Interview with Natalie Weiss

Th3heights: What was your Wicked experience like?
Natalie Weiss: It was unreal! Although, I must say it was very A-typical to many other people's experiences. Normally when you are replacing someone in a show, you get around 2 weeks to have a separate rehearsal with the dance captain... However, because I was replacing someone who broke her foot, I was kind of thrown in to learn the ensemble track, so i did not have a lot of time to really really learn the Elphaba stuff(as I was contracted as an understudy technically)
Overall, it was an incredible experience but too short!

T3: What was your American Idol experience like?
NW: Well the American Idol experience was very surreal. It was so crazy to be auditioning in front of the judges after watching the show on tv since I was 16. As you might observe (on youtube) my experience in Hollywood was not too pleasant. Getting placed in a group of girls who had their stage parents in the room! AWFUL!

T3: What was it like to do "Offline"?
NW: It took a lot of hard work and preparation, but in the end it was so unreal to see my supportive family friends and fans there supporting me in the audience!

T3: How did you get involved in theatre?
NW: My parents put me in my first play when I was 5, (snow white and the 7 dwarfs) I was sleepy! ha... Then when I was 10 I was Peter Pan in a day camp and all the older campers were jealous of me because I had the lead. Shortly after that, i got more involved with musical theatre and decided to go to a half-day performing arts school, then I realized I wanted to pursue it:)

T3: What is your favorite Broadway show and why?
NW: My favorite Broadway show is Next To Normal. It honestly it so moving and so real and deals with extremely close to home issues. You almost feel like it's a play set to music, not the other way around.

T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
NW: Hmmmm tricky one.. I feel like I have so many favorites BUT i would have to go with BEYONCE (we're going away from theatre for a second) Besides having one of the most incredible voices, she just OWNS the stage, and is soooo unreal ! I also love watching Katie Thompson perform at her piano(don't know if you know her but GET ON IT GIRL) She's seriously INCREDIBLE! Every time you watch her it is like an out of body experience!

T3: What is your favorite color?
NW: green

T3: What are some of your guilty pleasures?
NW: The bachelor, 16 and pregnant, getting a manicure/pedicure every other week, any kind of soup, sushi, double features at the movie theatre

T3: Do you have an album in the works?
NW: I want to put together a live cd of my "offline" concert

T3: How do you feel about this season of "16 and Pregnant"?
NW: I seriously CANNOT believe how the girls' boyfriends are SOOOO DUMB and SOOO RUDE to everyone!! In an argument, they are completely 100 % WRONG!

T3: Who is you biggest inspiration and why?
NW: ooo tricky question too, well I would have to say Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, because I seriously would listen to them on repeat from when I was 8 years old till like 15 .

Interview With Ryan O'Connor

Ryan O'Connor co-hosts Musical Mondays with Scott Nevins. Ryan also has his on vlog called the "The Ryan O'Connor Show.

Th3Heights: How did you get interested in theatre?
Ryan O'Connor: When I was about 7, I didn't have a lot of friends. My Mom showed me Grease and that was a true friend! Then she took me to see West Side Story at a local theatre and that was the end! My first play was The Velveteen Rabbit. It was a musical and I was one of 4 kids who played the lead. I was the only boy. I still remember every lyric!

T3: How did Musical Mondays start?
RO: Musical Mondays was first started in Chicago at a bar called SideTrack where it was, and still is, called Show Tune Mondays. They were the first video bar to play Broadway videos in a "theme night". The tradition then continued and really took off at Splash Bar in NYC. VJ John Bantay took the videos to a whole new level there and Scott Nevins created "Curtain Call" which is the live entertainment portion of the night. When I was in NY I went every week and KNEW that LA could really use something like it. I approached Eleven Nightclub about the idea in January of last year. They already had VJ Keoth Jacobson doing a similar concept for happy hour and we expanded it to a full night and added the live entertainment portion. Just as the ball was starting to roll, Scott Nevins was moving out to LA so I asked him to join me as co-host and make the night a "sister" to the NY night. We are about to have our one-year anniversary next month! So exciting!


