JKTS Chat: An Interview with Submissions Only's Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Part 2)

He was Mr. Broadway back in April 2012, and now Andrew Keenan-Bolger is back at JKTS with a pretty cool interview!  Earlier this week, he talked about his family ties to Broadway, politics and his love of all things media (HERE).  Today, in the second part (of two) of this chat, he talks about season three of his web series Submissions Only, how Disney has helped to shape his career, and all of the amazing projects coming up in his future - in all kinds of different media, naturally!

JEFF: The majority of your Broadway career has been spent in Disney shows, from Beauty and the Beast to Newsies.  What is the best part of being part of the Disney Theatricals family? 

ANDREW: I think what’s really special about Disney Theatricals is that they are creating unforgettable experiences for families. I’m super close with my family and saw firsthand how theater changes lives at a young age. To get to be a part of that message is extraordinary.

JEFF: During your time with Newsies, you did a lot of backstage videos and the like, and really got the “Fansies” pumped up about the show.  How did those videos come about and evolve? 

ANDREW: I’ve been a part of the Disney family since I began my career and have been treated so incredibly well by them. Tom Schumacher, who’s the head of Disney Theatricals, was one of my first supporters when it came to film-making and one of the first people to encourage me to create content. When I found out I was going to be a part of Newsies I was immediately connected with the marketing department and we brainstormed ways to spread the world to our very tech savvy fans. I loved making these videos and was so lucky to have permission to document our experience in such a close and personal way. It was one of the first shows to have a real online narrative and give access to the inner workings of a show’s Broadway gestation.

JEFF: Just how crazy did those fans get – for the good and the bad?  I’ll bet that their enthusiasm meant a lot to all of you.

ANDREW: It’s my hope that those videos largely propelled our fans’ enthusiasm. I know if I weren’t in the show, I’d absolutely be cyber-stalking all those boys as well! As to the level of crazy, it was never for the bad. I will also say, I was the most well-fed during that run thanks to the generosity of our fansies.

JEFF: Have you seen Aladdin on Broadway yet? If so, how strange is it for you to not be up there, when you were a part of the pre-Broadway genesis of the show?  If not, what are you looking forward to seeing when you finally get to see it?

ANDREW: I did see Aladdin and have to say, even without my history with the show and Disney, I think it’s out of this world. I haven’t been entertained like that in such a long time and to think that it’s going to be a lot of people’s first introduction to Broadway is so cool!

JEFF: So, this latest season of Submissions Only is a little different production-wise.  How did this new situation come about?  How has it helped your enterprise?  What about SO remains the same, and how has it grown to a new level?

ANDREW: This new season was absolutely a game changer for us. We really got to make the season of our dreams! It began with a really lucrative Kickstarter campaign and finished off with the help of Broadway producer, Kevin McCollum. While financing makes some things easier, (mainly the ability to get everyone to agree to do insane amounts of work), it also made things a lot harder as we got more ambitious. After shooting our new season I’m pretty sure everyone on the Submissions Only team feels like a warrior. What’s remained the same is that while we have a lot more help than before, we still try to keep it a small enterprise. We try to use people’s time very efficiently and make sure our work environment is above all, fun.

Kate Wetherhead and Andrew

On Set of Submissions Only

JEFF: As theatre lovers, most of us have some familiarity with the collaborative nature of bringing a show to the stage.  How does collaborating on a web series from scratch work like doing a play or musical, and what are the most challenging differences? 

ANDREW: In many ways they’re similar. Kate and I had little to no film experience when we began Submissions Only, but what we did know was how to create environments that fostered learning and creativity. Theater prepared us for that. The biggest difference was having to have the mind of a producer. It’s great to think up something but figuring out to execute it is a whole other story.  

From HBO's Looking

JEFF: Finally, what can we look forward to seeing you in the near future?  A new show? More  Submissions?  How about another stint on Looking? Any chance you’ll be doing a show with your sister?  What is something you haven’t done that you hope to try and/or accomplish in the next year?

