is well-rounded, but further, he is easy to work with back stage as well as on-stage.  His background in dance as well as music gives him a good basis for his characters as well as his remarkable talent for natural characterization.

What sets Hughes apart more than anything else is his genuineness.  It is apparent with his characters, but it is also apparent in his life.  He is a friend who can be trusted as well as an actor who can be trusted and that makes him a joy to watch, to hear and to know.

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