TheatreScene Chat with Teddy and Alex: Alex Bares All!

Last week, one of this blog's best friends, Teddy Toye shared with us his experience as a swing in Bring It On: The Musical (Click HERE to read that!)  Today, I'm just as excited to share with you another "fast interview" with another of this blog's besties, Alex Wyse, who is currently in rehearsal for the upcoming off-Broadway revival of Bare.  In just 5 short questions, he brings up Patti Murin's waist, the genius of Stafford Arima, and how the OBCR of Follies changed his life.  And that's just a little of what's ahead!  So, without further ado...

5 Quick Questions for Alex Wyse

Question 1.  When we last chatted, you were mysterious about your next project.  Now, of course, we know that was the hit limited run of TRIASSIC PARQ.  I'm so sorry I missed it!  How was it playing a non-human AND female role?  

Alex Wyse: Triassic Parq was such a special experience. Our director and co-writer Marshall Pailet led us on the most joyous journey. We never left the stage, we sang and acted our balls off, and that subsequent lack of balls helped us since we all played female dinosaurs. In the process of becoming these creatures, we adopted a universal dinosaur physicality to help unify our movements and give the show that prehistoric flavor. We developed our walks, the way we held our hands, and sometimes even our thought and speech patterns that might best befit a dinosaur living in our given world. But beneath that external mumbo jumbo, it was a very human story. It was a coming of age, a loss of innocence, a discussion of science vs faith, etc. This show was a lot more than a parody, and while we had a raucously good time doing it, it also felt like a meaningful story to tell.

Question 2.  Such amped up, over-the-top comedy can be difficult to play.  How did that show both fit you AND stretch you as a performer?

AW: First and foremost, it tested my endurance. I don’t know that I’ve ever sung so much in a show - it was pretty non-stop for me. I was like the new Patti Murin. Except she has this waist that just won’t quit. It was great, though, to carry the majority of the vocal demands of the show. As a character actor, that isn’t a responsibility I’m often given. But I took full advantage of it, even giving up my Afternoon Martini Time, a serious blow to maintaining my esteemed place in high society. In terms of the comedy, we always approached it from the most honest place we could. Even when the jokes were coming at a mile a minute, we did our best to ground them in as much reality as possible (I guess as any good actor would do). Though sometimes it was difficult to keep a straight face when I was being raped by a T-Rex. But it all added to the challenge: Staying focused in the world while trying to have Patti Murin’s waist.

Question 3.  Now you are a part of the much-anticipated return of BARE.  You told me you weren't that familiar with the piece before getting the role, but that the reaction of people familiar with it has you excited.  What kinds of things have people said to you about it?  Why do you think the show means so much to people?

AW: A lot of people I’ve spoken with have said that Bare is what got them into theatre, or it even helped them come to terms with their sexuality. So it means a lot to be a part of a show that holds such a special place in people’s hearts. And now being a part of telling this story, I understand why it resonates so deeply with people. It’s a timely story about finding yourself, owning yourself, and moving forward. I wish I’d spent more time listening to it as a teenager, but I guess what really helped me understand myself as a fourteen-year-old was the original LP of Follies.

Question 4.  So, that photo shoot for BARE...the savvy promotions people keep letting a little more out of it as the weeks pass.  Knowing the show as I do, I can tell you that that unspoken bond between a "together" cast really makes the difference in getting the show's message across.  It looks like the cast is a lot of fun to be around, and all of you seem to have a great chemistry together.  Is that how it really is for all of you?  Has that carried over into rehearsals - especially considering the emotional difficulty of the piece? 

AW: It was interesting doing those photo shoots. We hadn’t begun our process yet, we just showed up on a Brooklyn rooftop to snap some sassy pics. And those pics are fun, but the show will have a different look and feel to it. That was more of a “meet the sexy cast, and here’s Alex Wyse on the side.” But now that we’re actually into the process, I can say that we are creating a rich and realized world, and having a wonderful time doing it. The cast is a great group, full of energy and excitement. Some are just starting out, some have a bunch of credits under their belts, but all of us are banding together in a great way to tell this emotionally resonant story. Everyone so far has been positive, open, available, which is a testament to Stafford Arima, who helps to create that atmosphere. Granted, we’ve only just begun, so there’s still time for everyone to discover what a venomous vixen I can be.