T3: What made you want to start a vlog?
RO: Honestly, I was lost. My career was pretty stalled and I wasn't auditioning much. I also felt stifled by the things I was auditioning for. I started watching a lot of web shows, mainly JefferySelf, Andrew Keenan Bolger, What The Buck and the [title of show] show. What they were doing made sense to me and I realized it was something I could do all on my own. I didn't need my manager or agents or casting directors or producers to say yes to it. Just turn on the camera and go. I never imagined it would take off. And, quite frankly, I never imagined it would be so theatre-centric. That was kind of a fluke. It just so happened that the week I satrted was the Tony Awards and my Tony vid took off immedaitely. So, I went with it.

T3: How long have you been singing?
RO: My whole life. I have always been a singer. I did musical theatre at a theatre in Scottsdale, Arizona called Greasepaint from the time I was 9 until 18. 4-6 shows a year AND went to a performing arts high school. It was my entire life.

T3:What was it like when you found out "Ryan O'Connor Eats His Feelings" was going to happen?
RO:When Celebration Theatre asked me to do my show I was kind of in shock. It's one of those things that no matter how much you believe you can do something, when someone else agrees, it's incredible. Believeing it yourself is the most important part, but at some point, someone else has to say yes! That's what Michael Shephard and Michael Kricaflusi at Celebration did for me. Then, to be asked BACK for 6 more performances was even more rewarding!

T3: How did you choose what music you wanted perform for your concert?
RO: The songs really chose me. I was looking for songs for years and once I found the majority of them, the idea for RYAN O'CONNOR EATS HIS FEELINGS started to form itself. I knew I wanted to sing as many of Katie Thompson's songs as I possibly could so that's where "Naked" and "Craig's List" came from. Then, she wrote a song specifically for me, which is such an honor. "His name" by Scott Alan has become one of my "staples" and fits nicely in the show. The rest of the material was stuff I seeked out once I knew what I wanted my show to be about. I got a song from Randy Blair that just fit perfectly, plus some stuff by William Finn and a song by Ani DiFranco I have always dreamed of singing. I also sat down with my friend Ashley reed and wrote some parody lyrics for a very famous show tune! But you have to see the show to find out what that is!

T3: Are there any performers you really want to work with?
RO: There are a MILLION performers I want to work with. I have always dreamed of having Delta Burke play my Mother on a sitcom or something. I've always dreamed of singing with Patti LuPone or Betty Buckley. Betty recently started talking to me on twitter and I can't get used to it! So surreal! But, I really am an actor first and foremost, and I have always wanted to work with great directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and great TV writers like Aaron Sorkin.

T3: How has the response to your Concert been?
RO: It's been really overwhelming. What people don't know is that I have kept my singing voice quiet for almost 10 years. Somewhere along the line I got really self conscious about it. I started to tell myself I wasn't worthy. But, part of me was dying without expressing myself through song. That sounds so dramatic, but it's true. Once I had this tiny little fraction of a name to use to my advantage, I booked myself a gig, a double bill with Miranda Sings at The Rrazz Room in San Francisco. Noone involved knew that I hadn't sung in public in nearly 10 years. Once I had a date booked I couldn't talk myself out of it. There was no way out. I had to put a show together. I strung together 6 songs, some of which are still in my show, and drove to San Fran to do the show, less than a month later. We sold it out and I was TERRIFIED! i called my best friend Nina that day and tried to get out of it. She convinced me to go on and, after a very large vodka soda, I got onstage and did the show. Low and behold, people seemed to enjoy it. And my voice didn't terrify them. In fact, I got complimented! Suddenly, my confidence was back and now, it's all I want to do.

