How old were you when you got your first role and what was it?
I hate looking back at some of the "JUNK" I've done in theater, but if it wasn't for kid's theater I wouldn't be doing what I do now...so...the first role I ever played was the role of "Aladdin" in "Aladdin" (so not the Disney version) at the White Marsh Theater in Maryland. I was 15, white, and already 6ft so you can imagine what kind of young peasant thief from Arabia I made. Let's just say I wouldn't be mistaken for one of Bin-Ladens terrorists.
Where did you grow up and what schools did you go to and was it for theater?
I grew up in Baltimore, born in a hippey/religious commune and moving to the inner city when I was 8 and to the suburbs when I was 12. Life was always really fun to me, I guess I should have taken things as seriously as I do theater and acting, but making decisions for college was weird. I did well in Highschool and I was doing theater on the side which I loved so I stayed in Baltimore and went to Towson State U to study music, majoring in voice. I was a part time art student too, so I went to the Maryland Art Institute for a semester and after about 2 years of college I left to pursue my theater career. Was it a smart move? I keep convincing myself everyday, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
How many years have you been dancing?
I really only started training to dance about 6 months before I began Saturday Night Fever in July of '00. Before that I was just a guy who moved well. I got buy with the roles I had in Cats and Starlight Express, but dance class was really a great opportunity for me (@ Broadway Dance), it gave me another skill to learn and I really think you get out of it what you put into it, and I put as much as I could into training, and it paid off with the most difficult dance show I have ever been in (SNF). I will never doubt my dance abilities from this day on. There are most definitely better dancers than me, no doubt, but I have a good chip on my shoulder after the Fever. Come on, I can do a triple peroet on either side...YEAH.
If you could play any role, what would it be and why?
I have certain roles that I've played that I hold high, and very dear to me, and when I go in to play any role I always treat it as an important part of the show (OK, maybe not 3rd waiter from the left in Annie, though I mugged the hell out of it). My favs where Tommy in The WHo's Tommy, Tony Manero in SNF, and Monty in SNF.
Dream roles include Radames in AIDA, Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and if they ever make a musical or play out of the movie Bedazzeled I would kill to play the Brendan Fraiser role. Other than that I am interested in anything that brings me some fun, I am studying with an acting class now.
If you were not a performer,what would be your other dream job?
I have a few jobs that I have not put out of my mind yet. 1. To play piano in the pit of a show, I really need to take more piano lessons though. 2. Designing, and or constructing sets for theater. 3. Housing contracting, building additions to houses or houses themselves, and basic electic, plumbing, construction work. 4. Auto-repair is something I have been looking into recently too. (All these are no joke...ask Orfeh)
Who are some of your inspirations?
I like a lot of different people for different reasons. Orfeh is the first person on my list because of her endless talent, great sense of humor, tenacity, and her voice rocks. I have a lot of friends who inspire me and it's always good have inspiration close. Fav actors are Gary Oldman, Brendan Frasier, Cartman from South Park, and Patrick Stewart ala Dune/ Camelot.
Which do you like better broadway or touring?
There is nothing wrong with touring but SNF was my third tour, and Ive seen America 3x's over. I know where I belong and that's here in NY. If broadway knocks on my door I will be sure to answer.
How do you prepare for most auditions?
Alot of Musical theater auditions will have you sing first and it's always good to sing something in the style of the show. I have been sent out on alot of Rock-pop shows so I keep with a couple of good songs (always warm up before you scream). If Im lucky enough to get some sides (dialogue) to read from, I try to practice the lines as much as possible and dive head first into the character...auditions don't give you alot of prep time so concentration is most important for the short time you have. Make your statement clear and show off to those people behind the table. Never be afraid of something new, it all means something to somebody.
What was your most memorable moment in Saturday Night Fever?
I have alot of great memories of the Fever so Ill keep it to the top 3. 1. My first night on Broadway was a blast the audience laughed at my lines and I took my first broadway bow...cool. 2. The night I knew Orfeh liked me. I never thought I had chance with the Orfinator, but we were kinda ga-ga over each other...I'm the man. 3. The first night I played Monty. It was closing night in Seattle and I finished playing Tony on the matinee when they called me to stage management. I had 2 hs before the evening show to learn a role I was never rehersed for. I pulled it off in such a choice way i impressed myself I will try and get a sound bite and a pic of me as Montilicious.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
Right now Im fixing up the apartment and Im going to start acting class which is something fun. I like roller-blades, PS2, computers, rock-music, and exercise. When Orf and I are on vacation we jet-ski, and play Pkadima.
What advice can you give to young performers who wish to make it in the world of theater?
I love what I do for a living, it really really rocks when you're on the stage and the audience understands you and you can give them a gift of laughter or amazement or sorrow. It is a life that deserves the dedication you can give it, it's as tough as military training sometimes, and often as complicated as surgery, but the pay off is pure joy. The $ is a nightmare, lots sometimes, little most of the time. Theater will speak to you when you now it's right, and the challenges are always there. When your not being challenged or learning something new you aren't living the way you should.