Question 5.  I understand that the show itself has evolved and deepened since it was last in New York, and in regional productions over the years.  Though I'm not asking you to compare versions, what are some of the elements of this production that you think will resonate with today's audiences?

AW:  I know a lot of people are raising questions about the changes being made for this production. What is interesting is that so many people feel married to the original, or to the specific version they know best. Every version of Bare, from the original to the demo to LA to the licensed version has been different. Theatre is evolving. And the show had its issues back in the day. Why rehash the same old stuff? This has been a great opportunity for the team to make a new Bare for a new generation. There are lots of different songs, some different plot elements, new scenes, and new takes on characters. But what matters most – what people connected to in the first place – is the heart and soul. The heart and soul of Bare is going to be amplified even more by these changes, and that’s what the authors want the audience to take away.

And last but not least...  Please provide a caption for the picture below!  :-)

ALEX: My penis is screaming at Teddy Toye.

Thanks to both Teddy and Alex!  We'll hear from both of them soon, I hope!

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Jeff

4.047

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Looking Forward to Summer 2012 Edition

While the immediate weeks hold no new openings (unlike last year's Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark), things are getting started rather earlier than usual this season, on and off Broadway.  Here are a few shows I am looking forward to during the summer months, June - August.  Let me know what you think, and tell me what you are looking forward to, too!

DEFINITES

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (http://www.nymf.org/index.html )  
Fans of musical theatre really should take advantage of this great festival of new works.  You want to see the future of the art form you love?  This is the way to do it!  Pretty cheap tickets, audiences full of love for theatre, and many casts filled with Broadway stars are all a part of the deal.  Mike and I loved it so much last year, we signed up as soon as we could this year.  So... what are we seeing?

Stuck by newcomer Riley Thomas and directed by Broadway veteran Michael Berry.  People stuck on a New York subway.  Sounds a lot like Happiness.  I liked that, and I love things that are so New York, so count me in!

Trouble with a book and direction by Michael Alvarez and music/lyrics by Ella Grace, is described as a pop/rock musical, a genre I happen to enjoy.  7 high school friends and the 24 hours that changed their lives. Has potential... maybe a cross between RENT and Spring Awakening?  We shall see!

Dogfight: Top Right: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul;

Bottom: Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez and Josh Segarra

Dogfight (Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre)

There are many reasons why I am looking forward to this show.  First, I am new to Second Stage Theatre, the place where my beloved next to normal got its start.  They do great work consistently.  Second, the subject matter - soon to deploy soldiers do bad things before they go off to do bad things in Vietnam, and lessons they learn about life and love - sounds interesting to me.  Third, it is a new work by a new, promising team of young writers (Peter Duchan book, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul music and lyrics), helmed by Tony winners Joe Mantello (direction) and Christopher Gattelli (choreography).  And finally, the cast is full of the next generation of theatre actors, many of whom I respect already: Godspell's Lindsay Mendez and Carrie's Derek Klena head the cast, along with Annaleigh Ashford (RENT, Legally Blonde), Josh Segarra (Lysistrata Jones), Steven Booth and Adam Halpin (Glory Days), among others.

Bring It On: Top: The Broadway Logo;

Center: The Tour Logo (I like it better);

Bottom: Andy Blankenbeuhler

Bring It On: The Musical (On Broadway at the St. James Theatre)

OK, so the advance word on this is that it is an empty mess, with people either pissed or uninterested because it is NOT the same story, exactly, as the film which bears the same name.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't, right?  Competitive cheerleading itself doesn't sound much like fodder for a musical, neither did cats in a garbage-strewn alley.  And no matter what, the spectacular stunts should be awesome live on stage.  And I am certainly willing to give a show created by the people who gave us "The Rose," Avenue Q, next to normal, and In the Heights the benefit of the doubt.  Director/choreographer Andy Blankenbeuhler makes the prospect even more interesting.  We shall see!

Chaplin (On Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

It is starring one of my favorite Princeton/Rods from Avenue Q, Rob McClure, and features direction and choreography by Follies' Warren Carlyle and a book co-written by legend Thomas Meehan.  The wildcard is Christopher Curtis a newcomer who co-wrote the book, and did all of the music and lyrics.  For more on why this interests me, check out this blog I wrote when it was called Limelight.  Click HERE.

HIGHLY LIKELY

Triassic Parq (Off-Broadway at the SoHo Playhouse)

I've come to love the off beat, unlikely, laughfest musical.  And Triassic Parq The Musical sounds just like that.  Add to it a cast that includes my blog friends Alex Wyse and Lindsay Nicole Chambers, and I really want to see it.  I hope time and funding will be on my side.

