Messmer aims to inspire in one-man drama

Wayne Messmer, the "Voice of Wrigley Field," is no stranger to taking on challenges.

His personal trials have been well-documented - after being mugged and shot in the throat in 1994, Messmer underwent months of physical therapy before being able return to work.

And professionally, Messmer has shown no limits. He's best known for being the public address announcer for the Chicago Cubs and singing the national anthem before sporting events. But he's also a financial planner - and an actor. His latest foray is starring in a one-man show about his idol, Father Damien.

The Belgium-born priest is famous for tending to thousands of people with leprosy who were banished to a Hawaiian island in the late 1800s. Father Damien spent 16 years caring for the group, which was placed under a government-sanctioned medical quarantine, before dying of leprosy himself in 1889 at age 49.

The Aldyth Morris-show "Damien" premieres Friday, Nov. 6, at the Winnetka Chapel. On Dec. 12, Messmer will perform the show as a fundraiser to benefit the Gridiron Warriors, former high school football players who have been paralyzed after suffering spinal cord injuries.

Messmer, who lives in Glenview, recently shared his thoughts about his latest challenge.

Q. How long have you been acting?

A. I've done acting since high school. Primarily it's been the traditional musical theater type of stuff -- "The Music Man," "South Pacific," the shows with good baritone roles. This particular piece is not a musical; it's just pure drama.

It's a real challenge because it's a one-man show. There's no one to play off of except the audience. I'm fascinated by his character; I always have been since I was a kid. He's a character with values we should all aspire to.

Q. What stands out as most remarkable about Father Damien?

A. His single focus of purpose. He never lost sight of what he set out to do. He was someone who did something rather unselfishly without fanfare. He volunteered for this assignment when nobody else would or nobody else thought it should be done.

These people were basically identified by the Board of Health as having leprosy. There was a lot of misunderstanding (about the disease) and they were paraded down to a waterfront, loaded on a ship and sent to a desolate area. They were literally thrown overboard to fend for themselves. It was a gross inhumanity. People know there was isolation, but no one knew their living conditions.

Q. You have even visited the site of the quarantine. How did this help you connect to the character?

A. My wife, Kathleen, and I were in Hawaii (last November) because she was in the international choral championships. We extended the trip for a week and went to the island of Molokai, which is even today still very undeveloped. We rode mules down the mountainside to get down there and spent time walking the grounds. It was quite a moving experience. Knowing the story, it becomes very emotional - this is where it happened. You can really sense it.

There's an eerie physical resemblance between Father Damien and I. Just to pretend to be him for an hour and a half makes me hopefully a better person.

Q. What's the message you hope people take away from the show?

A. I've really thought about this. It comes down to being inspired enough to say, "How can I be one step closer to reaching out to someone and putting them over myself?" Father Damien's lesson still lives today.

I believe this is a story that not only needs to be told, but even more importantly needs to be heard. We need more heroes who we can really emulate; real human people who did remarkable things.

Q. Do you strive to live with similar ideals?

A. Those are lofty ideals. But it does affect me; it affects people who come to see this play. A deacon came to see me; after the play, he came up with this big hug and said, "Now that I have met Damien, I feel I have a companion for the rest of my life." The message really got through. Basic principles come across in this play. Unselfish service to others; that's really the biggest thing. It's a great lesson in humility, which we could all use.

Q. You've portrayed Father Damien in past shows. How is this time different?

A. I've done this a number of times over the past five or six years; though it's been awhile. Since the sainthood, it's more timely than ever. (Father Damien was canonized by the Vatican on Oct. 11, 2009.)

We've made slight modifications since the last time I did it. They will really enhance it. The play was written in 1977. I can just imagine what Damien would say if he were watching - he'd probably have a comment or two. Sainthood wasn't his intention. His intention was simple service.

"Damien"

What: Wayne Messmer stars in "Damien"

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 12

Where: Winnetka Chapel, corner of Pine and Lincoln

Tickets: $20. Call (888) 736-7552