THEIR FAVORITE THINGS: Jekyll & Hyde Star Constantine Maroulis Shares His Theatregoing Experiences

(Clicking on a name bolded in blue will take readers to that actor or show's entry in the Playbill Vault.)

The whole cast of 1990 Broadway production of Once On This Island


	"Though its time on Broadway was short, I just loved everything about this production; it was a small, dream-like fantasy show – great performances all around – and every part of it just really had me captivated."

Norbert Leo Butz as Roger in Rent


	"The first time I saw Rent on Broadway was with the first replacement cast, which included Norbert Leo Butz – in what I believe was actually his Broadway debut – as Roger. The show in itself is a work of art and will always be considered one of 'the greats' in my book, but I was particularly taken with Norbert’s performance in that role. I remember reading his bio at intermission and being surprised to find that he wasn’t just an awesome rocker, but he’d trained at Alabama Shakespeare festival. That was something that really stuck out in my mind, and actually encouraged me to follow the route of Conservatory training. Not to mention I later went on to play Roger on tour, and it was Norbert who really inspired me to approach the role in a more ‘subtle, yet strong’ way."


	"Here’s a guy I had the honor of performing with on the Broadway stage for two years. In addition to being an immensely talented and dedicated actor, Adam Dannheisser gives the role of Dennis an incredibly fresh energy that is unmatched. He originated the role four years ago, and still has people jumping to their feet night after night over at Rock of Ages. While I was in the show, I made a point every night to watch his performance of 'I Can’t Fight This Feeling.' Amazing voice, great actor, hilarious guy – he’s just the real deal."

Billy Porter and Drew Sarich in Jesus Christ Superstar (Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center, Nyack, NY)


	"Well it’s not Broadway, but back in ’98, I was in a very modern production of Jesus Christ Superstar up at the Hayes Center, starring Billy Porter and Drew Sarich. It was in hearing both of those real ‘power tenors’ perform in that show that really made me think to myself, 'I want to be that good. Whatever it takes.' Learning from the two of them, from behind the scenes, was a great experience for me and taught me a lot about the hard work and dedication it takes to make it in this business."


	"I honestly can’t think of a better way to describe this performance than: 'He just crushes it!' A great supporting comedic role, truly a performance for the ages. I actually had gotten to know him during the Women on The Verge workshops at Lincoln Center, and didn't even realize when watching Drowsy Chaperone that it was the same guy… that's how much he was IN IT! A huge inspiration."

Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming in Cabaret at Studio 54


	"I didn’t realize how 'cool' Broadway could be until I saw this production in the late 90s. Café tables set up, the cabaret boys and girls playing the instruments, a very dark/outside-the-box sort of production that almost felt like a show within a show – it was a very new experience for me at the time. A stellar production, and fantastic performances all around, particularly from the late, great Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming. Michael C. Hall was also fantastic as Cumming’s replacement in the lead role."

The original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening


	"I first saw the show in its second preview, and right away, said, 'All these kids are gonna be stars.' Turned out I was right, ha! That cast boasted an incredible combination of talent – from Lea, to Jonathan, to Skylar, to John Gallagher… but that’s part of Michael Mayer’s genius, fitting the right people together. The show was also so impacting in its originality – it was one of those shows where you just didn’t expect 'Broadway' to go there."


	"My underdog pick. A solid Arthur Miller play – based on his marriage to Marilyn Monroe – with very affecting performances by Peter Krause and Carla Gugino. They were both so great. For some reason, the production was severely underrated and underappreciated – and didn’t get the run it deserved – but a very memorable experience for me, nonetheless."

Rob McClure in Chaplin


	"Okay, so I have two underdog picks. Rob McClure gave a brilliant, brave, and unforgettable performance as Charlie Chaplin. His commitment to the role was so inspiring. I thought this was a really great show all around, in a very interesting and creative production – but another one that, unfortunately, didn’t get a fair shake."

The original Broadway cast of The Phantom of the Opera


	" Phantom was my very first Broadway show. I was very young at the time, but it’s an experience that has stuck with me throughout the years… and played a big part in my developing interest in pursuing a career in theatre! I remember how excited the show made me – from the rocking organ, to the crashing chandelier, and – of course – Michael Crawford. He has one of those singular tenor voices with an incredible tone. The feeling I had listening to him was a lot like the feeling when I first heard Billy Joel or Elton John sing; those one-of-a-kind voices that really are incomparable."