Into the Woods (Shakespeare in the Park)

The most talked about event of the summer.  Sondheim.  Donna Murphy, Amy Adams, Jessie Mueller and Denis O'Hare.  No brainer.  But, it has only been a few years since the last revival, not to mention the continual regional productions.  And do I really want to stand in heat and humidity without guarantee of a seat, let alone a decent one?  Especially since it will probably transfer to Broadway, anyway.  I know what you are thinking: free vs Broadway prices.  Give me a Broadway seat.  I hate heat and humidity THAT much.  Still... I'll probably be in line sweating it up.  I love event theatre THAT much more than I hate heat and humidity.

I also hope to make return visits to Once and Ghost: The Musical.

Jeff

3.283

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

TheatreScene Chat: Teddy and Alex: Back On Stage

This is the second in a series of short interviews with two up and coming stars of the current Broadway generation, Teddy Toye and Alex Wyse.  The first interview in this series can be found HERE.

UPDATED INFORMATION BELOW!

When I last chatted with the guys, we talked about life after Lysistrata Jones and the making of the Original Broadway Cast Recording.  Now, both have moved on to their next projects: Alex Wyse is co-starring in the new Off-Broadway production of the award-winning Fringe Festival entry, Triassic Parq: The Musical, and Teddy Toye has joined the National Tour of Bring It On: The Musical, which recently announced a limited Broadway engagement this summer.

Needless to say, both are super excited about their newest jobs!  Here, they share all about getting the job and what they are most looking forward to with these newest shows and challenges.

5 QUICK QUESTIONS 

WITH TEDDY AND ALEX

Question 1: So, after Lysistrata Jones closed, besides doing the Cast Recording, what did you do to keep busy?  Earn a living?  Stay “in the game”? 

Teddy Toye (TT): Well, the first thing I did, which I feel like most actors do when their show closes, is file for unemployment! (Laughs) So that was my basic source of income so I could just continue to audition full time. I spent a lot of time going to the gym to stay in shape, hanging out with my friends from LJ and girlfriend. I choreographed a few dance pieces for different places as well to make a little extra money on the side. 

Alex Wyse (AW): After LJ ended, I did a number of readings of plays and musicals in development, I auditioned a lot, I sang in a bunch of concerts, I filmed a commercial, I wrote a draft of a play, and I tried dating. The last one didn’t work out.

Question 2: TV shows and movies and even musicals (like Smash and A Chorus Line) show Broadway auditions as if everyone just shows up, sings and dances and leaves.  Is that really how it goes?  Can you explain, from finding out about the auditions for Triassic Parq and Bring It On through that initial audition, how it goes?  

AW:  With Triassic, the initial auditions happened about a year ago. Originally, the show was scheduled for last season, but it got pushed back. So there was that first round, and then this most recent round of auditions. The first audition was especially fun. It involved improv games and group exercises. They asked us to bring in our own crazy piece – I will not reveal what I did in that audition room. It was filthy and wonderful. Then this most recent round of auditions - in the room was the entire creative team. The director, casting directors, choreographer, music director, writers, producers, etc. And they were a lot friendlier than the assholes on Smash, and no one sang Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful.”

TT: It sort of does happen like that. My agent actually called me our final week of Lysistrata with the audition for Bring It On, and at first I didn't want to go; I figured I wouldn't be right for the show because I can't tumble, and I've never cheered in my life. But then I figured I might as well go to the audition, anyway. It wouldn't hurt. Plus, I've always wanted to work with Andy Blankenbuehler. [For] the first auditon, I was given a time to go in, and I was told I would be dancing. So I basically just showed up. Andy was there with his associate choreographer, Stephanie. They taught us a routine from the show, we had to do it in groups of 4 - twice for them, and then when everyone was done, they asked certain people to stay and sing. So I got asked to sing, [and I was] waiting in line with the rest of the guys who got asked to sing. We went in one at a time, sang a :30 cut of a song for them and then went home. 

Bring It On's Andy Blankenbuehler

Question 3: After the initial audition, what happens?  Call backs?  What happens at a call back that is different than the first audition?

