What show recently impressed you?
I've been so fortunate to be working so hard that I haven't gotten out to see much...However, I did get to see two concerts that blew my mind: Ben Vereen and Chita Rivera. Such inspiring shows, put on by two legends. To watch them both dance and sing brought me back to some of my most favorite moments in music theatre.
What production are you most excited to see?
I'm pretty interested to see Nice Work If You Can Get It. The outstanding team of creatives, cast, and the brilliance of the Gershwins ought to make for a great show.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Well, it's for purely selfish reasons...but Pirates of Penzance! I cringe as I write that, but it's just a guilty pleasure. I played Frederick in a high-school production, and it was one of the most fun plays I've done. Nix the operatic style of singing it for a more legit feel, let a team like Simon Phillips & Ross Coleman at it, and who knows what could happen? I'd love to play Frederick, and might wet myself a little if Kevin Kline came back to play The Pirate King. You guessed it...I'm a dork.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
In April, I'm really proud to be starring in the world premiere of the new Stephen King and John Mellencamp musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County alongside Shuler Hensley, Emily Skinner and a great cast and creative team [in April-May at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre]. My summer is packed with a few other musicals, and the fall is shaping up to be a time for some deep work on my new album, as well as the possibility of another stint on Broadway. I've got my work cut out for me in 2012, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
*** Justin Guarini, a contestant on the first season of the reality show "American Idol," has been seen on Broadway in American Idiot and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Last year, he starred as Roger in Surflight's production of Rent.
Guarini will also offer a solo concert, From American Idol to Broadway, March 2 at 8 PM at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, NY. The Landmark on Main Street is located at 232 Main Street. For more information and tickets, visit www.landmarkonmainstreet.org.
