Monday, November 1, 2010

Interview with Scott Alan

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Scott Alan is a composer/lyricist. Scott’s third CD “What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up” just came out. His first two CDs were “Dreaming Wide Awake” and “Keys”. Scott has worked with performers such as Tracie Thoms, Eden Espinosa, Shoshana Bean, Diana DeGarmo, Laura Osnes and many more.

Th3Heights: How did you get interested in writing?

Scott Alan: I started writing when I was 18 when I needed a platform to deal with inner ramblings that need to be vocalized.


T3: Is there anything that gets you inspired to write?

SA: I write from personal experiences. Breakups suck - but boy do I write a lot of songs about them. Sometimes I think happiness is a curse for me because I don't get to write as often as I do when I am depressed.


T3: How long have you been writing?

SA: Since I was 18. I'm old now so you do the math ;)


T3: Have you ever written a song with a certain performer in mind to sing it?

SA: Oh, all the time. I am still waiting for many of them to agree to sing them.


T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

SA: Joni Mitchell. Through her music and lyrics has taught me that being honest in your work is the thing that brings you closest to others.

T3: What is your favorite song that you have written?

SA: Oh, that is like asking who my favorite child is. They all have special meaning in my life. Easier would be 'which song do you regret writing.'


T3: How do you chose who will sing on your CD? Is this process any different than how you chose performers for your concert?

SA: Choosing a singer for the CD is a lot of work, actually. I tend to get very detailed with it. To me, having the right vocalist is more important than getting a 'headlining' name to sing it, though, often I have been lucky enough to get both.


T3: How do you choose what songs you want to put on your CD?

SA: My mind has been so consumed with writing albums now that it think in terms of writing the next album - so normally I wait until I have eight songs that I am POSITIVE I want on the next album and then go from there.


T3: What can Scott Alan fans expect on this new CD?

SA: Every song on this new CD is so different. Jesse Vargas, who arranged and orchestrated the entire CD, has done an amazing job with making sure that each song has its own story. In addition, I think this CD is my most personal. This is the first CD where I listen to it from start to finish and still can feel the pain or joy that went in to writing each and every song.

T3: What was the process of making "What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up” like?

SA: It was a hard one because I always wants to make sure that I am not repeating what I said on the last album - so this CD was a full orchestra and four of the songs came after a hard breakup that led me to a horrible battle with writers block and led to four of my most personal songs yet.


T3: Do you have a favorite song on this CD? If so what is it?

SA: Again, a child BUT, I will say that Crystal Monee Hall's song, Anything Worth Holding on To, which was the song I wrote while having writers block, funny enough, has a very special place in my heart for me. It captures a lot of what I was feeling for a major part of this album.

T3: If people are thinking of buying "What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up" but aren't quite sure what would you tell them so that they would run to their computer and order it?

SA: Even if you hate the songs, which I sure hope you won’t, you won’t find better vocalists. Every single song has some of the most incredible vocals I have ever heard in my life. And, like all of my CD's, you will discover new vocalists you may not have known prior.

To learn more about Scott and his music check out his website

To order “What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up” click HERE

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Interview with Joseph Morales

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Joseph Morales started in the national tour of In The Heights as one of the shows wonderful ensemble members. Now Morales is the free styling bodega owner Usnavi.

Th3Heights: How did you get involved in theatre?

Joseph Morales: I was actually never the kid always wanting attention. I didn’t sing or dance around. I was shy and really academic, always reading and keeping to myself. My dad was in the military, so we moved around every few years. I auditioned for my school play just to make friends. Everything else just kind of happened on its own because I loved doing it. I was hooked.


T3: What was your first professional acting job?
JM: My first paying gig was with a company in Hawaii called Ohia Productions. I was 17 and a senior in high school. It was a traveling educational road show that went to elementary schools to teach kids about the environment. My principal was really supportive and allowed me to miss school two days a week to do it. It was awesome. That's around the time I started meeting the people who really shaped and inspired me to continue performing as a career.

T3: What was the audition process for In The Heights like?
JM: It was nuts. From my first audition until I got an offer, it was about 9 months. Callback after callback, dance camps and finally Usnavi Camp. They had all the potential Usnavis work with the creative team for two days. We did all the raps and scenes one on one with Lin, Tommy, Alex and Andy. Definitely the most intense process I've been through.

