In case you missed it, the South Lobby of the Civic Center Music Hall featured profiles of many of our summer actors and artistic staff during the run of TARZAN, THE KING AND I, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and BIG RIVER. We asked members of the cast of TARZAN to answer a few questions about themselves. Here’s what they said:
Nicholas Rodriguez, Tarzan
1) What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
I have two and for very different reasons. Tarzan was my Broadway debut and will always hold a special place in my heart. Nothing compares to taking the final bow as the leading man of a Broadway show. But, I played Curly in a multi-ethnic production of OKLAHOMA! at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC. It was an incredible, celebrated production. The stage was filled with people that resembled the faces of America, and all the different races, tribes and nations that created the State of Oklahoma.
2) Are there any special challenges you foresee in playing your character?
It’s one of the most challenging roles I’ve played. It’s a challenging vocal score, an emotional roller coaster and incredibly physical. That’s not to mention all the fight sequences and flying! Also, he’s an iconic figure who audiences have strong opinions about from various novels, comic books, movies and television shows. No pressure….
3) Do you have any rituals you do before each show?
Nothing terribly wacky, just warming up my voice, going to the gym and stretching.
4) What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
Musical theatre, like jazz, blue-grass and tap dancing, is truly an American invention. In a musical, when the spoken word isn’t enough to convey the emotion, the characters break into song and when that’s not enough they start dancing. The symbiosis of the spoken word, the orchestra, the voices and the choreography can be a magical place. The actors disappear into their characters and the audiences are swept into a magical world for two and a half hours.
Heather Botts, Jane Porter
1) Why are you excited to play Jane?
Jane is adventurous, passionate and takes risks! She follows her dreams and I love her optimism and enthusiasm for life.
2) Is this your first time working at Lyric?
Lyric is an amazing company and I’m so excited to return this summer. The level of talent, community and professionalism has superseded any expectations I had before joining this brilliant team of artists. Thank you, Lyric, for a most rewarding experience!
3) What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
The Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS. She instilled in me the courage to fight for my dreams.
4) Are there any special challenges you foresee in playing your character?
Flying! This will be my first time “flying” in a show, but I’m thrilled to have the opportunity.
5) Do you have any rituals you do before each show?
Ha, I don’t have any that I can think of at the moment.
6) What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
I love telling a good story!
Jamard Richardson, Terk
1) Why are you excited to play Terk?
I am ecstatic to be playing the role of Terk in TARZAN. It is one of my dream roles that I have always wanted to play and I am so thankful that Lyric is making this dream come true.
2) Is this your first time working at Lyric?
No and I love working at Lyric. I always have a great time not only on stage with the fellow actors, but also off stage with the creative team and crew. It really feels like a family here at Lyric and that is something you don’t always encounter.
3) What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
I can never nor will ever forget playing the role of Terpsicore in Lyric’s production of XANADU in January of 2012. Working with the phenomenal director Alan Muraoka was an experience I will treasure. I also love to skate, so being able to skate on stage and do choreography on four wheels was a huge plus!
4) Are there any special challenges you foresee in playing your character?
Flying 30 feet in the air is probably going to be the most difficult challenge in playing Terk. I am not usually afraid of heights, but in this case, the trio of singing, dancing and flying at the same time poses to be a little challenging.
5) Do you have any rituals you do before each show?
I always take 10 minutes to myself and just sit in silence and mentally go over everything from the show in my head and then I put on some headphones and dance to some pop music.
6) What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
I love the endless possibilities that theatre offers. You can walk into a theatre and be transported into that story and for two and a half hours forget who you are, forget your troubles or worries and just be invested in the story that is being told before you. It is truly magical and I am thankful that I get to spend the rest of my life doing just that.
