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 November, we’re seriously thankful for our handsome, talented man of the month…
Matthew Montelongo. Image via Matthew Montelongo.
Name: Matthew Montelongo
Hometown: I was born and raised in Independence, MO.
Current Show/Role: I’m currently performing numerous roles (they all have mustaches and they’re all kind of jerks) in One Night at The Cherry Lane Theatre.
The best part of the show I’m working on now is: The best part of being an actor in One Night at The Cherry Lane is that I finally am working at a stop on the Sex and the City Tour. I kid! Kind of. Seriously though, working at such a storied theatre on what might be the most beautiful block in Manhattan makes going to work every night just a little bit more thrilling.
The most challenging job in show business I ever had was: I was in a production of a play called God’s Ear a few years back in which I had to wear six inch stilleto heels (actually, they were probably more like four inch pumps, but heck, who doesn’t lie about size?). I learned two things whilst doing that play: I have very pretty legs and no sense of balance.
If I wasn’t an actor, I would be: If I wasn’t an actor, I’d be a speech writer. Writing speeches for other people to speak is very gratifying – no ego involved, just good ole’ fashioned rhetorical fun.
Matthew Montelongo backstage at “The Ritz”. Image via Matthew Montelongo.
The best post-show cocktail in New York City is at: I recently rediscovered the frozen margarita at The Monster on 7th Ave, just around the corner and up the street from The Cherry Lane. They’re kind of delicious, very potent, and served by some of the sexiest bartenders in the city. Plus, the showtunes being crooned by the regulars around the piano remind me that the best performances are the ones where you can tell that the performer is doing what they love to do. And let me tell you, these fellas love to sing. They make me happy. As do the bartenders and the margaritas. Okay, mostly the margaritas.
After you’ve hit all the traditional sites of New York City, you should totally go to: You must spend an afternoon in Hell’s Kitchen Park on 10th Avenue between 47th and 48th. It’s a perfect sampling of all the folks who live in the “Dance Belt” – families, young people playing handball, and crazy people. Since I don’t have a family and I’m far from young, you can imagine with whom I identify.
If I could live anywhere else in the world it would be: Boston. I love me some Boston.
In honor of Mo-Vember, my favorite moustache belongs to (can be a fictional or real person): As a moustachio’d man myself, I take facial hair very seriously. Currently rockin’ a very impressive ‘stache is my dear friend Paul Getsos. Oh, and Ned Flanders. Always Ned Flanders.
Matthew Montelongo. Image via Matthew Montelongo.
My workout “secret” is: I don’t have a workout “secret”. I fixate on what other folks are doing at the gym and I openly copy them. That and this simple rule of thumb usually does the trick: Eat and lift, as often as you can.
When I’m looking for a date, nothing attracts me more than: I haven’t looked for a date in a long time – just ask my boyfriend of seven-plus years. But what attracted me to him when we met – and still does to this day – is his smile. I’m a sucker for a nice smile and a great pair of arms. He’s got great arms.
Matthew Montelongo. Photo by Manolo Doreste at In Focus Studios.
My favorite website to visit that you may not have heard of is: There’s this new website I just discovered called Facebook. You should totes check it out.
Board shorts, speedo or skinny dip? I’m a modest sort of guy and I’m kind of afraid of water. So, on the rare occasion that you find me in a pool, I’ll be outfitted in a bathing jumper that starts below my chin and ends at the ankles. And I’ll probably have on floaties.
People would be surprised to learn that I: I don’t have a driver’s license.
When I was 10, I wanted to be just like: My older sister. Or a ninja.
What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for my health and the health of those I love. And frozen margaritas.
Catch Matthew and Rutina Wesley (True Blood) in One Night at the Cherry Lane Theatre through December 15.
