The new Broadway musical Chaplin opened at the Barrymore Theatre three years ago today. We look back at a fascinating two-show day with Wayne Alan Wilcox, who co-starred as Charlie Chaplin's brother Sydney.
Armed with digital camera, Wilcox shared his morning rituals, showed off some favorite neighborhood haunts and invited readers into the theatre as he works, plays and kisses his way through the backstage world of the show.
Throwback! Three Years After Opening, a Backstage Tour of Broadway's Chaplin With Wayne Alan Wilcox
Throwback! Three Years After Opening, a Backstage Tour of Broadway's Chaplin With Wayne Alan Wilcox
Wayne Alan Wilcox, who co-stars as older brother Sydney in the new Broadway musical Chaplin, takes Playbill.com behind the scenes during a busy two-show day at the Barrymore Theatre. The show opened Sept. 10, 2012.
75 PHOTOS
Top of the Morning! During the week, I am usually awoken by my private string quartet softly playing a Bach Suite, and of course my footmen attend me. But I gave them the day off today and decided to take the train to the gym. First a coffee stop!
Wayne Alan Wilcox
Mmmmmmm, coffee and music. And a weird close up of my nose.
Wayne Alan Wilcox
Well, good morning NYC.
Wayne Alan Wilcox
For the tourists and my fans outside of NYC ( hi and I love you), this is Chelsea Market. En route to the gym, I’ll take you to a few of my favorite spots inside.
Wayne Alan Wilcox
When I said I was going to the gym, I meant going to wine. It’s 9 AM and I want wine. What’s wrong with me?
Wayne Alan Wilcox
Coolest wishing well you’ll ever see is right in the middle of Chelsea Market. I recommend throwing as many pennies in here as humanly possible.
Wayne Alan Wilcox
Buon Italia is an all-Italian, straight from Italy market. Some of the best olive oil I get from here. And all the ladies treat me like I’m their son. Who doesn’t eat enough Lasagna. They say, “Look-a how e-skinny you are-ah!”
Wayne Alan Wilcox
See, I wasn’t lying about the time. Oy. It’s the early worm that gets to the bush with two birds in it. Or something like that.
Wayne Alan Wilcox
Cool light floors and a face. Look at how stooopid I am.
Wayne Alan Wilcox
Look at that. That’s there! That thing I’m looking at is right there. What it is?
Wayne Alan Wilcox
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Chaplin features music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis, a relative unknown who played piano at Chez Josephine in the midtown theatre district, and a book by three-time Tony Award winner Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Curtis.
Here's how producers characterize the new musical: "From the slums of London to the heights of Hollywood, Chaplin is the showbiz Broadway musical about the silent film legend the world couldn't stop talking about — Charlie Chaplin. The brand new 24-person musical reveals the man behind the legend, the undeniable genius that forever changed the way America went to the movies."
Beth Leavel, Christopher Sieber and Brooks Ashmanskas star as a group of well-intentioned Broadway hams who take a stand for justice—and a bit of extra stage-time—in the new musical.