ANDREW: I’ve got a couple films coming this year that I’m really excited about. One is called The Rewrite, starring Hugh Grant and Marissa Tomei. Hugh plays a professor and I get to play one of his wacky students. The second is a film that’s written by my friends Jake Wilson and Sas Goldberg called You Must Be Joking. It’s a hilarious look at the world of an aspiring comedienne. Of course there’s a lot of awesome Submissions Only love coming at you every other Monday on BroadwayWorld.com. Also, Kate Wetherhead and I are writing a book series for Penguin Publishing called Jack & Louisa. We’ve completed the first book and are hard at work on the second. The thing that I haven’t done that I’m setting my sights on is writing and directing a film. Kate and I have already tossed around a lot of ideas but it’s the thing that I want to do most in 2014.

JEFF: Thanks, so much, Andrew!  Can't wait to see all of your future successes!

Photos used by permission of Mr. Keenan-Bolger.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THE "HOT OR NOT" FINALS!

Jeff
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JKTS Chat: An Interview with Newsies' Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Part One)

If you follow my blog at all, you know that I am a huge fan of the Keenan-Bolger siblings.  Maggie is an accomplished writer, and her sister, Celia, is an accomplished actress (if there is any justice, she'll be a Tony nominee shortly for her devastating turn in The Glass Menagerie).  And then there's Andrew Keenan-Bolger, probably most famous these days for starring as Crutchie in Disney's Newsies.  But he is also a political activist, filmmaker, and, soon, a published author. That is a lot for a guy who isn't even 30 yet!

Today, I am thrilled to bring you the first of a two-part interview with Andrew, in which he talks about his love of social media, being involved in the Broadway community, and the special bond he shares with his sisters.

       JEFF:  Thank you, Andrew, for taking the time to do this interview!  It seems appropriate that you’d be a part of the “blogosphere,” since you are EVERYWHERE on social networks and the Internet.  What is it about all of the different platforms – Twitter, tumblr, Facebook, etc. – that so appeals to you?  As a performer in the 21st century, how important is it for you to “be out there”? 

ANDREW: I totally love what social media has done to the entertainment industry. As a member of the theater community I am first and foremost a fan. Growing up, I remember being so enamored by people who worked on Broadway and would have done anything to get a glimpse of their world. I think twelve-year-old Andrew would have gone bonkers if he knew there was going to be a way to interact with your favorite actors. I also think social media and advents like YouTube have given artists an incredible platform to share our ideas and (most significantly in my case) our work.

JEFF: Of course, as my readers know, backstage videos are just a little bit of your “Internet filming career.”  You also post some really amazing road trip videos with your friends.  And there’s that little thing going on called Submissions Only… What is it about the video/film medium that you find gives you a creative spark?  How is that “spark” similar AND different to the creativity you find when performing on stage?

ANDREW: I’m a storyteller by nature and when I picked up a camera for the first time I realized it was just another way to tell a story. Documentary style or scripted, what I’m always trying to do is share a slice of life. Having gotten to both, I find that acting and directing absolutely speak to each other and I am always learning about one by doing the other.

JEFF: One of the ways you “put yourself out there” is through your charity work and activism.  What has made you so interested and involved in these causes?  Is there a sense of obligation and pride that has been instilled in you that has gotten you involved with elections, causes and charities?

ANDREW: Growing up in Detroit, MI, our parents were very involved in community work. I remember my mom’s workplace going on strike and her bringing us along to walk the picket line. It started a dialogue at a very young age about social consciousness that I think has carried over into our adulthood. I’m so proud of the work that Maggie and Celia have done in the world when it comes to activism and I’m grateful that we’ve found a way to use our art and presence as a tool for social change. Maggie has made it her career creating theater with and about the under-represented voices in our world, so much of which is truly breath-taking.

It’s easy as an actor to feel like we’re self-serving and in a profession that doesn’t make a difference, but when you look at the incredible charity and benefit work the theater world does, it really is amazing.  For example, I remember during the election, Celia and I were both in Broadway shows and wanted to be out there in the field doing the good work for Obama. Of course our show schedule made it difficult to uproot and go work on his campaign. We felt like a lot of other people in the community felt the same way.  We decided to create Broadway for Obama. I’m so glad the theater world has found a way to funnel that frustration into something that makes me really proud to be an actor and in a community that is so invested in our future.

JEFF: Perhaps it is presumptuous of me to say, but it really seems like the three of you are particularly close.  Why is that do you think?  What is something fun and revealing that you can share about your sisters? 