T3: Do you have any preshow rituals/warm-ups?
JM: Well, as a cast, we have a pre show circle before every show. It allows us to connect with each other and get in the right head space. That community on stage is not just acting...its real. We're a family. As for myself, I like to go through the opening while I'm getting dressed. It puts me in Usnavi mode and warms up my voice. But then after that, I like to let myself relax and hang with the rest of the cast. Most of what makes Usnavi come alive is being able to let go and just have fun.

T3: What has it been like taking over the role of Usnavi?
JM: Incredible. Sometimes during the show I get overwhelmed with gratitude when I see everything happening around me. I'm surrounded by all these incredible people, all sharing a story that we are so honored to be a part of. I’m just trying to soak up every moment and never stop learning from this experience, not just as a performer, but as a person.

T3: What is your favorite song or moment in In The Heights and why?
JM: The opening. Its brilliantly well crafted and a perfect way to start the show. The community unfolds and all these wonderful characters are introduced. The slow motion circle during "Yeah, I'm a street light..." gets me every time.

T3: What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has happened onstage during In The Heights?
JM: During Champagne, when Kyle was playing Usnavi, the bottle of Champagne actually popped open. He handled it with perfection, even changing lines. The audience was roaring. And the best part was various ensemble members adding choreography to clean it up. Needless to say, we now use an empty bottle. I love those moments. It’s the reason people go to live theatre. To witness these moments that are just for them and can never be repeated. It's magic.

T3: What is it like traveling around the country and performing for so many different audiences? And how have different audiences taken to In The Heights?
JM: Aaahh, the traveling is bitter sweet. Different parts of the country/world definitely react differently to the show. But we expect that. I think the show is always well received, but some audiences are more responsive than others. We feed off that energy and when it’s lacking, it can make it a little tough. That being said, it’s been an incredible learning experience for all of us. Even in Japan where the audiences were close to silent, we found new moments and ways of breaking those language barriers. They went crazy for the show and their stories at the stage door of how they related were amazing. This story is universal.

T3: What is your favorite show that you’ve done?
JM: ITH! By far...

T3: Is there a quote or motto you live by?
JM: If you're going to fail, fail BIG. My HS drama teacher used to yell that to us all the time and I never really understood. Now I finally get it.

T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
JM: Meryl Streep. She challenges herself. And she puts everything she has into her characters. And performs with such honesty. It comes from a different world, like she is channeling some inner genius.

T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
JM: I have many. Too many. But I like it that way. I'm inspired on a daily basis, sometimes in huge ways, but most of the time, in tiny little doses that keep me on the right track. For instance, Amanda, your passion and enthusiasm for this show is inspiring me. Big time. Thank you.

T3: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
JM: Don't give up. Ever. You have to believe in yourself and know that anything is possible. Opportunities will come your way and you have to be ready for them. Keep learning and growing. There is no such thing as luck. Patience and faith!

For tour information and tickets click here

Friday, August 20, 2010

Interview with Isabel Santiago

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Isabel Santiago is currently in the 1st National Tour of In The Heights as the sassy salon owner Daniela. Isabel can be seen on tour with In The Heights through October 24th.



Th3heights: How did you get involved in theatre?
Isabel Santiago: In High School I did my first theatre production. Maria in West Side Story. But, I had been singing since 3rd grade, in choirs. I loved singing and theatre just made sense.

T3: What was your first professional acting job?
IS: My first professional music/theatre job was in High School. I sang a night of Andrew Lloyd Webber with the Reading Symphony Orchestra at 17 years old. I did "Think Of Me", "Unexpected Song" and "All I Ask of You".

T3: What was the audition process for In The Heights like?
IS: I had been going in for Heights Broadway for replacement of Mandy Gonzalez part Nina for about 2 years! I then got a call to go in for Daniela for the tour. Totally different part, so I said no at first. I didn't think it was right for me. Then 3 weeks before tour rehearsals started they asked me to go in again. I looked over material and I said yes. I ended up getting the job a week later and LOVING Daniela!

T3: Do you have any preshow rituals?
IS: I do! Actually, not pre-show... but right before Carnival I'm in the salon. In the salon there is a Puerto Rican flag that I touch the star of and then touch my heart. I feel nothing but pride.

T3: What is it like traveling around the country and getting to perform for so many different audiences?
IS: It's wonderful... and tiring. I would never get to experience half of the places I am if it wasn't for going on tour. Every audience is different and a blessing.

