Here, via email, we hear from Broadway singing actor Aaron C. Finley, who currently plays Drew in the Tony-nominated musical Rock of Ages at the Helen Hayes Theatre.
What show recently impressed you?
Seeing Billy Crystal in his one-man show 700 Sundays on opening night was unreal! (I swear Derek Jeter was in my row!) I have never seen him live before and was blown away by his ability to entertain and tell stories! I belly laughed and teared up over the course of the evening, which, for me, was a rare experience! As theatre performers, our job is to tell stories, and he was simply the best I had ever seen.
What production are you most excited to see?
If/Then, hands down! Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt are two of the most relevant and talented writer/composers in our industry today. After Next to Normal (perhaps my favorite musical), I can't wait to see what they do next. Also, Brian is my mentor and friend, and I'm his biggest fan. Oh yeah, and Idina Menzel and Anthony Rapp are returning to Broadway — so there's that!
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Company. Please God let me play Bobby someday on Broadway! I swear I'll be more age appropriate than I was in my college production, and I believe "Being Alive" is the best male song in the musical theatre canon!
What are your current/upcoming projects?
I'm currently playing Drew in Rock of Ages eight shows a week at the Helen Hayes Theatre and waiting by the phone for some hip (or not so hip) musical theatre folk to put me in their workshops and readings. Hi! My name is Aaron C. Finley, and I'm new in town!