What is your role in THE OUTSIDERS?
I play one of the Socs, Chet.
Can you tell us a little bit about the show & your character?
The Outsiders, which won four Tony Awards including Best Musical, is based on the 1967 book, which was followed by the film adaptation in 1983. The musical is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 1960s, and follows the trials and tribulations of two rival social groups divided by their socioeconomic status, the Greasers and the Socs. This coming of age story follows Ponyboy Curtis on his journey of learning what it means to care about something yet also experiencing the repercussions of that care. I play the character Chet, who is one of the snobby Socs. This 4D experience takes you on a journey of highs and lows, and will teach you there is more than one meaning of love and chosen family.
How was the rehearsal process?
The rehearsal process was amazing. We had 5 weeks to learn and run the show in the rehearsal studio, and then we had two weeks of tech. Because the process was quite long, we were able to take our time learning the show, really diving into each song, dance, and scene with great depth. We always started the day with a full group warmup and acting exercise which helped our cast develop trust and love for one another really quickly. Danya, our director, really made the rehearsal process a safe yet exciting learning environment. It was a very special time.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show?
I would have to say my favorite moment of the show to do is either Friday at the Drive-in or the Rumble. The choreography alone in these moments is full body and exhilarating. As someone who feels like they are a dancer first, I love being able to tell the story with my body in the way the choreographers envisioned.
One of my favorite moments of the show that I get to watch is Stay Gold. Watching Ponyboy experience and process his grief for Johnny Cade is quite cathartic and is such a beautiful moment.
How is life on the road? Any favorite spots you’ve visited so far?
Life on the road is both amazing and can also be hard. I love being able to travel to so many different cities, try new foods, visit museums and cultural sights, and experience life in that city for a short time. Life can also be hard because we are constantly on the move, traveling every 1-2 weeks. We also are away from our friends and families, so we try to use our personal or vacation days when we can.
One of my favorite spots we’ve been to so far is Boston. I love the history in Boston, as well as the shopping, and I was also able to attend both a Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox game, two of my favorite sports teams.
What is your pre-show ritual / warmup?
Before the show, we meet as a company onstage in a circle to breathe and choose a word to focus on for the show. The show has so much violence and aggression, so it is always nice to have a moment before where we can all connect and remind each other how much we love each other.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Spanish Fork, Utah (about an hour south of Salt Lake City)
Can you tell us about how you got into performing arts?
I have four older siblings who all grew up playing instruments and dancing, so I would always attend their concerts and shows. When I was about 5, I told my parents I also wanted to perform, so they put me in piano and violin lessons, and dance classes the next year. I have continued with my instruments and dance until this day, and eventually got into theater my senior year of high school, pushing me to eventually get my BFA in musical theater from BYU.
Do you remember your first role either professional or amateur?
My very first role was in the Santa Switch in 4th grade, where I played a conniving businessman trying to take over the north pole from Santa Claus. My first role in an actual musical was playing Bert in Mary Poppins in high school.
What piece of advice would you give to young aspiring performers?
Two pieces of advice stick out to me the most:
My mentor always said “if you’re living right, good things will come”. The things that are meant for you won’t pass you by.
One thing I always tell people is to work hard and be a kind person. The performing industry is a small place, so being known as a person who is kind to others but also is a hard worker is a very important thing.
Is this your first time performing at Playhouse Square?
Yes this is my first time performing at Playhouse square! It has been so fun, and the theater is BEAUTIFUL! I’ve actually never been to Cleveland. I’ve been all around Ohio because my mom is from here and still has family/friends here, but surprisingly, I’ve never been to Cleveland before this.
Why should audiences come and see this production?
I feel like audiences should come see this production because the story is still so relevant today. The Outsiders is based on iconic source material between the film and novel which to this day still has ongoing presence in academic curricula and has led to an expanded/loyal fanbase.
Within the show, you have an iconic score by Jamestown revival, along with fantastic singing, acting, and dancing. The Outsiders captures the heart, energy, and sound of 1960’s Tulsa, and is considered a groundbreaking addition to contemporary theatre.