ANDREW:  I think my sisters and I share something unique. They are the two most important people in the world and I can’t believe we all get to live in the city and share similar passions. This is kind of a downer but my mom passed away almost 15 years ago. Losing a parent at such a young age really did form an unbreakable bond between the three of us and ever since we’ve been super involved in each other’s lives. As far as fun and revealing I will just say that holidays at the Keenan-Bolger’s is a sight to be seen!

Part 2 will post on Thursday!  Andrew talks Disney, fansies, Submissions Only and the future!

Photos used by permission of Mr. Keenan-Bolger

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THE 2014 HOT OR NOT FINALS ALL WEEK!

Jeff

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Broadway Things That Make Me Happy March Edition

Here's a few things in the TheatreScene that make me really happy!

Tony-winner Turns Billboard Top 10 Artist
She was the surprise story at the Oscars (Thank you, John Travolta!).  She's (finally) back on Broadway headlining a BRAND NEW MUSICAL (See below)!  And now, Maureen Elphaba Adele Idina Menzel has become the first Best Actress in a Musical Tony winner to score a Top 10 hit in Billboard magazine.  Of course, that's old news.  But it makes me so happy that that hit song is a Broadway-style belty number, sung in the "Broadway" style, and still made the Top 10!  Score one for Team Broadway!

Tyne Daly is BACK!
As a kid, I loved Tyne Daly in Cagney and Lacey.  Even then, I knew she was a great actress.  Then I saw her on Broadway in Gypsy, and I loved her even more!  (Her performance remains among the top 10 I've ever seen.)  And, though I haven't seen her (yet) in her return to Broadway, Mothers and Sons, I am so thrilled to hear that she's (yet again) getting rave reviews!

Record-setting Event for BCEFA
Way to go, Broadway Backwards for setting a new record in funds generated - a tidy $423,182 - for Broadway Cares and The LGBT Community Center!  This is one event I have get to some year.  It kills me that I missed the legendary Patricia Morison, who at age 99, can still work a crowd.  And I would have loved to see Michael Berresse and Tony Yazbeck doing "Hot Honey Rag/Nowadays."  Plus, I'd walk through hot lava to see Andrew Keenan-Bolger do anything...

And Finally... A Flashback
Every time I see the new tagline for The Lion King, I smile. Felines really must have 9 lives.  Well, at least 2.  The current tagline sure resembles that other kitty show's tagline.  Makes sense... same company does/did the advertising for both!  History repeats itself.

Jeff
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Broadway Things That Make Me Happy February Edition (Mildly NSFW)

Like everyone else, I am really getting tired of this particular winter with its "polar vortex phenomena" and all.  That's saying a lot coming from a guy born and raised in the Adirondacks, where winter is what we live for.  Still cold and snow THIS much gets old.  So I am dedicating this month's Broadway happiness edition to things that, er, warm me up!

NEAR-NAKED BROADWAY FOLKS I: The Skivvies

File this one under "jealous of those of you who live IN NYC."  I think seeing The Skivvies (Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley) wherever they play would be so cool.  And seeing Nick Adams,Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Wesley Taylor (and, of course, Laura Benanti) in their undies live on stage would really make my night...

For more on The Skivvies click HERE. 

NEARLY-NAKED BROADWAY FOLKS II: TONY Spring 2014 Chorus Boys (and Girls)

Each spring and fall, Time Out New York posts its picks (and pics) of "The 10 Hottest Chorus Boys and Girls."  This spring's lists are particularly hot.  And I have to say I am looking forward to Aladdin, Bullets Over Broadway, Cabaret and Rocky even more... Here are a few from each list; see them all HERE.

From Aladdin

Mike Cannon

Tia Altinay

From Bullets Over Broadway

 Dan Horn

Beth Johnson Nicely

From Cabaret

 Evan D. Siegel

Jane Pfitsch

From Rocky

 Vince Corazza

Sasha Hutchings

PRE-PRODUCTION PHOTOS: Aladdin  AND The Cripple of Inishmaan

You all know I love show logos... but I also love pre-opening production shots.  Two shows that have really caught my eye recently in that department are Aladdin  and The Cripple of Inishmaan. Maybe it's because I've always had a thing for Aladdin and Daniel Radcliffe...

BITTERSWEET BROADWAY: The Closing of The Glass Menagerie

I think this image sums it all up... a creative triumph gone too soon.  Thanks to everyone involved.

