When playing football at Georgia Tech and in the NFL, a broken leg would have been bad news for Dorsey Levens and Ryan Stewart.
But now, if you told both of the retired players and aspiring actors to "break a leg," they probably would pat you on the back for wishing them good luck.
Levens, through his company Levens Communications and with A Higher Calling Theatre Company, is presenting a play titled "Torn: Every Decision Has a Consequence" July 14-18 at the 14th Street Playhouse.
Levens is the executive producer, and Stewart, who will make his acting debut, has a feature role.
Levens, a one-time Pro Bowl running back, retired from the NFL after a 10-year career with the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. He played in three Super Bowls and helped the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI.
Stewart, a third-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 1996, played five seasons in the NFL. He has found success in the radio business as one-half of the "2 Live Stews" nationally syndicated sports talk show with his brother, Doug, which airs locally on 790 The Zone.
Since hanging up their cleats, both have been hit with the acting bug and taken acting classes. Levens has had cameo appearances in movies "We Are Marshall" and "Three Can Play That Game." Stewart had opportunities to appear in both "Stomp the Yard" movies, but had scheduling conflicts.
The "Torn" project came together through some of Levens' church members.
"We did this at my church, Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Marietta, back in February," Levens said. "The response was so overwhelming that we got together and put a plan together."
Tiffany Brown is the director and writer of the play, along with Lynnette Roberts.
Karon Riley, who played for the Falcons from 2002-04, also is in the play. He's married to actress Terri J. Vaughn, who's best known as the wisecracking secretary Lovita Alizay Jenkins Robinson from "The Steve Harvey Show."
Also, Corinne Van Ryck de Groot (of "The Guardian") is in the play.
"Our cast is unbelievable," Levens said.
Stewart has talked of his interest in acting on the radio show, which is syndicated by Sporting News Radio.
"When he asked me if I'd be willing," Stewart said. "I jumped at the opportunity. I was so, so thankful."
Stewart expects some opening-night jitters.
"The longer that I prepared to read for this one, I was getting a little nervous," Stewart said. "But I'll find a way to make it work and do a good job."
Levens believes Stewart will pull through just fine.
"He's talented," Levens said. "He's funny. He brings a lot to the table."
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