THEIR FAVORITE THINGS: Anything Goes and Original Into the Woods Star Chuck Wagner Shares His Theatregoing Experiences
By Andrew Gans
January 30, 2013
Playbill.com's new feature series, Their Favorite Things, asks members of the theatre community to share the Broadway performances that most affected them as part of the audience.
This week we spotlight the choices of Chuck Wagner, who created the role of Rapunzel's Prince in the original Broadway production of Into the Woods and is currently playing the Captain in the national tour of Anything Goes.
(Clicking on a name bolded in blue will take readers to that actor or show's entry in the Playbill Vault.)
Howard Da Silva in 1776
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"My introduction to Broadway came when I was only ten years old in the spring of 1969. I was blown away by the original Broadway cast of 1776, so the first four 'Favorite Things' that came to mind are tied to that inspirational production. Howard Da Silva actually became Benjamin Franklin for me in an amazing performance that inspired not only an appreciation for the theatre, but my lifelong passion for history." |
William Daniels in 1776
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"William Daniels as John Adams brought real passion to that critical role and demonstrated that you could be obnoxious and disliked and still be loved." |
Betty Buckley in 1776
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"Betty Buckley in her Broadway debut as Mrs. Jefferson gave 'He Plays the Violin' so much romance and playfulness it stirred even my young boy's heart." |
Scott Jarvis in 1776
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"Scott Jarvis as the Courier sang 'Mama Look Sharp' with such grace and purity that the entire audience was moved to tears. I was hooked." |
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland
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"I know he's AudioAnimatronic, but the entire production — the set, the lighting, the music — all came together in a magical theatrical experience. Thanks, Walt!" |
Jesus Christ Superstar
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"I feel blessed to have experienced the phenomenon from the Brown Album to the original concert form and its many incarnations since. JCS changed the nature of Musical Theatre for my generation." |
Les Miserables
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"This is not 'The World's Most Popular Musical' for nothing! My time as Javert was a real highlight, and everyone who worked on and around that great barricade is better for the experience." |
Robert Goulet in Camelot
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"I had always admired his golden voice in the original production, and I had the honor of being the first Lancelot to be knighted by his King Arthur. To hear him sing 'How to Handle a Woman' was thrilling, and working with him was a dream come true!" |
Jekyll & Hyde
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"From its inception in 1980, when Frank Wildhorn and I were fellow students at USC in Los Angeles, I've been a part of this 'Grand Experiment.' It is both a joy and a challenge to inhabit the dual title roles, and I am glad to have played a part in its evolution. I salute all my brother Jekylls out there and wish this current tour much success! I'm hoping for a 25th anniversay reunion in 2015!" |
Rachel York in any Cole Porter classic
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"I had the great good fortune to play with her on tour in Kiss Me, Kate in 2001 and am now touring with her again in Anything Goes. She is a true star in the 'Grand Broadway Tradition,' and she is a great human being, too! Come see us. I have many many more favorite things about the theatre (I could do 20 on Sondheim alone!) and encourage everyone to go out and see a Broadway show! Support live music and live theatre. Dreams do come true." |