Jeff
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#SIP Broadway Cuts Up During Two Show Saturdays

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR THE NEXT TWO BROADWAY BOYS 

TO MAKE THE "HOT/HOTTER" ELITE 8!  

PLUS! THERE'S A NEW MONTHLY BROADWAY POLL!

BOTH ARE TO YOUR LEFT!

UPDATE: This article has been modified since its original posting. The modification is underlined below.

One of the nominees for this year's JKTS Awards in the Social Media category was #SIP and a few of you wrote to ask what the heck that is!  Well, it is a Twitter hash tag that means "Saturday Intermission Pics."  It is added to the end of any Tweets sent by cast members of shows on Broadway, off-Broadway and on tour who send attached pictures of they are doing during the Saturday intermissions of their shows.

Not too surprisingly, this was the brainchild of one Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Mr. April 20112, Crutchie in Disney's Newsies), Broadway's resident social media guru, Max von Essen (Mr. July 2012, Magaldi in Evita) and a mutual friend, Darryl, while all three were appearing in shows on the road about three years ago.  Now that both von Essen and Keenan-Bolger are back on Broadway at the same time, they decided to start it back up again.  It spread like wild fire, and now Broadway fans who follow them and others in the community (or you can follow me, @jkstheatrescene), and look up #SIP on Twitter, can see these pictures twice a day each weekend.  I know I look forward to them!

As you'll see from some of the samples I've included, these people have as much fun off stage as they do on. I think it is cool to see backstage - dressing rooms, behind the curtain, and in other areas of the theatre audiences don't get to go.  I also appreciate the feeling of fun and camaraderie between the cast members.  Broadway really is like family.  And with that, not all of the #SIPs are funny.  Some are tributes to departing company members, and, entire shows that are closing.

The following are pictures from the past few weeks, including this afternoon.  Enjoy:

ANDREW KEENAN-BOLGER AND

THE CAST OF DISNEY'S NEWSIES

Switching roles! (A K-B and dressing roommate, Ben Fankhauser)

The Newsies, uh, give themselves a hand?

Ryan Steele can afford a slice of cake, guilt-free!
Have you seen him dance?

Kara Lindsay and Capathia Jenkins fight over the last piece!

If Newsies were KISS...

BACKSTAGE ANTICS ALL OVER 

AMERICA'S STAGES

As you can probably guess, the National Tour of Mamma Mia
is in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Even without an intermission, the National Tour of
American Idiot managed to take an #SIP!

Pittsburgh is where Sally Struthers
and the cast of Annie took their #SIP!

THOSE WACKY BROADWAY KIDS CUTTING UP BACKSTAGE

She's practically perfect, but he's...um...

Amra-Faye Wright plays dress up at Chicago

Space must be REALLY tight backstage at
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark! 

Anything Goes' sexy Brandon Rubendall
and his little friend look forward to an after show drink

There was bound to be
a little potty humor, right?

The Phantom of the Opera ballerinas
catch up on some reading

Sometimes intermission means working:
Nice Work If You Can Get It rehearses a swing for her Broadway debut!!

A LITTLE BACKSTAGE BEEFCAKE

(OF COURSE!)

God, those Book of Mormon boys are hot!

Mamma Mia! Here we go again... my my...

Even with their shirts on, those Ghost guys are SMOKIN' HOT!

EVITA'S MAX VON ESSEN IS A ONE-MAN

CUT UP BACKSTAGE

AND, FINALLY, GOODBYE #SIPS

ABOVE
Andrew Rannells' last day at The Book of Mormon

The little girls of Evita bid the Perons, "Adios" today!

The Cast of Godspell says, "Goodbye, Broadway!
Until we meet again!"

Even on its last day, Priscilla was all glitter, tons of make up, and a ton of heart!

Come back soon, Will and Nick!

A fitting farewell from  Jesus Christ Superstar

And just today... saying good bye to Peter and the Starcatcher's
Tony-winning Christian Borle, who plays his final show
tonight, Saturday, June 30, 2012.

Don't do Twitter??  Starting next week, I'll be pinning my favorite #SIPs at Pinterest.

(Click on the Pinterest logo to your right and see!)

Jeff
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@jkstheatrescene (Twitter); jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com (email); Comment below (Blogger)