Hometown: Boulder, CO
Education: Ithaca College BFA Musical Theatre
Select Credits: Merrily We Roll Along (APAC), Next to Normal (Gallery Players), The Battles (Emerging Artists Theatre), Judy Kuhn: Rodgers, Rodgers, and Guettel (Lincoln Center & PS Classics Recording), Henry and Mudge (Theatreworks USA), All Shook Up (Cider Mill Playhouse)
Why theater?: Every human being has a story. Their story is unique to them and only them. Theater is a way to explore more stories than just my own. That excites me more than anything in this world.
Who do you play in Far From Canterbury?: John
Tell us about Far From Canterbury: FFC is the story of a young knight (John), who is accused of a heinous crime. To prove his innocence, he must solve the riddle: what is the one thing that women desire most? The show follows John and his two best friends’ journey through the kingdom as they seek the answer to this most puzzling riddle.
What is it like being a part of Far From Canterbury?: It’s incredible. This show is the most collaborative artistic process I have ever been a part of. Every day in rehearsal, we get to come in and breathe life into this beautifully conceived and written (by the brilliant Danny K. Bernstein) story – a story that has never come off the page quite like this.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The kind of theater that speaks to me is theater that leaves me asking questions when the lights come up at the end of the show. I love shows that reflect humanity in a thought provoking way; things that challenge me to think differently about something than I did when I got there a few hours earlier. A big thing that inspires me as an artist is nature. I do my best to reconnect with the earth around me, even in the city. Something as simple as a tree in the forest has as much of a story as any of the rest of us. Taking time to pause and appreciate the power of simplicity as it’s reflected in nature always leaves me feeling refreshed and inspired.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Christopher in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. That story gets me every time and Christopher is such a rich character; I would love the opportunity to explore his mind.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Tough question. Probably “I’ve Been” from Next to Normal. It’s the perfect song.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Beyonce. Does that count? That’s my final answer.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Josh Hutcherson. I get mistaken for him daily and we are of similar stature…it would be called, “Adventure” and the subtitle would be, “a lot of fun, and a little bit of trouble.”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Parade. I’m obsessed.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Fun Home
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Margaritas. On the rocks. With salt.
What’s up next?: Returning to Stage 72 @ The Triad with Natasha and the Bass Line for a one night engagement on Thursday, August 20th at 9 pm!
For more on Luke, visit www.lukehoback.com. For more on Far From Canterbury, visit www.farfromcanterbury.com and www.facebook.com/farfromcanterbury
