Hometown: Saratoga Springs NY
Education: Cortland State University B.A in Musical Theatre
Select Credits: How Deep is the Ocean (John Tanman, Theatre at St.Clements); The Full Monty (Ethan, Riverside Theatre); Barcode (Ensemble, The Play Room Theatre); Royal Caribbean International (Guest Entertainer, Royal Caribbean Productions)
Why theater?: My Mom got me involved in theatre at a young age. It’s amazing to be paid to tell an audience a story ever night. That’s why we do what we do, to get across a message and make you leave asking questions. Everyone needs to leave the reality of everyday life to be entertained and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to give them that entertainment.
Tell us about How Deep Is the Ocean: How deep is the Ocean is an original piece by composer Peter and book writer Pia Cincotti. This is their first musical together and they have an amazing show. It takes place in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey and right from the beginning of the production the conflict begins. The beach is closed because of pollution in the ocean and the town turns to Rob Torino to help Chlorinate the ocean. There is a beautiful love triangle written in the show between long time friend Andy Marino (Aaron Ramey), Rob Torino (Eric Leviton) and his wife Jackie( Michelle Federer). The music drives the show from start to finish with an amazing book that works like a movie. Don’t miss out on this fun roller coaster! There’s even a surprise celebrity cameo appearance every single night!
What is it like being a part of How Deep is the Ocean?: I started working on this project after I returned from doing The Full Monty in Florida. I was contacted by my Agency and asked to be a part of a reading of How Deep is the Ocean by the same casting company that cast me in Monty. I researched well… googled the project and Peter Cincotti's music caught my ear so I signed on. From the first rehearsal I was hooked and in love with the score and cast and creative team. Now here we are doing a fully staged and elaborate production of the show. The cast is incredible to work with and I feel so lucky to be a part of such an original piece. It’s the best thing in the world when we get to create as actors
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: All theatre speaks to me, anything that can take me on a journey outside of my everyday life. I’m inspired by many vocalist and artist whose performances have touched me and inspired me to work as hard as I possibly can to achieve my goals. If I had to pick one person it would be Hugh Jackman..
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Drew in Rock of Ages, Gabe in N2N
What’s your favorite showtune?: Anything John Raitt is singing, all day all night love the classics. Love contemporary musical theatre as well. “I’m Alive” from N2N gets played a lot on the ipod.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Would love to have the opportunity to work opposite Laura Osnes. I think she’s a fantastic rising talent.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Chris Evans (Because I’m told I look like him) - “The guy who always finds himself shirtless in a show!”
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Dogfight! Go see it! It’s fantastic
What’s the best advice you can give someone trying to make it in theater?: Make sure you’ve got all the tools you need to succeed and be well rounded in all aspects of your craft. Don’t ever forget who you are and where you came from because those are two things that should never change. Be patient, with time and persistence everything will line up the way that its suppose to.
What’s up next?: I have one gig lined up in September that’s yet to be announced… I can’t say much but please do follow me on www.anthonyfesta.net