WWJ's Greg Bowman Moonlights As Atticus Finch At 'The Barn'

DETROIT (WWJ) - Middays are always busy for WWJ's Greg Bowman. There's the spot log and the impeccable timing... but come night fall, the master of the mic transforms into a character you have to see to believe.

"This is the role of a lifetime, playing Atticus Finch," Bowman told WWJ's Kathryn Larson.

"It's a lot to live up to, because so many people have read the book, so many people have seen the movie. I'm not Gregory Peck, I'm only Gregory Bowman, so it won't be that exactly."

You can see Bowman performing the lead role in Farmington Players production of "To Kill a Mockingbird." The seasoned actor said his day job anchoring WWJ's midday program has prepared him well for opening night.

"It helps because I know I have an audience during the day and I have to relate and connect with them. I can't see them, though. So, I guess in that way, it helps me. It's somewhat easier when I'm on stage because I don't exactly stare at the audience, but I know they're there."

But even with a background in radio, Bowman said he still gets nervous on the stage.

"I mean, yes. I think anyone who says they don't get stage fright, they don't get nervous, I don't think they're telling the truth. You know, you use that energy, that nervousness, you transform it into energy and into connections."

Bowman said the connections are raw and real because the cast is sticking to the original script.

"Some of the language in the play, people might find controversial. But, there's no way to do the story, you know, by changing language. I mean, the N-word is used in this play, it has to be used, it's part of what would have happened at the time. If you took it out, you'd lose the impact and you'd lose the meaning."

Bowman said while he loves the bright spotlight, this will be his last performance for quite sometime.

"I have a new role, just like Atticus, an old dad, and we're expecting twins in January. So, that is definitely going to cut down on my availability and my energy and everything else so it may be a while before I'm back on stage again."

But he'll return, because while this anchor loves the mic, he can't get enough of the stage.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" will be performed from Sept. 30 through Oct. 22. For more information on the Farmington Players or to purchase tickets, visit www.farmingtonplayers.org or call the box office at 248-553-2955.