The Tamesis
Brandon J. Durden, waiting for godot: My mom helped write plays when I was in elementary school, and in my first show, I played Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk. I don’t remember much, but I do remember that I had to save the goose that laid the golden eggs (which I was obsessed with), which pretty much sealed the deal for me.
Luke Evans, The Rocky Horror Show: There’s no doubt that Michael Crawford was in the original cast recording. Phantom of the Opera. I’d never actually seen him perform live – I heard the music on records as a young man growing up in Wales and it completely fascinated me. I’m obsessed with it. His voice has a cinematic feel, full of emotion and danger at the same time. I remember lying there listening to it and being able to imagine an entire world purely through music and storytelling. It felt so grand and dramatic, but also incredibly intimate. This album opened up my imagination tremendously.
Marla Mindell, Titanic: Anne! I sang “Tomorrow” from Annie when I was three years old. I was a screaming redhead and I wanted to be a screaming redhead, so the musical was born for as long as I can remember.
Leighton Williams, Titanic: billy Elliot It was the first musical I auditioned for, I played the title role for two years, and it was my West End debut. It was almost 20 years ago and I have never looked back.
Christopher Abbott, death of a salesman: Nathan [Lane]The line, “Is there any cheese?” I don’t know why, but I think about that every morning.
Suzanne Flood, liberation: Oh my gosh, okay, this sounds so corny – so actorly – but my parents were acting teachers and my dad was from Seagullso I often think of Nina’s line in Act Four: “When I think of my career, I’m not afraid of life.” Ugh, God. I was annoyed with myself, but I kept at it.
