FLEX TIME
Flex TIME
C A N N I N G TA K E S F I NA L B O W AT ’ W I C K
Curtain Set to Open on Act III By Mike Kennedy ’99
A
FTER 14 years at Brunswick, Middle School Teacher Jim Canning is taking his final bow in June — retiring after more than two decades in the field of education.
Canning spent 10 years at Rippowam Cisqua School
before arriving on King Street in 2001 to head-up the Middle School Latin program, later adding English and drama to his packed slate of responsibilities. Before that, in his 20s and 30s, the Chicago native made his living as an actor, landing a role as Doody in the original company of “Grease” — which opened at the Kingston Mines Theater on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago in 1971 and moved to Broadway the following year. Canning, who began acting on a whim while substitute teaching in Chicago, stayed with the show for three years before moving to Los Angeles to work in film and television. Casting credits in L.A. included “Boys in Company C,” “The Fog,” and “Elvis,” as well as TV’s “M*A*S*H,” “Dallas,” “Law & Order,” and “ChiPs.” Canning calls that era of his life his first act — the next 24 years as a teacher his second. “If I’m going to have a third act, I felt I better get going. I may not have all that much time left,” he kidded — his persistent, charismatic smile on full display. Canning has plans to continue his pursuit of the creative arts and is considering writing a book about teaching, stemming from his experiences in the REACH program and at Brunswick. “I may also return to the world of acting,” he said, “so you may not have seen the last of me.” He and his wife, Laura, Senior Dean at Greenwich Academy, will remain in Black Rock, where they’ll be close to their three sons — all of whom live in Boston. Canning leaves Brunswick a proud man — considering his greatest triumph to be the now ever-popular Middle School drama program, which he spearheaded six years ago. He’ll leave with many fond memories, too.
Jim Canning with the original cast of “Grease” in February 1971.
“I really enjoyed being around Middle School boys,” he said. “I’ll miss their energy and sense of humor the most.”
WWW.BRUNSWICKSCHOOL .ORG
Flex Time Jim Canning 052815.indd 51
| 51
5/28/15 12:31 PM