Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer fills out contributor Tom Mizer’s nosey little questionnaire and offers a glimpse of what he looks like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For May, we’re bending over backwards for a handsome, talented (and flexible) performer…

Philip Rosenberg. Photo by Katia Kosova.

Name:  Philip Rosenberg

Hometown:  San Francisco, California

Current Show/Role:  Pippin /  Player and Acrobatic Captain

The best part of the show I’m working on now is:  I have to say that the best part of Pippin is getting to work with such an incredibly talented cast. I don’t think I ever in my career worked in a show in which every single member of the cast brought such such energy, creativity and skill to the stage. I normally work solely with other circus artists, so the whole world of musicals are generally new to me. Coming into the project, I knew little about singing or dancing in the style of Mr. Fosse, but I feel I couldn’t have been luckier to be introduced to this by my fellow cast mates, most of whom are Broadway veterans. We couldn’t ask for a better group of circus artists as well.  In my opinion some of the greatest talents spanning the globe. So I guess I have to say that it is extraordinary people in this show that really makes Pippin extraordinary.

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was:  One of the most challenging jobs I ever had was also one of the most rewarding. I was working with a small canadian circus called “Vague de Cirque” touring across the country in a small circus tent. Every town, with a group of about 15 people, we would set up the tent from early morning to night. If it was hot outside, it was miserably hot inside the tent, and if it was cold, freezing cold inside. We slept in little trailers surrounding the tent, and spent the greater part of our days preparing for the show. It was hard work, but an experience and new family that I will never forget.

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Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. This month, we’re going to need a cold April shower after meeting this handsome, charming and talented performer…

Name: Colin Elliott Cunliffe

Hometown: Littleton, Colorado.

Current Show/Role: Pippin / Pig, Head, Player.

The best part of the show I’m working on now is: This job is truly a dream come true.  Fosse has always been where my heart is. While never feeling like I could ever perfect his style, it’s always been where I feel most comfortable.  Fosse was also the first Broadway show I saw. It starred Stephanie Pope and Brad Musgrove, both of whom I adore and am working with now. I also saw a show called La Vie about 6 years ago from Les 7 doigts de la main that changed my life. Gypsy Snider is one of the founding members of this troupe and is responsible for the circus choreography in Pippin. It was the most amazing circus I had ever seen — a bit more narrative, sexy and creative then what I had experienced before. It became my dream to do or create a show like that but never thought it was possible as most of these people had trained in circus their whole lives. I had also auditioned for Diane Paulus back when The Donkey Show was here (I think I was too hairy for the rollerskating fairy) as well as for Hair, where I totally bombed. So, when I heard about Pippin there was almost a sense of calm through the crazy audition process, almost being guided into where I know I needed to be. Now I am living out all of those dreams while beginning to colloraborate with my new AMAZING circus family. Where I am today feels right and am very grateful for it.

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: Dance Captain for a show where there was an extremely high turnover rate. I will forever value the job of the Dance Captain and can not give enough props to the good ones. Two of the best that stick out in my mind were our BRILLIANT dance captain, mother, dancer, singer, actress, swing, equity rep, sex pot Jennie Ford from Evita, and the insane, handsome, fire-filled, talented, watch dog, multi-tasking, hilarious Brad Musgrove currently doing everything and more in Pippin.

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: A Roller Derby Champion.

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Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For March, we’re revving our engines for a visit to the Motor City…

Grasan Kingsberry. Photo by Kristopher Kelly.

Name: Grasan Kingsberry - named after my grandfather’s middle name Gray, and great-grandfather’s first name Sandy.

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Current Show/Role: Motown the Musical/Four Tops, Jackson 5 (Tito), Contours

The best part of the show I’m working on now is: Being able to listen to and perform with a 19-piece orchestra playing Motown music!! And then seeing the audience go bananas! It doesn’t get much better than that.

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: I’d have to say was when I did the out of town try-out for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in San Diego.  At the time I had just started dating someone back in New York.  It was only my second show but my first being a part of an original production.  I knew no one in the cast. So being away from home, my boyfriend, and in an unfamiliar environment amidst new and interestingly dynamic personalities in the cast made it a challenging experience.

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: An athlete. I once had a dream to be an Olympian.

Places, Intermission or Curtain Call? Places!!: It’s when all of those jittery emotions and nervousness have to hone in as you ready yourself to take that journey. And as soon as that curtain rises it’s GO time! As my friend Jerry Mitchell would say, “FULL OUT!”

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Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For February, we’re making a leap with a buff who is jumping from one blockbuster Broadway show, Newsies, to another…

Ryan Steele.

