What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?
My favorite song is "Those You've Known." I love how the melody of the song integrates all the different musical themes in the show. It also is the only song that furthers the plot and allows you to see Melchior work through his personal struggle.
What inspires you to play the role?
As a Chair of Rock, I’m inspired simply by the fact that I am performing in the hottest musical of the decade. This show not only changed musical theatre, but also changes the lives of all who come to see it.
What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?
Every night the show is different. I enjoy it because it really keeps us on our toes and allows us to have a new and different energy every time we perform. As a Chair of Rock, it's always interesting to see how the various audiences in different cities react to our role in the show.
Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?
Every night on stage is a surprise! Some audience members have come right out and asked me if I was in the show. Others have offered to switch seats with me so that I “wouldn’t have to sit by myself." I have also had people talk to me during the middle of a pivotal scene. I love sitting on stage and I love seeing the different reactions from people every single night!
What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage/at the stage door?
We had a huge crowd after both of our shows in Minneapolis. The second night was my birthday, and Christopher Wood (Melchior) announced to the fans that it was my birthday and made everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to me! The funny part was - they all knew my name! At first I thought it was just the cast, but every person at the stage door already knew who I was! It was a fun birthday surprise. It’s very exciting to have people at the stage door that know and care about us.
Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?
I have been able to watch understudies go on and also perform as one! To watch my fellow swings get a chance to perform is so thrilling. Four of the five of us performed this fall, and each time was just as exciting as the first. I found myself tearing up, even during the funnier moments of the show because I was so proud. I know how hard we all work and how much we hope for those special shows when we get to go on. Having an understudy perform also brings a new and different energy to the show and allows the cast members to find new moments.
What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?
Performing for Steven and Michael was a truly special experience, especially because the show holds so much personal significance to them. I was touched how grateful they were to us that we were continuing the journey of their show and how pleased they were with our production.
What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?
I would be honored to play the role of Clara Johnson in The Light in the Piazza. It would be a great acting challenge to play a part that is so complex and multi-layered. It would be a dream come true to sing the beautiful score, and to take on the challenge of portraying Clara.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment