Star-To-Be: Benjamin Pajak

⭐⭐Star - To - Be⭐⭐

Benjamin Pajak

At the ripe old age of 15, one might say that Benjamin Pajak is already a star, not a "to be." But we are certain that he is on his way to a decades long, successful career (if he so chooses). This guy has shown that he can grow as an actor as he himself has grow. He did the sweet little boy - without being sickly sweet - in The Music Man. Then he did the slightly older almost tween/waif thing in an acclaimed turn in the title role of Oliver! at Encores!

Along the way, he's held his own against some pretty heavy-hitters on the stage: Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster and Raul Esparza, to name but a few. And he has a prestigious Theatre World Award to start his collection. Not bad. Then there's a growing film career, where he's played against Tom Hiddleston in The Life of Chuck, and has a feature, Tiny Fugitives and a remake of The Exorcist coming up.

For the immediate future, Broadway fans can enjoy his funny and intense performance as the comic book-loving younger brother/vampire slayer in The Lost Boys. His turn includes a sweet realization of his sexuality in the big number, "Superhero." This next step in his stage career has garnered him both Outer Critics Circle Award and Dorian Award nominations.

This star-to-be is definitely one to keep your eye on! Keep up the good work, Benjamin!

  

We said: "Among the new generation [is] the absolutely adorable, but so real and so grounded Benjamin Pajak as Winthrop Paroo. To all of their credit not a single child in this production indulges in even the slightest hint of cloying behavior."

  

  

  

We said: "As Sam, the younger brother, Benjamin Pajak continues his streak of endearing characters and remarkable natural talent. His Sam is the people pleaser of the family, fiercely protective and enthralled by the super heroes of his beloved comic book collection. The evolution of his character includes him slowly realizing that he is queer, manifested as a super hero secret identity, naturally. His big number is "Superpower," complete with a rainbow of caped crusaders fighting an army of Draculas and a pair of Elviras (it doesn't get more 80s than that!). It is very funny and ultimately touching." 

Star-To-Be: Jack Wolfe

⭐⭐ Star - To - Be ⭐⭐

Jack Wolfe

I suppose the case could be made that Jack Wolfe is already a star. He has several London stage credits, and was a star of Netflix's Shadow and Bone, and has appeared in several British television series. He also plated the lead role in the German film musical, The Magic Flute, based on the classic opera.

Like many of you, he first came to my attention as Gabe in the West End production of Next to Normal, here shown on PBS' Great Performances. I was bowled over, and fully understand why his was an award-winning (WhatsOnStage) and Olivier-nominated star turn. And so, when it was announced that he was coming to Broadway as Orpheus in Hadestown, I snapped up a ticket! I was not disappointed. He is everything I hoped for and more. (You really should get to see him if you can before he leaves on March 1!) At a mere 30 years of age, it seems he is just getting started. I hope he returns to the Broadway stage soon and frequently.

Check This Out: 30 Under 30

Hi Everyone!

As you know, I'm dashing out of town to catch Finian's Rainbow today in New York City. But before I go, I wanted to share a really cool article that I got in email today from one of my favorite newer Broadway spots... www.broadwayspace.com. Check out the space and join.

This article is really cool... it is their list of the top 30 Broadway stars UNDER the age of 30! It makes me feel old, but hopeful about the future of live theatre. And I realized as I scanned it, I think I've only missed 5 of them performing, so far!

Here's the link: http://www.broadwayspace.com/page/30-under-30-broadways-hottest

What do you think? Share your thoughts, please!
Jeff