So who did you portray in "Poppins" on Broadway?
I played Valentine in New York when Tyler Maynard left the original company. I'm one of the chimney sweeps-the one doing anything unadvisable. I was a gymnist growing up so I do a few acrobatics in "Step in Time," which is my favorite number in the whole show.
How was it working in the New Amsterdam Theatre?
It's unbelievable. It has so much history and you won't see another theatre like it in New York. The whole experience has been unbelievable. I remember when I first walked into the New Amsterdam-we were across the street in rehearsals at the 42nd Street Studios and walked across the street into the theatre. They were all business because the crew had been loading in the show for a month or two, but then I was there standing in history. It was comparable to the feeling when they cast me in the room.
And then we get cramped up backstage in all these tiny dressing rooms with nowhere to move! (laughs) The audience really gets the better deal with that.
How did you decide to move on to the tour?
It is a treat for the country to see Gavin Lee and Ashley [Brown] because they are tremendous. You won't be able to see it anywhere else. I would say this cast is just as strong as the Broadway company. There are six people from the Broadway company, and I love the energy of the cast.
I was ready for a break from New York. I had a blast doing "Mary Poppins" on Broadway and did over 700 performances. I'd been in New York for five years and was ready for a change of pace. I put my name in the hat and it worked out.
Were there any spectacular mishaps you'd like to talk about?
Nothing really crazy has happened on the tour yet. There are of course technical difficulties every once and awhile, but nothing really remarkable.
What changes have been made to the show for the tour?
They've pared down the set for the tour, but it's still the same concept. If you hadn't seen the Broadway show but saw pictures, and then came and saw our show, you wouldn't know that you weren't seeing the Broadway set. It's just more fleshed out on Broadway. You can walk on the second floor of the Broadway house but not in ours, for example. They've redesigned it to be more like a storybook, and it spins around to reveal new scenes, and it's a really great effect. Everybody that has seen it says they love it just as much and that it's very accessible. The set is exactly what it needs to be.
What makes "Mary Poppins" so special to you?
It is a spectacular show in many ways. Adults will know it from their childhood and everyone knows it. It's a piece of American film and theatre that won't be forgotten. Everyone knows it and loves it. For theatre-goers, they'll see fantastic performances, but people who don't go to the theatre will get a great night as well. It's not vanilla at all, but interesting and quirky and a lot of fun.
What are you looking forward to doing once you get to Cleveland?
All of my friends and family getting to see me.
I'm a big baseball fan and I haven't seen a game in a long time. We are definitely road-tripping it up to Cedar Point at some point. My family is throwing a barbecue for The company.
So what's next after "Mary Poppins" for you?
I want to get my foot in the door for that Green Day musical that is happening. I have a friend that is a guitar player/producer/engineer and I grew up on his music, so I'm a big rock and roll fan. So I'd like to get into something with a little more edge to it. (laughs) I've been with the show since I was only two years out of college and I've gotten to the point in my career where I've grown up a lot. I look young and play young, but I think I can get into more adult roles. I haven't been in the audition pool for awhile, so it'll be interesting to see where I am when I get back to New York.
My opportunity to cover Bert here is a real testament to my work. I'm going on in St. Louis when he is on vacation. I don't know if there is much chance he'll take a night off in Cleveland.
"Mary Poppins" is playing at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square until August 9th. Purchase tickets online at www.playhousesquare.com. Tomorrow look for an interview with Mary herself, Ashley Brown and then check back Monday for BroadwayWorld's review of the production.
