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Christopher Rice and Clay Thomson |
5 Quick Questions with
Christopher Rice
QUESTION ONE:
Jeff: Hi,
Christopher! Thanks so much for taking time out to chat with JK's
TheatreScene. You are the very first cast member of The Book of Mormon
that I've had the pleasure of talking with, and you are the first
"Swing," too! So, let's start there... Being a swing is one of
those things I hear people - even avid theatre fans - talk about, but with
little actual knowledge. Maybe you can clear it up for us. What
does a swing do? How does that differ from being an understudy? And are you "on call" or
actually at the theatre every night? Finally, what specifically do you
cover in The Book of Mormon?
Christopher: Thanks for having me. A swing’s job is
to be able to jump in for any role that you cover at any moment. You learn all
of their onstage performance responsibilities as well as their offstage
traffic. Your job is to make the show run as if the actor usually in the role
was still there and for everything to run smoothly. At this point, I cover the
7 “Mormon boys” and all of their features. Understudies are usually onstage
every night in an ensemble or smaller role. There are such things as on-stage
swings, but in my case I show up at the theatre every night and am ready to
jump in when needed. I also perform when people take vacations, etc.
Christopher: (Left) Me with the marquee the day I got "the call!"
(Right) In my "Hell Dream" costume
Christopher: Moving into my dressing
Christopher: First weekend on Broadway
QUESTION TWO:
Jeff: How often have you gotten to go on in
the show? Have you ever had to
swing one track for one show and a completely different track the next
show? How about a mid-show replacement? No matter what, though, it
must be a thrill to be a part of such a huge cultural phenomenon! Are the
fans crazy when you arrive at and/or leave the theatre each day? Has
your family been to see you in the show? They must be very proud, huh?
Christopher: For a many number of reasons, I have
been on quite a bit since I began in early March. I haven’t gone on for all 7
tracks yet, but I have done shows back to back as separate characters. Yeah, it
is a blessing to be a part of such a great musical with such supportive fans.
Hopefully my family can make the trip to see me in the show soon!
Christopher: Me as Mark in A Chorus Line
at Stages St. Louis - Summer 2011
(Photo by Peter Wochniak)
QUESTION THREE:
Jeff: You've also been a part of two other
shows that are true American cultural touchstones. First, your BOM bio
says you've been in A Chorus Line four times! Is your background in
dance? What roles have you played in that show? As a performer, how
does that show touch you/affect you? Why do you think it continues to
strike a chord in audiences nearly 40 years after its debut - even
non-performers?
Christopher: I’ve
worked really hard to become the best singer, dancer, and actor I can be. I was
whipped into shape in my college dance classes, but I pushed myself really hard
because I had a long way to go. In A Chorus Line (my favorite show by the way!)
I’ve played both Mark and Mike (“I Can Do That”). Well, technically in one
production I was Mark and covered/went on for Mike as well, so I guess I have
done Mark twice and Mike two… and a half times. It is such a great show that
anyone can connect with because it is about more than performing. It is about
putting yourself out there for what you love.
Christopher: (Left) Outside the Fox Theater in St. Louis with Clay Thomson
on the West Side Story Tour
(Right) On for Tony (the role I covered) in West Side Story
QUESTION FOUR:
Jeff: The other show, West Side Story, you did
as part of the recent National Tour, right? Talk about some tough
dancing! What was your favorite number to do every night? How tough
was doing that show in a different place every week (or sometimes
less!)? Your favorite city? Did audiences respond to the show
the same way all over the country or was it different depending on where you
were? What was the best part of touring? The worst?
Christopher: West Side Story is another one of my favorites and a
great first Broadway tour to learn from and experience performing every night!
The dancing was exhausting and exhilarating. The vocal responses from audiences
varied throughout different regions, but people left to their feet at the end
of the show almost every night. Favorite city? Well, we played all over the US,
Canada, and even Japan… so I would have to say Tokyo! Best Part of Touring:
Seeing the world with great friends. Worst Part of Touring: living out of a
suitcase and no home-cooked meals.
Christopher: (Top) Backstage in my "Blue Skies" costume
on the White Christmas Tour
(Bottom) ...me in the air! :-)
A couple of random photos from christopherriceonline.com
QUESTION FIVE:
Jeff: Finally, back to being on
Broadway. How do you stay prepared to work, often on a moment's
notice? What kind of daily routine do you maintain to stay in
shape? How do you continue to work on training for your craft? Do
you hope, some day, to have a permanent role in the show? Is there a role
outside of BOM that you are dying to try?
Christopher: I am still relatively new so I am constantly
reviewing formations and vocal parts. I work out 5 days a week to stay in shape
and love taking dance classes and voice lessons to stay at my best. I am loving
my time there as a swing and am learning a lot from my experience. I look forward
to whatever roles and experiences I will have in the future!
Jeff: Thank you so much, Christopher! Say
"Hello!" to all of the cast from all of us at JK's TheatreScene!
Find out more about Christopher at http://christopherriceonline.com/
(Photos
courtesy of Christopher Rice)
Jeff
4.258
Bless him! This is a great interview! :D
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