Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Education: University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program
Favorite Credits: I played Willy Loman as a 17 year old in high school.
Why theater?: Theatre is the most collaborative art form that I’ve ever found- it gives me the opportunity to meet and work with people from all different mediums and styles of collaboration.
Tell us about DIVA: Live from Hell: DIVA is a musical about a young man named Desmond Channing who takes his role as Drama Club President a little too seriously. When Desmond’s theater school rival Evan Harris muscles in on Desmond’s territory, Desmond takes things into his own hands. Oh, yeah, also Desmond’s dead and the whole thing takes place from a cabaret room in hell.
What inspired you to compose the music for DIVA?: I saw a version of the show as a play at a solo festival and I absolutely fell in love, both with SP Monahan’s incredible writing but also with the idea of crafting an idiosyncratic score to this style of storytelling.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like a lot of eclectic art- I find that if any style is being presented in its most authentic manner that I can find something to relate with. I love the fact that I get to see so many stories told in so many different ways.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Tony Kushner but like, obviously, who wouldn’t right?
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Come From Away- it’s a really fun and engaging little musical.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: James Franco (as his character from Pineapple Express), “Offer Only.”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I wish I could’ve seen the original Merrily We Roll Along. I wish so desperately.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Other than Peanut Butter? Oh, were we talking about theatre? Epic modern musicals.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Lost.
What’s up next?: My band, Discount Ghost Stories, will be playing this summer and some other shows are getting some developments!
For more on DIVA: Live from Hell, visit https://www.desmondthediva.com/