T3: What is your favorite part of touring with In The Heights?
IS: The new family I have created on tour... my new Heights brothers and sisters.

T3: What moment or song is your favorite in In The Heights and why?
IS: "Carnaval". Because it's absolute joy.

T3:
What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has happened onstage during In The Heights?
IS: I was dancing in the Club scene with David Baida (Piragua Guy) and my wig was pushed back while dancing and went halfway down my head... it looked like I had a HUGE forehead! I had to wait till the end of the act to get it fixed.

T3: What was it like performing with Lin Manuel-Miranda during In The Heights' LA run?
IS: He's amazing. Beautiful, fun, kind, and just amazing. One of my favorite people in life.

T3: Is there a quote or motto you live by?
Is: Do what you LOVE and do it the BEST... and you'll never WORK a day in your life.

T3: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
IS: YES!!!!! 80's music. Heavy metal, big ballad rock songs, Love songs, the cheesier and bigger the better.

T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
IS: Barbra Streisand, hands down. She's funny, gorgeous, talented, inspiring... perfect :)

T3:Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
IS: Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion. They are exactly the types of careers I'd love to have... but, more theatre based.

T3: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
IS: Find what you love to do, and do it. No matter what. If you know it's what you're meant to do, than it is. It really is THAT simple. There will be people who won't believe in you... but, it's not their job to believe in you. It's your job.

There are no guarantees... the only guarantee is that if you DON'T do it, you'll never make it. So you might as well be as positive as you can, and do it.


Become of fan of Isabel on Facebook
Check out In The Heights' website for tour info
Check out Revolucion Latina's YouTube for videos with Isabel and other tour cast members


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Lights Up in Tempe, Arizona (Part 2)

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So I guess this is part two of my In The Heights adventures in Arizona. If you are reading this I guess you made it through part one or my long ramble filled with dorkiness. I am going to try and write about when I saw In The Heights on June 17th(Thursday) and June 19th(Saturday), 2010. You may be asking yourself is this blog post going to be super long. My answer is I hope not!

Thursday’s Show: Once again there were a good amount of understudies and swings on. Joseph Morales was on for Usnavi, Genny Lis Padilla was Nina, Wilkie Ferguson was Benny, Morgan Matayoshi was Carla and Daniel Cruz, Kristina Fernandez and Kevin Santos were in the ensemble. As always I was amazed by the show. Morgan was an amazing Carla, she played the role slightly different than Kristina and Genny but I enjoyed her performance. Joseph Morales once again was amazing as Usnavi. Wilkie and Genny both gave breathtaking performances. If you didn’t know Daniela and Sonny are basically my two favorite characters in the show. Isabel killed it as Daniela, she is a scene stealer. Shaun Taylor-Corbett was hilarious as Sonny! Sabrina Sloan wowed me again, she was an amazing Vanessa. I was amazed by the show and found different moments to love.

Saturday’s Show: I saw the Saturday evening performance and the amount of understudies and swings that were on was less than the other two shows that I saw. Joseph Morales was on as Usnavi, Natalie Caruncho was Nina, Wilkie Ferguson was Benny and Daniel Cruz, Kristina Fernandez, Morgan Matayoshi and Kevin Santos were in the ensemble. Joseph Morales killed it again. I just think his portrayal of Usnavi is wonderful. Natalie was an incredible Nina; her “Breathe” was wonderful. Natalie’s Nina was different than Arielle’s and Genny’s but I loved it. I can say that I have seen all of the Nina’s’ on tour (Yes I am THAT theatre dork!). I loved Wilkie as Benny, he was incredible. I was blown away by “Carnaval Del Barrio” Isabel Santiago was incredible she is truly everything a Daniela should be. She nails every one-liner, has the accent down pat and just is a loveable sassy gossip. That night “Champagne” was super incredible Joseph and Sabrina killed it! It was another amazing show.

