Hometown: Sykesville, MD
Education: The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NY
Select Credits: Rent; Anything Goes; Boy in the High Heel Shoes
Why theater?: Film has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in my parent’s drive-in movie theaters all around Maryland. However, I think film is spliced together out of countless takes until it is pieced together to create something static. While, theater a living breathing thing.
Who do you play in The Hurricane?: I play Sebastian, the younger brother of Alonso. Sebastian is struggling with his sexuality and being shipwrecked is not his ideal situation.
Tell us about The Hurricane: The Hurricane is a new modern musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The Tempest is set on a remote island where as The Hurricane is set on New York’s Fire Island. Where Madam Sparrow conjures a storm in order to shipwreck Sebastian, Antonio, Alonso, and Fredrick and so begins Shakespearian plots of love, sex, power, and loss.
What is it like being a part of The Hurricane?: Working on The Hurricane really is a lot of fun. It’s great to have a director who encourages you to just mess around and workshop the character around the actor. All of us are originating these roles so there is a great freedom given to us to build the new take on these characters from the ground up.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I’m really a sucker for plot. If a show has a great plot, strong language, and relatable characters then I’m in. I have recently been inspired by actors who create their own work.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I would love to be in something that has a beautiful score and heavy plot, like Giant, Ragtime, or Parade. Oh and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder would be a lot of fun!
What’s your favorite showtune?: “Distant Melody” from Peter Pan
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Stephanie J. Block, Amy Poehler, Christopher Sieber, Bryce Pinkham, Jenna Russell, and David Hyde Pierce.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: It would be called Almost Will and Practically Grace and Daniel Radcliffe would play me. My best friend would be played by Megan Hilty.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Fly By Night. Fly By Night. Fly By Night.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: My roommate has definitely walked in on me watching Once Upon a Time alone.
What’s up next?: Something fun! But in the meantime, come see The Hurricane!
For more on The Hurricane, visit http://thehurricanemusical.com/