This story was originally published by the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau on September 10, 2024. Click here to read the original post.
Paducah’s art scene extends far beyond traditional folk and fiber art. From remarkable painters, world-class photographers, and rocking musicians, Paducah has art for everyone. Along the way you might just make a friend or two or, in the case of Tony and Alex Bohannon, find a theatrical passion that your family enjoys while creating long-lasting memories on the stage.
Tony Bohannon, a local physical therapist, and Alex Bohannon, a customer service representative for a local bank, have taken the Market House Theatre stage by storm performing in four shows together at Market House Theatre over the past year and a half. Though the father-son duo has only begun sharing the stage recently, Tony’s history with Market House Theatre started decades ago. “I first auditioned in 1995 for South Pacific and ended up getting the role of Emil de Becque,” Tony shared. “After that, I was hooked. I was doing two or three shows every year until I had children.” Tony has continued his theatrical journey through the years, from auditioning and being cast in a few productions to supporting his two sons in their artistic endeavors. His youngest son, Lucas, began participating in theatrical productions as a kid at Market House Theatre and in school. For Alex, his theatrical experience didn’t start until later in life.
“Growing up, I would watch [Tony] on that stage, but I never really had the time or confidence to be up there myself, so I just enjoyed watching,” Alex expressed. “But when I got out of college, I finally had more time (and confidence), and I knew I wanted to get up there myself.” Alex auditioned for his first show with Tony for Market House Theatre’s production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man in 2023. Both were cast in supporting roles for the production. Alex shared that having his father with him for his first musical was a joy. “I felt so much more at ease having him there. And I just love watching him perform, either backstage or alongside him on stage.” Tony also shared the same joy of being in their first production together. “One of my favorite memories is seeing Alex take his first bow. Watching him finally take the stage and that first bow meant a lot to both of us.”
Alex and Tony share the stage for the fourth time in Market House Theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, running through September 28, 2024. Tony plays Mushnik, the grumpy owner of the flower shop where the “horrors” take place, thanks to the addition of a very “strange and interesting plant.”
Alex plays a variety of roles throughout the show, including a homeless “wino,” a customer, and other ensemble characters. While the actors share the same blood and stage, it is backstage where the bond is the strongest. Alex shared, “Backstage is where it is. He encourages me and makes it 10 times more fun being there every night!”
Market House Theatre is and has been a Paducah Cornerstone of Creativity and serves as one of the many artistic hubs for the region. Even as Paducah continued to expand and commercial areas grew, Market House Theatre remained and helped keep Downtown Paducah alive. All of these artistic opportunities are possible through the continued support of the incredible artistic community that Paducah continues to host. “Paducah has so much pride in its theatre and arts community,” expressed Alex. “There’s a reason why artists move here, and why people from all around west Kentucky and beyond travel here.”
