So, it has been a year since you graduated from college and moved to New York City. Now you’re the lead in Paper Mill Playhouse’s West Side Story! What’s been your favorite “I can’t believe this is my life” moment so far?
I don’t think I fully comprehended the reality of it until we were a few rehearsals in. When I got the call from my agent, my jaw might’ve been on the floor. It has been a joy and an honor every day to be a part of this icon of a show.
You grew up in Nashville; did you ever consider a career in country music?
Haha! When I was younger, I despised country music. Probably for its abundance, mostly because I felt like I wanted to be different from the city around me. Now that my brain is mostly developed, there’s some country music I really like. While I did grow up playing guitar and was in a band for a very brief period, once I found theatre and storytelling, my calling for music was out-staged. For the time being!
How did Nashville and Belmont shape you for New York?
Nashville is a wonderful place. That being said, it’s not New York. There is nothing that can truly prepare you to live here other than being here. I had to train myself to just do my own thing, to not say hi to random people on the street. Belmont more than prepared me for working at this caliber. I feel confident in my abilities to take on this role and be myself in what was and is a huge moment for me in my career.
One year down, what are your favorite NYC hot spots?
Harlem Shakes, Modern Bread and Bagel, Noglu. I have been gluten free for a few months now, but my partner has been gluten free for a long time now. Those are some really great gluten substitutes. Not gluten free, but Harlem Shakes is the quintessential smash burger. You just can’t go wrong.
What was your audition process like for this production at Paper Mill?
It was great! Paper Mill is a very supportive team and after meeting them, I felt at home and comfortable in the audition room. That’s pretty much all I could ask for.
What do you hope audiences take away from your version of Tony in West Side Story?
I hope that audiences look at the end of the story and realize that tragedy doesn’t need to happen for change to come in the world. The kids in this show are living in the 1950s, but there’s a reason why this show is timeless and still performed today. Tony is just another piece of the puzzle that tells a story of love, social injustice, xenophobia, and ultimately: division.
What are your dressing room essentials?
It’s very exciting… my nebulizer and my water bottle.
Is there a role you dream of playing someday that people might not expect?
Whether you expect it or not is your business, but some dream roles are Orpheus, Melchior, one of the Burnt Part Boys, and in the future, James Pomatter.
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