Theater Stage
Whether classic dramas, musicals, or experimental plays, Daniel's last decade of theater work exhibits tremendous diversity and range. His characters have included devils and saints, as well as pagan priests and princes.
Trained in theater and voice at Sarofim School of Fine Arts (Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas), Daniel learned the benefit of being an all-around theater performer. His work with Sarofim instructors Dr. Richard Hossala, Dr. Kathleen Juhl, Jim Fritzler, and David Stahl was instrumental in shaping his understanding of improvised movement, vocal play, and spatial awareness, which form the base of Daniel's present work. His performance style is also strongly influenced by his work with notable directors Daniel Alexander Jones, Laurie Carlos, and Robert Wilson.
Current Productions
Daniel has recently returned from extensive trips to New York in order to once again join the all-star cast of Musical Highlights for their 2012 German tour. This years cast includes Karin Hylander, Phiipp Hägeli, Sabine Neibersch, Petter Bjällö, as well as newest cast member Anna Thorén, who is most recently known for her portrayal of Elphaba in the hit musical "Wicked" in Oberhausen, Germany. With new songs and show numbers, including a new scenic design, the evening promises to be more fun than ever. Musical Highlights is a fascinating combination of visual and lighting effects and outstanding vocal performances. Praised by magazine, "Musical Zentrale", as one of the outstanding musical galas of the year, Musical Highlights is nothing short of an entertainment feast for every age and taste. For tour dates and information, click here.
Past Productions
A second run of Daniel's latest performance project, "Le Cadavre Exquis: Ein Versuch in Wundern" with renowned Hanoverian theater company, Commedia Futura at the historical artspace, The Eisfabrik will begin in February 2011! Directors, Wolfgang Piontek and David Brückel and Choreographers, Henrik Kaalund und Minako Seki, collaborate with Daniel and six other multi-talented performers to birth this riveting new performance piece. Rooted in surrealism, the creation of the piece is based on the principle of "le cadavre exquis" in which each director and choreographer continues the creative process without knowing what the others have done before. The result-- surprising and touching. Anything is possible; allowed is the unexpected. Come see the second premiere of this critically show on February 10, 2011! Infos at: commedia-futura.de
Created by producers Peter Scholz, Dennis Martin, and Michael Weiss, Bonifatius - The Musical was voted "Musical of the Year" by viewers and critics in 2005. This awe-inspiring show chronicles St. Boniface's mission to Germania and his struggle to end corruption within the church. Daniel joined the all-star cast in 2006 as pagan priest and Boniface adversary, "Radbod", performing opposite musical stars, Ethan Freeman (Boniface) and Stefan Poslovski (Bishop Gewilip). Together with Gewilip, Radbod attempts to abruptly end to Boniface's plans. For his vocal and stage performance, Daniel was critically acclaimed. He will reprise the role in 2010. For tickets and further information, click here.
The Mantis - This abstract performance installation set in Gallery Lucas Carieri in Berlin explores the complex physical and spiritual nature of modern women in juxtaposition to one of the most bizarre and revered insect species, the praying mantis. In a fantastical tropical world built by artist, Swen Kählert, Daniel Dodd-Ellis, Barbara Duchow, Minako Seki, and Jens Krassnig take viewers on a mystical journey, on which they become witness to a ritual of sacrifice, transformation, and rebirth.
The Temptation of Saint Anthony - Robert Wilson has created an astonishing visual feast in this inspired dramatic collaboration with Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder and artistic director of a capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock and curator of the museum of American history at the Smithsonian Institute. A production that asks fundamental questions about sin, goodness and the temptations of the flesh, starting from the figure of Saint Anthony in Gustave Flaubert's novel of 1874. Saint Anthony, performed by Daniel Dodd-Ellis struggles for perfect asceticism and reclusion but can also be seen as a symbol of the artist living in visions and images and getting lost in the imaginary world of his inspiration. More Information
