Actor Jake Thorne, (Dan Hornak) has played John Wayne-type characters since 1972 when New Vic director Ted Kistler suggested he play a character in a New Vic production as John Wayne. It caught on and the audience loved it. Not that he hadn't tried it before. Growing up he found a role model in John Wayne. Ever since he was ten he wanted to walk the walk and talk the talk of his hero.

He adopted the stage name Jake Thorne from a John Wayne-like character in a script that was never produced. Dan, (Jake), has many advantages working for him as John Wayne.

He is 6 foot 4, (same as Wayne) and Looks amazingly Like him. Add to that the costuming for KEEPING THE LEGEND ALIVE, the walk and the immediately recognizable vocal cadence and the result is stunning. He succeeds in making the character not just an imitation or caricature, but as close as you can get to the real thing. - Winston Salem Journal

JAKE THORNE: KEEPING THE LEGEND ALIVE…
…is a fund raising, benefit performance for The New Vic and the Mary Jo Kistler Memorial Fund. Performances Friday and Saturday evening, January 27 and 28 at 8:30. ALL seats are $30. Tickets now on sale. If you miss the Duke…He's back.

Phone 269-381-3328 for information and reservations.

PERFORMER BACKGROUND:
Dan is now 60 years old and was born in Muskegon, Michigan. He has a bachelors degree in communications from WMU and a bachelors degree in television and film from Grand Valley State. He has an extensive background in stage and in film, promotions and public service. He is now a retired TV director from the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to his early work at The New Vic, Dan is a former elementary school teacher in Allegan, Michigan and a former Sheriffs deputy with the Allegan County Sheriffs Department.