For some time now, I have wanted to occasionally devote my blog to looking at young talent, the up and comers of the theatre world. I like to think I know talent when I see it and in the case of young Jack DiFalco, I believe I am spot on about his future in the performing industry. Jack DiFalco is 19 years old and hails from Stormville, New York. I first encountered his acting abilities a few years ago when I saw him in the Trinity Players (of Poughkeepsie) production of In the Heights. A terrific production in its own right, Mr. DiFalco played “Graffiti Pete” and, though it was a small role, he jumped out of the chorus as a great dancer, and exuded a charisma and energy that drew the attention of the audience. In March of 2014, I had the pleasure of seeing Jack again at The Rhinebeck Center for the Performing Arts, this time as “Private Downey”, one of the two soldiers on trial in Aaron Sorkin’s riveting drama A Few Good Men. The acting range of someone so young was astounding, infusing his character with complexity, variety, and an endearing quality as well.
All in Interview
A Date with Kate - An Interview with Kate Baldwin
The first time I heard the voice of Kate Baldwin was while I was living in Omaha, Nebraska and the new cast recording of Finian’s Rainbow arrived to me in the mail. Finian’s Rainbow is my favorite musical and “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” my favorite show tune, and I was so far removed from New York that it was killing me that I couldn’t see the production. As soon as I heard Ms. Baldwin lend her vocal cords to my favorite song, I felt like I was transported there. She inhabits a song, finessing every nuance of the melodies and lyrics, infusing it with character and emotional. She vocally paints pictures. Pick up any of her wonderful solo albums, or listen to her on the recordings of Finian’s Rainbow, Giant, Big Fish, or Life Begins at 8:40 and you will feel it too!
A Day for Jay – A Conversation with Jay Armstrong Johnson
This week, the very talented and versatile performer Jay Armstrong Johnson consented to be subjected to my questions about his career in theatre. Jay is currently starring in the Broadway revival of On the Town, infusing the character of "Chip", a naïve sailor on 24 hour leave in New York City, with humor, heart, and boundless energy. Jay made his Broadway debut in the 2010 revival of Hair, understudying the role of "Claude." He was a standby for the role of Frank Abagnale, Jr. in the 2011 musical Catch Me If You Can, and he originated the role of “Greg Wilhote” in the short-lived (but much adored) Hands on a Hardbody (2013).
Talking with Telly: Telly Leung Shares His Story and Thoughts about a Career in Theatre
Telly Leung is one of the most exciting, enthusiastic, and energetic young performers on Broadway. From his debut on Broadway in the musical Flower Drum Song, through his work on Rent, Pacific Overtures, and Godspell, he exhibits charm and talent by the truckload. Now he is poised to return to Broadway in the musical Allegiance, set to star alongside George Takei and Lea Salonga.
I first met Telly when I brought him in as a guest for a production of Godspell I was directing with youth in the Catskills region. He generously shared his stories of his experience with Godspell, offered a thorough history of the piece that included ties with his alma mater (Carnegie Mellon University), and led the kids through an original choreography creation set to one of the numbers from the show. He inspired many kids that day! His devoted work with youth makes him an inspiration to the thespians of future generations.
Recently, Telly consented to an interview with me, patiently and thoughtfully answering my questions on a range of topics. Please read on and learn some more about this incredibly gifted and genuinely kind talent of the theatre community.