Hometown: Worcester, Massachusetts
Education: American Musical & Dramatic Academy, Upright Citizens Brigade, The Pearl Conservatory
Select Credits: Most recently appeared in Full Frontal a new play at The Workshop Theatre Company. Regionally: I appeared in Godspell (as myself), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Annie Get Your Gun (Charlie Davenport) and Little Women (Assistant Director) at the Crown Uptown Theatre in Wichita Ks. I've also appeared Off Broadway In New George's production of Alice-Grace-Anon and their Workshop production of Goldor$Mythika
Why theater?: I do theatre because when I applied to law school I was rejected... Also this is way more fun and I find myself surrounded by the best and most creative people on Earth. Communicating comedy or poignancy through Theatre and Music makes me very happy, I compare it to having my heart and brain surgically opened in front of alot of people and then hearing them say "Wow! Fantastic! I like what's in there!".
Who do you play in The Doormen?: I play Danny Leviticus Pinkerton, a young and promising doorman prodigy.
Tell us about The Doormen: The Doormen is a larger than life tale that takes place between 'The Abdumon' and 'The Whiffenpoof' two adjacent luxury buildings (Both owned by Bryce Dallas Howard). It follows the riveting journey of the buildings two doormen. Brock Tanner Kurosawa, (Played by Victor Verhaeghe of Boardwalk Empire) A veteran who has many years of experience and holds six prized "Doorman of the Year" awards, and Danny Pinkerton, the young blood who is looking to prove himself "The Better of The Best" by claiming this years "Doorman of the Year" award at all costs... Until the unthinkable happens. I don't want to give anything away... So let's just say things get pretty interesting.
What is it like being a part of The Doormen?: This show has come a long way. It started out as a 5 minute sketch with just myself and Victor and was a lot of fun, and because the audience responded so well to it we decided to turn it into a full length musical. Also In the cast are Federico Mallet and Claire Hsu playing the wildly diverse ensemble and Castor Pepper who portrays the infamous Bryce Dallas Howard, everyone is so full of energy, diversity, and comedic chops! But another thing I've been really excited about is our discovery of the back stories and emotional truth behind the silliness. We owe a great deal of this discovery to our wonderful, hilarious and SMART director, Rachael Harrington. Having her on-board for this was a heaven-sent. In rehearsal, we often find ourselves (without much luck) trying to maintain a straight face while discovering or creating new ideas, characters, scenes or songs. Overall It's been a bizarre and completely wonderful experience.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theatre that really speaks to me is the kind that can transport you through a unique story and bring you in through artists that aren't afraid to take big risks. For example, I went to see Jerusalem on Broadway and remember feeling like I was no longer on the same planet when I left the theatre. I had never seen anything like it and I think they really nailed what they were going for. Since I just mentioned his, Mark Rylance is definitely an inspiration to me. He is capable of making me laugh my ugliest most absurd laugh and then, on a dime, leave me crying like a child using nothing but his unquestionable honesty onstage. I absolutely aspire to that.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I've always really wanted to play Ken in Red, Anything in The 39 Steps, Matt in The Fantasticks, Pierrepont Finch in How To Succeed, Moritz in Spring Awakening, Henry in Next to Normal, or Danny in BABY!
What’s your favorite showtune?: "Lucky to be Me" from On The Town
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would love work with Steve Martin. He's a big inspiration and hero of mine... I think we could write/ perform a killer song together.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: The "Boover Maneuver" Starring: Robert Sean Leonard... It would make sense somehow
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I will always recommend Shakespeare in The Park... The stuff is timeless and always really wonderful... Also FREE!
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "One in The Same"- Fort Vine
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Oreos... Also chess and video games.
What’s up next?: Next up I'll be working on a Film called "Sing to the Stars" And Minnesota Moon a play by John Olive to be performed late September.
For more on Joe, visit http://www.joeboover.com/