T3: Who is your favorite Broadway Performer and why?
RO: This is gonna sound SO cheesy, but I think it's Marissa Jaret Winokur. Yes, she is one of my best friends in the world, but she is also one of the greatest teachers I've ever had. It is so rare that any of us performers get to watch, front and center, someone do what they are born to do day after day. When I went with Marissa to NY to close Hairspray, I was with her every step of that 8 week journey. 8 shows a week I saw my friend melt away and this musical theatre force come to life. Watching that is a kind of training you can't get in acting class or voice lessons. I am lucky to have her for a friend, a fan and an inspiration.

T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
RO: My mother is my biggest inspiration. Every natural gift I have i get from her, and she has more of it. All my life I have seen my mother battle obstacles and win. One after another. She is ferocious. Haha. But in the kindest, most real way. She is also fiercely devoted to her family. Not just me and my brother, but my whole extended family. She keeps us all linked. That's so important. As I get older and start to think about someday starting a family of my own, I finally see why that is so important.

T3: What is your favorite song that you have performed and why?
RO: I sing a song by Michael Arden in my show, RYAN O'CONNOR EATS HIS FEELINGS, that is the single most cathartic experience I've ever had. The song is called "Move" and it is about the funeral of a young man's father. The second i heard it I knew I had to sing it someday. I can't really explain the attachment I feel to it, but everything about my interpretation, as an actor and vocally, comes from some place totally deep inside me that I have no control over. It's an incredible feeling.

T3: Is there a quote or motto you try and Live by? If so what is it?
RO: Nina always says "Only the boring get bored." i like that one. I also really like when Oprah says "There's no such thing as luck, only where preparedness meets opportunity". I say that in my show.

T3:Is there anything else you want to add?
RO: Come see RYAN O'CONNOR EATS HIS FEELINGS at the Celebration Theatre in Hollywood! http://www.celebrationtheatre.com/latenight.html AND if you aren't in LA, email me the info of the city you ARE in and I will try and come there on my tour that I am planning! RyanOConnorShow@gmail.com

Follow Ryan on Twitter here
Check out the "Ryan O'Connor Show" here

Josh Lamon Interview

Josh Lamon is currently in HAIR on Broadway.

Th3heights: How did you get involved in theatre?

Josh Lamon: My mom took me to see plays at San Diego Jr Theatre when I was about 4. I remember wanting to be on the stage singing and dancing so badly. So when I was in 1st grade I started doing community theatre and then in 5th Grade I got my first paying job. I was a News Boy in "Gypsy". Fun fact with that. Our Baby Louise was Aspen Miller (Of American Idiot), my Dainty June (Karyn Overstreet) and I ended up doing "Joseph And The Amazing..." years later in Philadelphia. And Heather Lee (of the Bernadette Peters revival of Gypsy" was our Gypsy Rose Lee. SMALL WORLD!

T3: What was the audition process for HAIR like?

JL: It was insane. I originally turned down the audition because I didnt feel I was the right type for the show. But after my agent hounded me I went in. I sang "River" by Joni Mitchell and really didnt expect to hear anything. Next thing I knew I was in callbacks every week. The final call back was insane. There were about 40 of us dancing and singing our faces off. I thought I blew it. I called my agent and said "I dont know if I really want to be in the business anymore". He called me back the next morning at 10am and said "I'm sorry you're feeling down, but they have offered you "Hair" and maybe you should stay in the business just a tad longer'. LOL.-What was it like to make your Broadway debut?It was unreal. I have been a working actor for 9 years. I have toured, done regional theatre, you name it, but I never thought I would be so lucky to actually perform in a Broadway show. The cast was so loving to me. I remember crying alot. -

T3:What is your favorite number or moment in HAIR and why?

JL: I have so many of them. I LOVE the song HAIR, and I love the end of the show. But my favorite moment is the dance party. I LOVE our audience being apart of our tribe.

T3: What is it like interacting with the audience at HAIR?

JL: I think it is different everyday. Some people do not want to be touched. I try to be very respectful and not get in people's faces.