Stage door (Thursday): So Daniel Bolero(Kevin) came out and he was super nice! Joseph Morales came out and it was nice to get to chat with him again. Two of my favorites (I can’t really choose a favorite cast member that’s like Sophie’s Choice) Shaun Taylor-Corbett and Isabel Santiago came out. They were so nice it was great. David Baida came out he is an amazing Piragua Guy. Then Lin-Manuel Miranda came out. This time I wasn’t as “start struck” and I managed to get a few words out and Lin was super nice. Natalie Caruncho came out too. Just as I was about to leave I saw Tommy Kail. I had met Tommy when I saw the show in Minneapolis. I chatted with him for a minute and then went home. Also when I was leaving I heard a girl yelling “I want to meet the thug with the spray cans” I laughed because it was just funny and because Jose-Luis Lopez had walked right by them about two seconds before she made that remark.

Stage door (Saturday): Before the show the amazing merch lady got Sabrina Sloan and Jose-Luis Lopez to pose for a picture with me. Carlos Salazar, Joseph Morales and Noemi Del Rio were the first few people to come out and sign, they were super nice. After that David Baida, Shaun Taylor-Corbett and Daniel Borlero came out. Other cast members that I met Natalie Caruncho, Isabel Santiago, Wilkie Ferguson, Natalie Toro, Rayanne Gonzales, Elise Santoro and Jose-Luis Lopez. Everybody was super nice and I was glad so many cast members came out.

Overall it was a great trip! It was super fun to be able to see In The Heights three times. I enjoyed it so much and I really want to see it again. I can’t say enough good things about this tour cast and the show. The show and the cast are truly incredible. Also I am a proud member of “In The Heights Addicts Anonymous”, not so anonymous anymore! Those are my ITH adventures for now!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Lights Up In Tempe, Arizona (Part 1)

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On Wednesday June 16th, I saw the national tour of In The Heights for the third time. I had seen the tour twice before in Minneapolis but this was my first time seeing it in Tempe. I had been waiting months to see Heights again.

I walked into the theatre so excited some could have thought I had never seen the show before. After walking less than 500 feet I saw a familiar face at the merchandise stand. Of course I had to buy something. I couldn’t decide what so I added a new T-shirt with the show’s logo and the Bodega T-shirt to my collection of Heights merchandise. I chatted with the merchandise lady (I knew her name and then I forgot it. I feel bad about that!) for a few minutes. She remembered me from when I saw the show twice in Minneapolis. She told me who was going to be on in certain roles and that it was going to be a great show. Across the hall they were selling Tony Awards Playbills and I knew I had to have it so I bought it. I already knew that it was going to be a good night. Then again when isn’t it a good night when you are seeing In The Heights?

When I got to my seat I opened my Playbill to pass time. After I finished looking at my Heights Playbill I checked out my Tony Awards Playbill. Then before I knew it the pre-show announcements had started. Wilkie Ferguson was on for Benny and I was excited. Other understudies that were on for the leads were Joseph Morales as Usnavi, Genny Lis Padilla as Nina and Kristina Fernandez as Carla. Also the ensemble had a few swings (Daniel Cruz, Morgan Matayoshi, and Kevin Santos). I knew right when Graffiti Pete (Jose-Luis Lopez) came out and was tagging the Bodega the show was going to be amazing. The opening number was incredible. It was the same yet completely different. I had never seen Joseph Morales as Usnavi so it was fun to see his spin on the role. Genny Lis Padilla was an incredible Nina. Her “Breath” was beautiful. Wilkie was wonderful as Benny. He and Genny were a perfect together. Kristina Fernandez was incredible as Carla. She and Isabel Santiago who plays Daniela were great together. I always loved the line “She’ll do anything for you but she won’t support your mother’s malfunction.” And Kristina said it perfectly. Also it was my first time seeing Sabrina Sloan as Vanessa and my goodness she is a powerhouse! I enjoyed her as Vanessa so much. The rest of the cast was also incredible; they never cease to amaze me. I love all of Sonny’s one liners and Shaun Taylor-Corbett nailed them all! I could continue and write a scene by scene review of the show but I will spare you (Sort of…). The show was amazing as I thought it would be. I found new love for the song “Piragua (Reprise)”. I think I found new love because it is so catchy and David Baida’s little dance during the song is so funny. I also really enjoyed the new lyrics in “96,000”. I found the reactions of some audience members funny when they heard Sonny say “What about immigration? Arizona be hatin’. Racism in that state has gone from latent to blatant!”

