In the preface to his only novel, 19th Century English playwright, Oscar Wilde commented, "All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their own peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril." This stage play version of that famous novel re-images Dorian Gray as a woman who examines aestheticism, a psuedo-religion that worships beauty above all things. Mike Parker is an award-winning freelance writer, actor, director, novelist, playwright & screenwriter. A BA degree in Bible and Philosophy, a stint as an officer with the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets), a career as a stock broker during the great bull market of the eighties, and an entrepreneurial plunge into the uncertain world of television syndication have all combined to give him a unique outlook on the world. Blessed (or cursed) with an insatiable curiosity he is voracious reader, questioner, ponderer.1993 brought Mike from Texas to Nashville, TN where he, along with his playwright wife, Paula, helped establish Carpenter's Playhouse, a local community theatre. Together they now serve on the board of Lamplighter's Theatre in Smyrna, TN. With the creative juices flowing from the theatre and the proximity of both the music & publishing industries, Mike turned his attention to his old flame, writing. His efforts have paid off as more than 1000 of his articles, celebrity profiles, CD, book & theater reviews, and poetry have been published by such national periodicals as Campus Life, Today's Christian Parent, Vibrant life, and CCM. His articles have been featured on the covers of such national publications as HomeLife, Christian Single, Stand Firm, Bible Express, Living With Teenagers, 7Ball, and Release Magazines.Mike is a sought after copywriter in the entertainment industry. He has done promotional work for 20th Century Fox and the A&E Network, as well as for most of the major Christian music labels in Nashville. He has penned artist bios for such noted performers as Sandi Patty, Wayne Watson, Big Tent Revival, Charlie Hall, Big Daddy Weave, Margaret Becker, The Waiting, Aaron Shust, Phil Keaggy, and many others.He has authored three successfully produced stage plays including: "Fail-Safe: the stage play," "Oscar Wilde's DORIAN GRAY," and "Mark Twain Presents: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and he is currently working on a musical adaptation of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and a one-man show called "The Gospel According to Mark Twain." An accomplished stage director and character actor Mike is best remembered for his stage roles as Mr. Beaver in "The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe," Marley in "A Christmas Carol," and Juror 3 in "12 Angry Men." He was profiled as the Actor of the Month by Christian-movie.com, and has appeared in films such as "Country Strong" with Gwyneth Paltrow and telev...
