Hometown: New York, NY
Education: NYU Tisch School of the Arts and LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
Select Credits: Mark Cohen in RENT, Henry in Next to Normal, Anthony in My Big Gay Italian Funeral, and Cosmo Brown in Singin' in the Rain. You can also hear my as Peach on Grand Theft Auto V for any fellow gamers out there.
Why theater?: Why NOT theater? It's like air. You need it whether or know it or not.
Who do you play in Mr. Confidential?: I have the honor of playing two characters, nephew to Bob Harrison (Mr.Confidential) himself, Michael Tobias and Prosecutor Malone.
Tell us about Mr. Confidential: To me, it's basically a brand new 'old school' musical. Sort of In Touch Weekly meets City of Angels. But don't take my word for it, here's what the writers and PR team have to say: "Before TMZ and Gawker, there was Bob Harrison’s Confidential Magazine. Its scandal and showbiz fizz went viral, fab 50s style, outselling T.V. Guide and Time Magazine. But scrape away the hype, whipped cream, and dirt, and what do you have? A mostly true story about heart, innocence, and family loyalty, set to a sexy, swinging, Big Broadway beat. But sshhh! Keep it confidential..."
What is it like being a part of Mr. Confidential?: First, I must give credit to the creative team. With book and lyrics by Samuel Bernstein, music by David Snyder, direction by Stephen Nachamie, and musical direction by Kevin Cole, we're basically already starting with a 'fantasy football' type dream team for a musical. It's awesome to wake up in the morning and know I am going to rehearsal for this show. Aside from the fact that is so much fun to be working on, singing this score is a vocalists dream! The entire cast, lead by "Days of Our Lives" Kevin Spirtas, is stellar and an absolute blast to be working with. When I look around the room at all the talented lovely people, I just think of how grateful I am to be part of it all. Basically it is the best of all possible worlds. A hilarious script, an amazing new score, and a creative team and cast to die for. But ssssh, keep it confidential...
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theater that addresses topics of a more serious nature seem to resonate with me the most. If a piece can permeate your mind and make you question the way you think or take a new perspective, that is something I want to see. I also must give a shout out to music in general as it has always inspired me from great singers to great composers. Listening to a truly great singer has the ability to alter my mood in an instant. I think music has that power over a lot of people.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I am ready to go on for Bobby in Company and Leo Frank in Parade as soon as someone gives me the chance. Would also love to bring Hamlet and Joe in Angels in America to life.
What’s your favorite showtune?: "Autumn" from Starting Here Starting Now and "What Did I Have That I Don't Have?" from On A Clear Day...I have to say this was by far the most difficult question of the bunch.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Right now the one that keeps coming to mind is Julia Lewis-Dreyfus. Not only is she hilarious, she seems like such a down to earth person. Also, Robert Englund. The man goes from being a classically trained Shakespearean actor to portraying the greatest horror villain of all time, Freddy Krueger. He is someone I would like to know.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I don't know if he's born yet...but it would probably be called something along the lines of "LaRooster" or "My Life As A Superhero".
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Lady Day. I've seen Audra many times over the years and as a huge fan, I did not know she had this in her!
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Pressure by Quadron
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Lately I can't stop watching "Love It or List It". I see some home renovations in my future.
What’s up next?: Working on a film entitled "The One with No Name" by Adam Forman, however I'm really just counting down the days till the Tori Amos concert in August.
Here are some links to include:
For more on James, visit www.JMLaRosa.com and follow him on Twitter @thejameslarosa. For more on Mr.Confidential, visit www.mrconfidentialmusical.com
