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1. Hey John Jeffrey! How is Kinky Boots going so far?
Kinky Boots is a dream job. This cast is VERY fortunate to have achieved this particular contract. So well formed, but the best team ever. I'm having a blast, and pretty thankful, for real. 2. As part of the ensemble, how many different characters do you play each night? Do you have a favorite? I play 4 (sorta 4) most of the night I am Paddington Jerome Crisp. I work hard in the factory, and have a ton of fun being a goofball, and jumping around. Also I play Andramata (my transvestive character/patron in the club. She needs her own show...lot going on there. Haha and I also play a guitar player in the bar scene, named him "Skylar Xander" kinda as a joke on how intricate people are with their names. Then I play Richard Baily. Thats a great taste for me. I want to hold the stage more, but this is a great opportunity to have a scene with our great stars. I enjoy that scene a great deal. also I play an Italian Fashionisto for a few seconds in the beginning of the finale but ultimately i have the most fun just being me...aka Paddington 3. As well as appearing in Kinky Boots, I see you're also a singer- songwriter and a painter. Who are some of your musical/art influences?my favorite painter is Van Gogh. I love to paint, and just go for it when I'm inspired, or hired. haha SO many musical influences. hard to list the. but Jeff Buckley, Daniel Johnston, Johnny Whitney..my grandfather Johnny Desmond. Billy Joel, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan...LOVE music. listen to SO much. Bright Eyes, Jonny Craig. i have too many. 4. 6 quick questions: Favorite movie? Favorite musical? Favorite T.V show? Favorite performer (Broadway or otherwise)? Favorite food? Dream roles?favorite movie is apocolypse now- favorite musical is pippin.- favorite tv shows are wonder years, simpsons, south park..parker louis cant loose. haha Favorite performer is Raul Esparza. (and Marcus Nevvile) favorite food...just Benihana. my dream role is Pippin and my other dream role is to originate a brand new character built around my singing style. Writing it! 5. What has been your favorite moment you've witnessed in a theatre? It could be a performance, a dance break, musical number..anything! Many wonderful moments in the theater. seeing Raul Esparza in company (a friend) on the same day i booked Troy Bolton in high school musical tour is a day i will never forget. AND another Raul moment: in rocky horror on Broadway i had to go on for him with a HALF rehearsal. I didn't have a clue, and no costumes. I was 22 years old. but I handled it well, and it was a complete thrill. standing between Daphne Rubin Vega and Joan Jett. Just amazing. the whole Rocky Horror show experience was unfathomable. 6.As well as playing Richard Bailey and appearing in the ensemble, you understudy Charlie. Is it difficult to learn the role of Charlie while playing a completely different role on a night to night basis? The only challenge about understudying Charlie, is getting a chance to rehearse. otherwise i am ready and so eager to go on. working on the script in my private space has me feeling comfortable with the track. 7.The angels in the show are some of the fiercest queens and we ask everyone this so, are you fan of RuPaul's Drag Race? Any favorite queens? I don't watch RuPaul's drag race. but i do appreciate the art form and honestly I worship all of our angels. so dynamic, and unique. and beautiful. 8.Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring Broadway performers? My best advice to aspiring professional actors is: study study study. The more voice lessons you take, and dance class, and acting class. Go to a good college program if you can afford it. Acting/performing 8 shows a week for years on end is something that can be handled ONLY with great chops, and stamina. Be humble, and selective about which roles you chose. 9. Thank you so much for your time! How would you sell Kinky Boots The Musical to someone who knew nothing about the show? Kinky Boots the musical is a story of a blue collar family factory that has to become one with a completely unnatural realm, in order to survive. this musical has songs that tell stories, so rich, and relatable. anyone man women whatever you are into can relate. 10.Anything you'd like to add? Just that I released my new album yesterday, and am always playing shows and painting. So stay tuned, and come along for the ride. Been a long road up to this point, and I'mm only getting started. thank you! John "Jeff" Martin |