TT: Yes. Call backs are the next step after the initial audition. In this case, I got a call from my agent the night of the first audition telling me I had a callback the next day, but this time I had 3 different characters to learn and 3 songs as well from the show. So I got an email with all the material and songs, ran over to my friend's place who's an accompanist and had him play the music so I could learn it that night. The next morning we started off with the same dance we learned from the day before, went through that a few times and then did it for Andy multiple times. Then he moved on to another 3 dances throughout that day. He ran this audition as more of a rehearsal because he wanted to see what he's going to be working with if he actually gave you the job. When that was all done, we each had scheduled times to come back and sing the songs and sides from the show. At this point, Alex Lacamoire, who is the music director for the show, was in the room. I sang the songs and he gave me notes,and then I did it again for him using the corrections and stylings he wanted. 

AW: After the first audition, I move on with my life. Sometimes I get a call telling me I have a callback! So I prepare the material again, and additional material they give me. Often times for a callback, they give you extra scenes and songs to learn. And often in a callback the director works with the actor in the room.

The Off-Broadway Company of
Triassic Parq: The Musical

Question 4 for Alex Wyse: From what I’ve read, this production reunites some people from the show’s initial run at Fringe NYC 2010.  Were you a part of it?  What is it like working with people familiar with the show and people new to it?

AW: I was not a part of the original run, but about two years ago, I did a table read of the writers’ new draft. And after I did that, I said to myself – I will play this role. (I’d recently read The Secret.) The version we’re doing is very new, so even the cast members who were previously involved are learning a whole new show. It’s very exciting! And the creative team – their prior experience with the show has only made them into better leaders for this process. They are able to guide us with confidence, knowing what this show has potential to be. Seriously, this show is going to fuggin’ rock!

Question 4 for Teddy Toye: When you get offered a show how does that come about?  On TV, they seem to tell you right there or over the phone.  Is that really it?

TT: I've never gotten a job where they have told me right in the audition room. I usually get a call from my agent; sometimes it's a few hours after an audition and sometimes it's weeks after an audition, and they are the ones that tell me if I'm getting the offer for that show. 

Teddy Tweets an #SIP for
Bring It On: The Musical

Question 5 for Teddy Toye: Congratulations on booking the Bring It On tour!  Describe for us how you reacted to the news!  What will your role entail?  What are you most looking forward to?  Anything have you a little nervous? 

TT: Thanks! I was thrilled and shocked! I didn't think that I would ever be hired for a cheer show without being able to tumble. I am actually going in as a temporary replacement for Michael Mindlin, who is leaving to go get married. So I will be taking over his track in the show for an entire month, as well as covering the principals Twig and Steven. I'm looking forward to learning how to stunt and do all the crazy cheering stuff.  I'm definitely nervous about it!  I just hope I don't drop anyone! (Laughs)
UPDATE: Several of you have asked, "Will Teddy be in the show when it comes to Broadway?"  Here's his answer! : As of right now, I'm not going to be with them at the beginning. I'll most likely be a vacation swing, or once a track opens up, I'll be with them, since I know 4 tracks in the show now.

Alex Wyse (center) and the cast
of Triassic Parq

Question 5 for Alex Wyse: Congratulations on booking Triassic Parq!  Describe for us how you reacted to the news!  What will your role entail?  What are you most looking forward to?  Anything have you a little nervous?  How fun will it be to work with Lindsay Nicole Chambers again? 

AW: Thanks!! I was eating lunch with my very talented friend Corey Boardman when I got the call from my agents. And I screamed a little. And then I made friends with the sweet lady sitting at the next table, who rejoiced with me. In the show, I play the Velociraptor of Innocence. I am the show’s heroine. Yes, I play a little lady dinosaur, discovering the world. I am looking forward to all of it – this show is hysterical and heartwarming, and this cast and team are totally stellar. I can’t wait to make NYC laugh. And Lindsay! What’s great is that this time we actually get to do scenes together. In LJ , we didn’t have a single moment of interaction on stage together. Isn’t that funny? We existed in separate worlds. But now we get to do scenes, songs, and sweat on each other. Nice. And what I’m nervous about? I’m nervous about the absurd amount of singing I have to do! Right now, I’m learning how to pace myself… this show is a marathon! I look forward to all you sexy people seeing it.

Thanks for taking time from  your busy schedules to chat with me!  We'll talk again soon!

• For more about Alex Wyse, click HERE.
• For more about Triassic Parq, click HERE.
• For more about Bring It On, click HERE.

Jeff

3.271

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