Q1: Tell us about your first memory of seeing Mary Poppins.
I remember watching the movie quite a bit as a kid. I was obsessed with the “Spoon Full of Sugar” scene. I saw it for the first time on stage about a year and a half ago and absolutely was crying by the end. It’s a beautiful story.
Q2: What role do you play in Mary Poppins?
I play Mr. Banks. A role, I will admit, I didn’t quite feel right for at first. But after day one of blocking rehearsals, I thought “Oh I can absolutely do this!”. He is more stoic and reserved than I tend to be, so it has been fun tapping into a side of myself I rarely get to explore onstage.
Q3: What’s been the best part of returning to Charleston to perform?
Definitely working with friends and colleagues at Charleston Stage for the first time since I was a Resident Actor 8 years ago! This fun and trusting environment is just as I remember it!
Q4: Where are you from?
I grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago and have been living in my own apartment on the Northside for 7 years. It is an incredible theatre town and I’m very proud to be living there as a working actor! And equally proud to be back in Charleston for these couple months.
Q5: What drew you to theatre and performing?
I saw Maury Yeston’s version of Phantom when I was 7 at the old Candlelight Dinner Playhouse on the Southside of Chicago. Ever since then- I’ve been hooked!
Q6: What was your theatre training?
I went to Western Illinois University and received my BFA in Musical Theatre. Right after that I was in Charleston for 10 months as a Resident Actor. I’ve always wanted to come back and work for Charleston Stage again, so this has been a dream!
Q7: What were some of your favorite roles you performed with Charleston Stage when you were a Resident Actor?
To this day Tick, Tick…Boom! And A Year with Frog and Toad with Charleston Stage remain two of my favorite theatrical experiences. They were perfect. And incredibly rewarding.
Q8: Do you get to fly in Mary Poppins?
I don’t get to fly! Unfortunately. Now THAT would be a dream.
Charleston Stage’s “Mary Poppins” runs April 8 – May 1, 2016, at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, call (843) 577-7183 or purchase online by clicking here.