Name: Ryan Steele

Hometown: Walled Lake, MI

Current Show/Role: Ensemble in Matilda. (In rehearsals)

The best part of the show I’m working on now is: Well it’s still pretty new, but so far one of the best parts is the excitement that EVERYONE is feeling. It’s amazing to walk into work knowing that every single person in the building is SO happy to be there. That’s how it feels over at the Shubert. We’re all having a blast.

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: When I swung Billy Elliot. I had just come from a show that I had done for almost two years in the same track. It was a crazy feeling to suddenly have 12 tracks to learn.

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: Some sort of teacher.

Places, Intermission or Curtain Call? Some of my favorite memories from Newsies were during intermission. It was normally 15 minutes of laughing at some crazy mishap that took place during act 1.

The best post-show cocktail in New York City is at: My boyfriend and I always seem to end up at Nizza on Ninth Avenue. Our friend is the bartender, so consequently, we’ve made friends with the rest of the staff. It’s a nice, chill vibe. I also really like The New York Beer Company.

Ryan Steele. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

After you’ve hit all the traditional sites of New York City, you should totally go to: My roommates and I have a few restaurants that we would drop everything to go to. Pipa on East 19th and Scarpetta in the Meat Packing district.

Ryan Steele. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

If I could live anywhere else in the world it would be: Right now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I do love New Orleans though. I haven’t traveled internationally as much as I’d like, but I imagine I would love Italy.

When I travel, the one thing I can’t leave home without is: iPod and comfy clothes.

My workout “secret” is: Oh gosh….Ummm. I don’t go to the gym haha. I try to eat healthy, and I’m lucky enough to have a job that does the working out for me.

When I’m looking for a date, nothing attracts me more than: Having a passion for something.

My favorite website to visit that you may not have heard of is: Thought Catalog. Some of the articles are duds, but most of them crack me up.

Board shorts, speedo or skinny dip? Short board shorts?

People would be surprised to learn that I: I have an app on my iPhone called Atomic Farts.

When I was 10, I wanted to be just like: The older guys at my dance studio.

Ten years from now, I’d like to be: Happy

When I feel a case of the wintertime blues coming on, the first thing I do is: Eat something super unhealthy. Food can do wonders.

Ryan Steele. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For January, who says dancing in a Broadway show isn’t brain surgery?

Peter Nelson. Photo by Michael Cinquino.

Name: Peter Nelson

Hometown: Highland, Utah

Current Show/Role: Cinderella/Ensemble, and a super-secret-surprise feature.

The best part of the show I’m in now is: The incredibly talented and kind cast/crew. Every person involved is working tirelessly to make the show a special piece, and I’m convinced it will show. Also the haunting musical score. I grew up on the Rodgers and Hammerstein movie musicals, and this one has some of my favorite tunes. It’s a dream come true to be in an original production of one of their works.

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was:  I’d say my current role in Cinderella is. In addition to Josh Rhodes’ smart and intensely athletic choreography, I’m on stilts for a portion of the show. Come and see, in my humble opinion it’s well worth the effort.

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: A neurosurgeon. My undergrad degree was in neuroscience, and I anticipated a career in medicine my entire young life. I’m still passionate about health and wellness and see these interests playing some role my future.

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Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For December, we’ve got a very special package to put under your christmas tree; he’s not only a talented performer but he’s also a valued contributor to this blog…

Andrew Glaszek. Photo by Stephen Mosher.

Name: Andrew Glaszek

Hometown: Detroit

Current Shows/Roles: Hustling/Jay; Broadway Bares Winter Burlesque

The best part of the show I’m in now is: Each episode of Hustling gets better and better… and my character’s story line will get more revealing in January after the holiday break. There’s some really good work being done in web series right now – I’m proud to be a part of one. Bares allows me to help support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and rally for the cause. The audience of each is so generous and supportive!

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: I’ve done 5 page monologues and one that called for a dozen accents but the biggest challenge might be a summer stock production of Hello Dolly! where we had a 3-man Waiter’s Gallop. Full out. There was even a performance where the dance captain was out and I had to cover his tricks and mine. It was ridiculous and exhilarating.                                               

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: A lot less intelligent – most of what I’ve learned in life has been from the theatre.

As a Broadway Bares regular, what was the most memorable and/or unusual moment from one of the shows? Seeing Rachelle Rak’s Wonder Woman was like a slap in the face. I’ve also gotten a face full of jock in a performance of the football number and a face full of milk in “The Big Man” number – memorable.

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Every third Wednesday of the month (or thanks to the holiday, the fourth Wednesday), a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For November, we’ve got someone to be thankful for…

Matthew Steffens. Photo by Leon Le.

