Remember when we gave you a glimpse of Ben Olsen as actor?
Well, United's longtime midfielder was it again this week, moving from television to the stage (Arena Stage, to be exact) this past Monday evening. Benny was one of more than 30 cast members - made up of prominent congressman, athletes, coaches and TV personalities - to take the stage in the 16th Annual Arena Stage Benefit to support Community Engagement. The cast included Behind the Badge favorite Lindsay Czarniak (word on the street is she loves Chris Botti, by the way), as well as DC councilmembers Jack Evans, Carol Schwartz and Tommy Wells, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis (he loves blogging!) and numerous others.
Ben's primary role in the original comedy Play On! included taking the stage with NBC's Jim Vance, Georgetown Head Cocah John Thompson III and former Redskin Charles Mann, as the four gave a "one-minute drill" on the Scranton Olympics, which apparently was the setting for Team USA's Mixed Double Petathlon gold medal hopeful, Duke Deltoid. I think it would have made more sense if we had been there.
Regardless, I'm told the event was a big success, though I haven't heard any reports on Ben's acting - did anyone out there witness his performance?
You can see a couple of photos from the play at Videos & Pics (courtesy of Arena Stage, taken by Scott Suchman). Next time Ben decides to take the stage, hopeful we'll be able to give you advance notice.
Good day.