T3: Are there any backstage rituals at HAIR?

JL: Lots of hugs and warming up.

T3: How excited are you to start performances with the new Tribe?

JL: I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!! I love them. each and everyone of them are so amazing. I am so blessed to be apart of this new tribe.

T3: Do you have any favorite Stage Door memories?

JL: I can't say I have any favorite moments, but I love the stage door. I am a theatre nerd, I collect autographed playbills. I just love meeting the people who come to the show so I can say thank you.

T3: What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

JL: I have too many to name. I love anything Sondheim.

T3:Who is your favorite Broadway performer and why?

JL: I have too many of them. At the moment I am a tad obsessed with Gavin Creel. Duh.

T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

JL: Two people come to mind. My biggest inspiration is my best friend Jorge Maldonado. He passed away 2 years ago. He taught me so much about life and also helped teach me how to love myself. I think about him every single day and dedicate every show I do to his memory. The next is my biological Mother. I am adopted and did seek out my biological family. I can't express how amazed I am that this teenage girl gave up everything so I could have a life that she could'nt provide. I am truly touched by that. Professionaly I am inspired by Gavin Creel, Will Swenson, Caissie Levy and Julia Murney. I loved working with them and they taught me that part of being "The Lead" is being a "Leader".

T3:Do you have a quote or motto you try and live by? If so what is it?

JL: "Follow Your Bliss".

Check out HAIR's website here

Follow Josh on Twitter here

Interview with Bobby Cronin

Bobby Cronin is a composer who recently released "Reach The Sky: Live at the Beechman". His CD features some of todays brightest talent in theatre.


Th3heights: How did you get interested in writing?
Bobby Cronin: I have always written, ever since I can remember. I would turn newspaper articles into songs, write plays and perform them in my backyard with the neighborhood kids, etc. I always found writing to be the best way to express my inner feelings, like when one of my best friends died in high school, I composed two songs to let out the pain that I was hiding. I have always turned to writing for happiness, sadness, excitement, anger, and the such. And now that I get to do that as my profession, I couldn't be happier.

T3: Is there anything that gets you inspired to write?
BC:A few things do. As I mentioned before, if I am having a very powerful feeling that I want to express, I will turn to music. But, the nerd that I am, I love homework. So, I think of composing/writing as my homework in that I give myself projects and deadlines (in addition to those given to me by directors or producers) so that I am always remaining active with my craft, challenging myself to find new motifs, new chord structures, new melodies. I also love to write songs for specific people, like THE UNDERSTUDY which was written for Anne Brummel; she was the inspiration behind that piece.

T3:When you wrote your music did you write with a specific performers in mind to sing your music?
BC:Sometimes. I thought of Marty Thomas (Xanadu) for DAYBREAK. JUST CHOOSE RIGHT was for Brad Bass (Wicked, Memphis), and INVISIBLE was for Dee Roscioli (Elphaba in Wicked). Other songs are written and then I think of whom would be best for it.

T3:How long have you been writing?
BC:I had my first song presented in NYC in 2005, and a reading of BRATT CAMP in Chicago in late 2006.

T3:What was your concert at Beechman when you recorded your CD like?
BC:It was unreal! I couldn't believe that it was really happening. I am so grateful for the amount of trust The Beechman, engineer Joey Pier, and producer Erica Ruff put into me and my work. It is a feeling like no other. I still can't believe that I am on iTunes! And to work with people like Caissie Levy, Allison Case, Alex Brightman (well, the entire cast actually) is such an honor!

T3:How did you choose who you wanted to perform your music?
BC: Great question! I spend time researching performers on youtube, listening to their vocals and watching their acting. If they do something that really blows me away, I do my best to try to work with them. Sometimes performers contact me and say they want to sing my songs. For instance, Eric Michael Krop, whom I already knew and adored, really wanted to sing CRY on my CD. I wasn't sure about it and he made a recording of himself singing it and sent it to me. I WEPT like a baby listening to his interpretation of the song. And I immediately said yes!