After the show I went to the Stage Door to get autographs and tell the cast what an amazing job they had done. I was so excited when the first person out of the Stage Door was Lin Manuel-Miranda. I guess you could say I got a little star struck. It happens to the best of it. All I could say was “Can I get a picture?” Even though I didn’t say much Lin was so nice and I was just glad I got to meet him and get a picture with him. After Lin a good number of cast members came out. I chatted with them and told them that they were amazing. I got the question “Is this your first time seeing the show?” a lot. I then explained I had seen it twice before and would be seeing it to more times that week. Most replied with a smile and said something like “That is real dedication”. My favorite reply was from Isabel Santiago she asked if it we came out here for vacation and I explained my family had a house not far from the theatre and she said “I really need one of those!” I don’t know why but it made me laugh a little. The cast members I met that night were Oscar Cheda (Ensemble), Daniel Bolero (Kevin), Jose Luis-Lopez (Graffiti Pete), Isabel Santiago (Daniela), Sabrina Sloan (Vanessa), Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Sonny), Wilkie Ferguson (Benny) and Genny Lis Padilla (Nina). Even though he wasn’t in the show that night I got to see Kyle Beltran again.

All in all it was an amazing night. The show was incredible. The cast was nice and I got to see my favorite show again!

Daniela: Carla what’s my rule?
Carla: She’ll do anything for you but she won’t support your mother’s malfunction”
Daniela: DYSfunction
Vanessa: My lights are gonna be out all week!
Carla: What would Jesus do?
Daniela: Do I look like Jesus to you?”

Monday, June 28, 2010

Hennepin Theatre Trust's 2010-2011 Season

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I thought I would take a break from interviewing and blog about Hennepin Theatre Trust's 2010-2011 season. The 2010-2011 season is full of Broadway hits and beautiful revivals. The season includes Wicked, Rock Of Ages, Billy Elliot, Shrek, HAIR, Jersey Boys and, West Side Story.

WICKED(August 11, 2010-September 19, 2010): The witches of Oz return to Minneapolis in the Broadway hit Wicked. Wicked is the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy ever showed up. You learn about the Elphaba, who is know in The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of The West and Glinda the Good. You find out that these witches had pasts good or bad and that made them who they are.
My Thoughts: I saw Wicked for the first time in March of 2008, during the shows Chicago run. I loved the music before the show I thought it was catchy, touching and just an experience to listen to. Seeing the show live blew me away, it was amazing. Watching Glinda float in by bubble the first time was great. The lighting of the show is beautiful, it really adds to the show. Yes Wicked can be classified as a spectacle but it is a universal story of two friends. Wicked is worth seeing.

For tickets and more info click HERE

Rock of Ages(October 19-24, 2010): It is the late 80's on the Sunset Strip, all you see is big hair and white wash jeans. Rock of Ages is a love story told through some of the greatest hits of the 80's.
My Thoughts: I haven't had the chance to see the show so I can only give my thoughts on the music. I've grown up listening to music from the era Rock of Ages is set in. My parents are big music junkies and they mainly listen to 70's and 80's. When I first purchased the cast recording of ROA it was nice listening to music that I have know for so long. The show did a great job keeping the original feel of the songs. There were a few minor lyric changes to fit the story line a little better. This show is a must see if you love the 80's and big hair!

For tickets and more info click HERE

Billy Elliot(December 16,2010-January 9,2011): Billy Elliot takes place in England during the 19884-1985 coal miner's strike. It follows the story of Billy, an 11 year-old who finds that his true passion in life is ballet, much to the dismay of his father. It is a musical with phenomenal dancing, and a great message about following your dreams. It won a 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical, and consistently plays to packed crowds.
My Thoughts: Billy Elliot is full of wonderful dancing. If you enjoy dancing this show is for you. The lighting is great. Be sure to check out Billy Elliot when it stops in Minneapolis.

For tickets and more info click HERE

Shrek TheMusical (February1-6,2011): Shrek is a musical based on the very popular Dreamworks movie, of the same name. The plot is mostly the same as the film, but there are 20+ musical numbers written just for the musical. It was nominated for a 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical. The touring cast will feature Haven Burton as Princess Fiona, who understudied the role on Broadway.
My Thoughts: I think the music of Shrek is very catchy. It is a very funny show. The show spoofs others Broadway shows. The costumes of the show make the characters you know from the movie come to life. It is a must see show for the whole family!

