Hometown: Solon, OH
Education: BFA from Syracuse University
Select Credits: Wicked (Boq, Broadway), Shrek the Musical (Pinocchio, Broadway), Lion King (Ed, Las Vegas), Happiness (Mick Jagger, Lincoln Center Theater), Zanna, Don’t! (Tank, Off-Broadway)
Why theater?: I have always been entranced by how transportive a theatrical experience can be. As a child, I would enlist the help of my cousins to make videos, roller skating spectaculars, haunted houses, WWF-esque wrestling events, basement/garage productions of Cats, as well as “original” pieces of “theatre”. I’ve offered to pay for their therapy all these years later, but none of them have taken me up on it.
Tell us about Marry Harry: Marry Harry is sweet new musical about a man and a woman both on the verge of 30 both trying to find independence from their respective parents.
What is it like being a part of Marry Harry?: It has been both challenging and rewarding. The challenge has been learning such a huge role in such a short amount of time. The rewards have been working with such an incredible company of artists and taking on a role so early in the life of a piece. The creators have been extremely open to our input and we have really been made to feel like our feedback has helped shape this version of the show.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I am a pretty easy audience member to please. I love the conventions of theatre-going, so I am almost immediately won over just sitting in a theatre seat. That said, I enjoy a good, heavy family drama, with a twist. Or musicals that are epic and lush. I also saw Footloose four times when it was on Broadway. So, there’s that. Don’t judge. I am inspired by collaboration and an openness to exploration. I am drawn to people who see possibility in everything, so my favorite experiences have been in environments where there are no wrong choices.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I would love to play Louis Ironson in Angels in America and Leo Frank in Parade.
What’s your favorite showtune?: It’s a toss up between “If I Loved You” from Carousel and “New Music” from Ragtime.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Hal Prince.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would play me, of course. It would be called “Unnecessary Consonants”. With that title, it would probably go straight to dvd.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Matilda
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: New Kids On The Block
What’s up next?: 8 years ago, I started a creative studio with some of my best friends called dirty sugar. We have a bunch of projects coming up in August that will have me pretty busy, but I also have a few mini vacations coming up! It’s all about balance.