Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Education: B.A. Dramatic Arts, UNC Chapel Hill
Select Credits: My Fair Lady (Freddy, Gretna Theatre), A Funny Thing…Forum (Hero, College Light Opera Company)
Why theater?: Nothing makes me feel as alive and energized as being onstage and telling a story.
Who do you play in The Zombies: A Musical?: Junior, the closeted son of a bigoted father. He’s trying to be strong and tough like his dad wants him to be, but inside, he’s really struggling and just wants to be himself.
Tell us about The Zombies: A Musical: This show is the brainchild of Max Resto, one of the more eclectic people I’ve met. He’s well versed in music, cinema, religion, and politics and has used his unique and vivid imagination to create a campy and compelling apocalyptic world. The show blends aspects of film and theatre, and follows the story of the zombies just as much as the humans. You’ll hear a number of different musical genres, from reggae to musical theatre, and even glam rock, and see some diverse dancing as well. I think people will find that the show is quite unlike anything else you’ll see on or off-Broadway right now.
What is it like being a part of The Zombies: A Musical?: It’s been a really cool experience to be originating a show on this scale. I’ve done workshops of new musicals before, but with our resources and Max’s vision, we have the potential to do something really special. To be honest, it is pretty fun to come to work every day and sing about zombies.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Honesty and bravery are the things I find most compelling in theatre and really in any artistic medium. The first Broadway show I ever saw was Spring Awakening, with the original Broadway cast, and I remember being blown away. I had just started doing theatre a few years prior, in high school, and I had no idea what to expect. The show was show brash and bold, and the only thing since then that has impacted me as strongly has been The Book of Mormon. Talk about brave – those guys went balls to the wall with that show. And it worked.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Right now? Marius in Les Mis. And a little ways down the road, Bobby in Company.
What’s your favorite showtune?: I don’t think that I have a favorite, but for now let’s say the whole Opening of Titanic. All 15 minutes of it.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Mark Rylance. Easy.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Hugh Jackman, in "Started from the Bottom" (with Original Music by Drake)
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Book of Mormon, not that anyone can get tickets.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Right now it’s a lot of J. Cole and Dave Matthews.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Utz White Cheddar Popcorn. The greatest snack that no one has ever heard of.
What’s up next?: I’m not sure yet. I’m getting my Equity card with the show, so that will open quite a few doors once we’re done.