For tickets and more info click HERE

HAIR (March 1-6,2011): HAIR is the"American Tribal Love-Rock Musical". The original production opened in 1967. The revival opened in March,2009. It won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. HAIR is about a group of young American adults trying to find peace when the world around them is anything but peaceful. The choose to speak out peaceful and defend what they think is right.
My Thoughts: I love the music in this show. It is so wonderful. You have fun catchy songs and then you have songs that really state a message. The transition between those types of songs is great. I find the characters in the show so easy to like and you can find some part of them to relate to. This show is for an slightly older audience. I would say 13 and up. There is a scene that has nudity but it is not sexual. If you have teens take then to see the show. I am biased but I would have to say HAIR is the show I am looking forward to most this season. "Let the sun shine in"

For tickets and more info click HERE

Jersey Boys(April 21-May 8,2011): Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It shows how four boys become one of the best pops group in history.
My Thoughts: The music of Jersey Boys is well know. The show has hits like 'Sherry' and 'Big Girls Don't Cry'. Though it is not my era I enjoyed the music of Jersey Boys. I can't wait to see it when it is in Minneapolis! Make sure to be careful on what age of children you bring to the show. There are some situations that are not appropriate for all ages.

For tickets and more info click HERE

West Side Story (July 12-17,2011): West Side Story is a love story. It has been called "The Greatest Love Story of All Time". It is the modern day Romeo and Juliet. The revival cast recording won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
My Thoughts: West Side Story is a classic! I've watched the movie countless times. I couldn't be more excited when I heard there was going to be a revival. I got even more excited when I heard it would be going on tour. The show is filled with beautiful music. I love 'America' it is such a fun song. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about the revival and the tour should be wonderful. Don't miss this American Theatre classic while it is in Minnesota.

For tickets and more info click HERE




Wicked Picture
Rock Of Ages Picture
Billy Elliot Picture
Shrek The Musical Picture
HAIR Picture
Jersey Boys Picture
West Side Story Picture

Special thanks to Jonathan Cort!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Interview with Daniel Koye

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I recently got the chance to interview hairstylist Daniel Koye. Daniel has done the hair for HAIR on Broadway and a bunch of other shows,events and celebrities.

Th3heights: How did you get involved in hairstyling?
Daniel Koye: My mother was a hair stylist! so she had a salon in our basement so i would play there all the time. So I would go there and play with all her wigs.

T3: What is your biggest inspiration?
DK: Helping these beautiful people feel sexy about themselves. Seeing my clients light up when they have a great hair cut and color. To sneeking in the back of the theater and watch the audiences face light up with excitiment when the show is on!

T3: If you could style any celebrity’s hair whose would you want to style and why?
DK: Well I don't have any! hahaha I have done celebrities for movies and TV shows, benefits, each and every one was just wonderful. I love all people who perform and entertain people!

T3: What was your first professional gig as a hair stylist?
DK: Spring Awakening: Lea Michele

T3: What has been your favorite project to work on and why?
DK: I love working on BCEFA Broadway Bares. I am the Hair coordinator for the past 2 years for the HUGE fund raiser at Roseland Ballroom. (besides seeing all the prettiest men and women nearly nude and sometimes nude back stage!) but raising money for Broadway Cares. Helping with the little bit that I can to put on this amazing show!

T3: What has been the hardest project to work on and why?
DK: Hardest? Nothing is Hard but there are challenging moments, and these moments are only to help me become a better person. Every show has its ups and downs.

T3: What are your upcoming projects?
DK: I am launching my own hair spray line DKOYE the hairspray. This is going to be great! To check it out and see all the glits and glitter (the bottles are rhinestoned) go to www.danielkoye.com

T3: Do you have any hair tips people should know?
DK: Always have on had a small hairspray. I have a hair blog with TONS of tips www.celebhairbyyou.com/

T3: Is there are quote or motto you live by?
DK: Everything you need is already in you.


Check out Daniel's website here
Check out Daniel's blog here

Special thanks to Marti Cummings for setting up this interview!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Interview with Max von Essen

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Max von Essen can currently be seen as Sonny in Xanadu on tour. Max has also been in West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Baker’s Wife, Les Miserables, and Dance of The Vampires just to name a few.

Th3heights: How did you get involved in theatre?
Max von Essen: It just was a natural progression. When I was a kid I was always drawn to the arts, and my first step was playing piano as boy. I got good enough to start accompanying singers in Middle School and playing for the choir. But as much as I loved it, I really wanted to be on stage, so that led to singing, which led to musical theater and plays. So by the time I hit high school, I was totally hooked!!