T3:Are there any performers you really want to work with?
BC:Yes! Audra McDonald. Stephanie J. Block. Will Swenson. Clay Aiken. Josh Groban. Alice Ripley. Chad Kimball. And dream person...Celine Dion!!

T3:How has the response to your CD been?
BC:The response has been really strong! It is selling pretty well for my taste. I get some very beautiful emails from people saying how much it touched them or helped them get through a bad day or tough moment. But my favorite response has been from my Mom who listens to it everyday in the car! LOL!

T3: Who is your favorite composer and why?
BC: Wow. Tough one. I am going to say that my favorite team for theatre is Ahrens and Flaherty. I think they write the most beautiful ballads and the most exciting uptempos. I could listen to Once On This Island every day and still cry at the end.
As for non-theatre, the late Freddie Mercury from Queen. Queen's music is a big influence on my writing in terms of range, power, passion, drive, and it's somewhat epic nature.

T3:Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
BC:In life? My parents. They have taught me to believe in good and to ignore evil. They have instilled an amazing work ethic into all five of their children (I am the baby), taught us to have faith, to look on the bright side, and that everything happens for a reason. That to me is inspirational.

T3:What is your favorite song that you have written and why?
BC:Wow! Um...tough one. I think MOVE ON or CRY or REACH THE SKY. These are all songs that mean a lot to me personally and represent very different times in my life. When I see someone perform these songs with the passion I wrote with, it gives me the most incredible feeling you can imagine.

T3: Is there a quote or motto you try and
BC: Live by? If so what is it?
I have a few:
1) Do Unto Others As You Would Have Done Unto You
2) I sign every email with the following quote under my name: “Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” - James Dean
3) If you want something...then go get it.
4) Be grateful.


T3:Is there anything else you want to add?
BC:I just want to say that I am so excited for whatever comes my way as a writer. I know that there will be (and have been) great ups and downs, but I love to do what I do. It keeps my brain active, my imagination flowing, and my heart pumping. I don't have any training as a pianist (self-taught) so everything I write is from my heart, even the silly comedic songs. I am grateful that people (like you) have been so supportive and kind, I hope that I can continue to touch people with my words and music.

Check out Bobby's website HERE
Follow Bobby on Twitter HERE

Invterview with Marti Cummings

I've gotten the chance to interview the amazing Marti Cummings who is the founder of Broadway Speaks OUT!


Th3heights: How did you get the idea for Broadway Speaks OUT?
Marti Cummings: When proposition 8 happened I thought of the idea to form BSO. Having the majority vote on minority rights is NEVER OKAY! So I said let's bring the broadway and entertainment communities together to stand up and speak OUT!


T3:What do you like best about working with Broadway Speaks OUT?
MC:I like giving a voice to people who may not be able to do what I do. I really enjoy interacting with all of the people who follow our show and support what we do

T3:What is it like getting to interview so many great performers and people supporting equality?
MC: TERRIFYING! I have interviewed LEGENDS & just want to cry I am so nervous but it is so rewarding to speak with them and hear what they have to say. I am so honored to be able to speak to such great people about how they support justice and equality

T3:What is your favorite Broadway Speaks OUT moment?
MC:marching on Washington and chanting in front of the White House.
Oh and I like going to all these fancy events to ;)

T3: What is your favorite musical?
MC: hmmmmm of all time? I would have to say Fiddler on the Roof haha

T3: Who is your all time favorite Broadway performer?
MC: Betty Buckley

T3: Who is your Broadway Crush?
MC: is it bad if I am friends with them haha,
Gavin Creel & Will Swenson...they both ooze sex appeal and are very nice guys!

T3: What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
MC: eating fatty greasy food!