Name: Matthew Steffens

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA (I was a Navy brat so I moved around my whole life.)

Current Show/Role: The Tempest at the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway Varietease (at Stage 72 every other  Monday), BC Beat, appearing in NBC’s Smash (season 2).

The best part of the shows I’m in now are: For The Tempest, I get to be in hair and makeup for 40 minutes and then run around stage acting like a crazy monkey as one of Ariel’s mischievous fairies, but more importantly the cast is the most amazing group of supportive performers to work with. And for Broadway Varietease, the sound of people laughing hysterically!

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: The second national tour of Contact. The dancing in that was the most exhilarating/challenging part of the show, but I was the Servant in the first scene with the swing, and the swing had a mind of its own…especially since we were in a different location every week. I would come back to the hotel most nights and put heat on my back, ice on my knees and order Dominos!

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: A college professor during the school year, and Camp Virginia counselor during the summers.

Places, Intermission or Curtain Call?  PLACES. I love seeing the full cast before places and try to do so before every show. When I did Promises, Promises we all started on stage and it was awesome. Subsequently, during Women on the Verge we did an energy/prayer circle before every show. I love that community.

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With Thanksgiving upon us, I thought you might be too distracted for our usual third Wednesday of the month “Theater Buff” profile. But not to worry, our man for November will be arriving next week.

To tide you over until then, we’re doing a little buff up — following up on some big news from some of our previous featured men — and giving you a sneak peek at our upcoming man of the month. I know…I’m such a tease.

Matthew Wilkas. Photo by Rick Day.

Matthew Wilkas, our May 2012 buff, is generating serious buzz. His movie Gayby has gotten rave reviews and now he’s been named one of Out Magazine’s OUT100. Check out his profile…among other things.

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Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For October, we’ve got one singular sensation…

J. Manuel Santos. Photo by Kaitlin Mesh.

Name: J. Manuel Santos

Hometown: Lake Jackson, Texas

Current Show/Role: Paul in A Chorus Line at Paper Mill Playhouse

The best part of the show I’m in now is: The amazingly talented and supportive cast! Also, the director, Mitzi Hamilton has been such a great inspiration for me and has truly allowed us all to have so much freedom in the creation of these iconic characters.

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: Performing in the revival of West Side Story for the entire length of the run. Dancing the incredibly technical and difficult choreography that Jerome Robbins created for this classic musical and bringing up so much anger and violence that the piece demanded was exhilarating, though considering the show ran for over two years, it also proved to be unbelievably exhausting!

If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: A linguist. I love words, I love language, and I love different parts of the world. Hearing and seeing different cultures pass by on the sidewalks in a cacophonous symphony makes New York feel globally connected; it’s one of the attributes of NYC that I most enjoy.

The character in A Chorus Line I am actually most like is: The character that I play, Paul. There is a genuineness and vulnerability to him that I love.

The best post-show cocktail in New York City is at: My apartment! I love hosting small gatherings and relaxing amongst friends with some wine or beer.

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Every third Wednesday of the month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer will fill out my nosey little questionnaire and offer a glimpse of what they look like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. For September, our buff is a real high flyer with a heart of gold…

Reed Kelly. Photo by Richard Gerst.

Name:  Reed Kelly / @thereedkelly

Hometown:   Saint Paul, MN

Current Show/Role:  Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark as the debut Spider-man, the evil villain Swiss Miss, and the u/s for the Green Goblin flyer. Also, a dancer on the upcoming second season of Smash on NBC.

The best part of the show I’m in now is:  With Spider-Man I get to do such a wide variety of things every night; from playing a superhero and a villain, dancing, singing, to flying and puppeteering. It’s kind of like getting paid to just go out there and have fun every night doing crazy things, not to mention the amazing people I get to work with over there at the Foxwoods. Smash is a blast because what dancer wouldn’t love to dance great musical numbers with your friends, choreographed by Josh Bergasse and recorded to be broadcast to the nation?

The most challenging job in show business I ever had was:  Likely it would be the preparation and filming of the movie I Am Legend staring Will Smith. I was one of the actors hired to play the infected. They put us through a very rigorous month-long training camp to get us in shape for the movie, which included everything from yoga, pilates, calisthenics, stunt training, parkour and endurance training to dealing with live explosions. After we finished our training we shot for the next six months in all sorts of crazy conditions, like two weeks of night shoots in the middle of February down in Washington Square Park wearing essentially nothing. Physically it was probably one of the most demanding jobs I had ever had the opportunity to participate in … but it was so much fun.

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