T3: What is it like touring with Xanadu?
MvE: Oh, it's amazing! I mean, it can be hard leaving NY and my apartment and my friends and family, but having such an amazing role in such a great show is a total honor. I am always thankful just to have a job in this business. Like I said, I don't always love being away from home, but I haven't toured in a long time, so this time around I've really enjoyed traveling the country again.

T3: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
MvE: Well, I guess they are rituals but I just call them warm ups. LOL. Like I'm not superstitious or anything. I usually get to the theater about 90 minutes before curtain and start my vocal warm up and physical warm up. Once I'm through with that, I head on stage with the cast 45 minutes before curtain and we have our skate call. That's just everyone on stage in skates warming up and practicing some of our moves. And then at 1/2 hour, I go back to my dressing room, throw on a little eyeliner, squeeze into my short shorts and then I'm ready. Showtime!!!

T3: What is your favorite show that you have done?
MvE: Hmmm...at this point, it's probably West Side Story. Tony is an incredible role and a thrill to sing and perform. Baker's Wife also ranks really high for me. Although I had a small role in that show, it was incredibly rewarding. In addition, I played opposite Alice Ripley and it was an experience I will never ever forget. She is an incredible force of nature on stage, and she brought out a passion in me as a performer I didn't even realize I had. So I will never forget it.

T3: What was it like to make your Broadway debut?
MvE: It was honestly everything I ever imagined as a kid. The show (Jesus Christ Superstar revival in 2000) wasn't exactly a hit, but it didn't matter to me. Being able to walk into rehearsal every morning, work our asses off, move into an incredible Broadway house and run for several months was a total thrill. I also understudied the role of Jesus, and had the chance to perform it many times. I mean, it was surreal. As teenager, I would see Broadway shows whenever I had the opportunity and I was in heaven sitting in the audiences. I'd wait at the stage door for autographs fantasizing about being one of those performers and now here I was, a few years later, one of those actors coming out of the stage door. It was amazing!

T3: What was your first professional acting job?
MvE: My very first one was during a summer break in college. I was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill taking some summer classes and playing Jack in a local dinner theater production of Into the Woods. It was truly something else!!!! I used to nearly crack up every night, because I would always get to the lyric I sing to my cow just as I was selling her. I'd sing "I'll see you soon again...I hope that when I do...it won't be on a plate!" And inevitably, an audience member 2 or 3 feet from the edge of the stage would be sinking his knife into a big steak. It was tragic. LOL. But I had a blast doing the show!!!

T3: Do you have a dream role you want to play?
MvE: Oh yes, so many!!! But mostly I'd like to be part of something new and completely original. Until then, I'm looking forward to maturing into more adult roles, like many of Sondheim's leading men. Bobby in Company, George in Sunday in the Park...etc. He's one of the few who writes roles for thrilling and complex leading men.

T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
MvE: Oh gosh, I don't even know where to begin. In the theatre, I love watching Brian D'Arcy James, John Lithgow, Sutton Foster, Alice Ripley, Gavin Creel, Christine Baranski, Harriet Harris and so many others, it's really too hard to choose. On the big screen, of course Meryl Streep continues to blow my mind for her versatility, and ever since seeing La Vie en Rose, I'm slightly obsessed with Marion Cotillard. I love Ewan McGregor, too!

T3: What is your favorite Broadway show and why?
MvE: I could sit through Gypsy at almost any theatre in the country and love it! I think it is so perfect and I'm lucky since there seems to be a revival every 5 years or so. LOL. Currently, I'm in love with American Idiot. It is so much more than just theatre; it is like poetry on stage! I love it!

T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
MvE: My teachers have always been my greatest inspiration. Without having some of the most amazing and inspiring teachers in my childhood and even now in my adulthood, I simply would not in the arts or the performer I am today.

T3: Is there a quote or motto you live by?
MvE: "Find your bliss"

T3: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
MvE: Do the work!!! Having natural talent is great and a true gift, but no one can just coast through this business. It demands a tremendous amount of work and will require you to always challenge yourself and continue to strengthen your talent. Don't get lazy and DO THE WORK!!! It's all so much more rewarding when you do.

T3: Is there anything else you would like to add?
MvE: Yeah, go see a show! Anywhere! Broadway or at your local theatre! Keep the arts alive!


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