T3: What is your favorite color?
MC: somedays green somedays blue depends on my mood

T3:Who is your biggest influence?
MC:Cleve Jones & Harvey Milk

T3: Is there a quote or motto you try and live by? If so what is it?
MC: "By the grace of God I am who I am". That is from St. Paul in the Bible. I was given that motto by Sister Redempta, a nun in my high school. She helped me pray and find people with my sexuality in high school. This motto is what I said to my entire school when I was asked to speak as "most influential in the senior class" because I came out in catholic school.
I think no matter who you are you should always always remember that you are who you are.

T3: Is there anything else you would like to add?
MC: I love life!




Follow Marti on Twitter here
Check out Broadway Speaks OUT here

David Singletary Interview

I recently got the chance to interview a member of Broadway Speaks OUT and the Diva of Dish, David Singletary!

Th3heights: How did you get involved with Broadway Speaks OUT?
David Singletary: Well it was actually kind of by accident. I have always had people tell me "Your funny...you should have a show!" So I decided to take their advice. I wanted to do a youtube show that centered on hot topics/media gossip/ and political events from my perspective. I asked Marti if he was interested in being apart of it one day while on the subway. He told me that he and Anthony had been wanting to do a show like The View with gay men that I would be perfect for. So we combined the ideas... and voila! I was a BSO boy ;-)

T3: What do you like best about working with Broadway Speaks OUT?
DS: It may seem cliche' but truthfully the BEST part of the show really is the people who watch it! When I started doing this I knew that I wanted to put part of myself out there. To not just be funny but to show people someone who is honest, following their dreams in NYC, and someone who can be comfortable with themselves as a member of the LGBT community. I had NO idea if people would be interested in what we had to say, but you guys have welcomed us with open arms! That is such an incredible feeling. To hear your stories and be able to share in your experiences has been more than I could have hoped for!

T3: What is your favorite musical?
DS: I am asked this often and my answer is always that I don't HAVE a favorite musical. I love O many of them for so many different reasons. However, I will say the musical that I have seen the most times and has influenced me greatly would be RENT.

T3: Who is your all time favorite Broadway Performer?
DS: I can say without a doubt that my all time favorite Broadway performer is Audra McDonald. I had just finished with a pretty huge show in FL when I was very young. I told the director of that show I was going to NYC for the first time to see a Broadway show because that is what I wanted to do with my life! He basically told me that I would never make it because I was black and there were no parts for me. I was heartbroken. Ragtime was my very first Broadway show and Audra's INCREDIBLE performance that night changed my life. I had the chance to go backstage and meet her. She sat a very young David down for a long talk. She said that she had never let anyone or anything, including the color of her skin, get in the way of doing what she was meant to do! She will never know what those words meant to me but years later here I am in NYC! LOL

T3: Who is your Broadway Crush?
DS: I would definitely have to say Taye Diggs! That smile is enough to make me do domestic things for him...pick up his socks and cook him dinner LOLQ: Who is your Favorite Diva?A: I kinda already answered this above...Audra McDonald! However, I LOVE the divas..Patti, Liza, Bernadette...I could go on and on!

T3: What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
DS: My favorite guilty pleasure changes all the time but right now I would have to say its Rupaul's Drag Race! Its so trashy and ridiculous and I am LITERALLY obsessed!

T3: What is your favorite color?
DS: Not to be THAT gay man but my favorite color is Cerulean! LOL It was my favorite crayon as a child...I always made my mother make sure it was in the box before we bought crayons ;-)

T3: Who is your biggest influence?
DS: My biggest influence is definitely my mother. She is one of the strongest people I have ever met. She is the person who shaped me and gives me the strength and courage to always have a smile on my face.

T3: Is there a quote or motto you try and live by? If so what is it?
DS: I don't know that I LIVE by any quotes but this quote always makes me smile "Its not about waiting for the storm to pass....its about dancing in the rain!"

Check out Broadway Speaks OUT here

Interviews

I am starting to do interviews for my blog. I will be interviewing the boys of BSO, Broadway performers, writers and people who inspire me. Check back for interviews!