Tony-nominated, ‘American Idol’ finalist headlines tour of new rock ‘n’ roll musical
Constantine Maroulis’ love for the theater extends back further than most might give him credit for.
Best-known for his stint as a Season Four finalist on “American Idol,” many were slightly surprised when his name showed up among the nominations for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards for his role in “Rock of Ages” (which sets up shop at the Palace Theatre Dec. 7-12.) But long before his stint on “Idol,” the rock ‘n’ roll singer was being groomed for the stage.
The 35-year-old, Brooklyn native studied at the Boston Conservatory, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater while playing in rock bands in his spare time. (“I really just sort of immersed myself in the performing arts,” he said.) He’s landed starring roles in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Rent” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and after graduating he started rocking seriously with his band “Pray for the Soul of Betty.”
Only at the suggestion of girlfriend in 2004 did he audition for “Idol.”
He quickly became known exclusively as a sensitive rocker, releasing a self-titled solo album in 2007, but his heart remained in the theater, and he jumped at the opportunity to star on Broadway in “The Wedding Singer” in 2006, which led to his Tony-nominated turn in “Rock of Ages,” a flashy tribute to classic ‘80s rock by Chris D’Arienzo and David Gibbs.
After finishing out his contract on Broadway, the producers came calling once again and convinced him to star in show’s national tour.
Maroulis took time out of his touring schedule to chat with Metromix about his role in the show, the Tony Awards craziness and his plans for a new album.
I’m sure you’ve heard this plenty of times, but congratulations on your Tony nomination. For a lot of people the success of this show came out of nowhere. Were you expecting “Rock of Ages” to become as big as it has?
I felt like we had a great show on our hands and we had some great buzz going. It’s kind of the anti-Broadway musical, so we weren’t sure how people would take it, but we got great reviews and the shows were packed every night … We opened the show in early April and the cutoff for Tony considerations is at the end of April. … From the time I was nominated to the actual Tonys was crazy. We were doing eight shows a week, there was tons of press and I was doing all the other Tony stuff, things like appearances and luncheons. It’s definitely unlike awards for the movies, where you’ve wrapped up the show and then you’re doing all this stuff. By the time the awards came up, I basically hadn’t slept in a month. But even still it was a huge day for me and my family. It felt like my work had finally been accepted by the theater community.
For those who are unfamiliar with “Rock of Ages,” what is the show about?
It’s a big ol’ rock ‘n’ roll show. It’s a Broadway musical, it’s a comedy, it’s a love story, it’s a lot of things. It’s told through songs of 1980s. It takes place in 1987 on the Sunset Strip in [Los Angeles] with the big hair, sexy videos, and the rise of the MTV generation. The story happens mostly in the Bourbon Room, a popular spot that’s been threatened to be closed by a German developer, he’s kind of the show’s villain. … I think the audience is taken for quite a ride. It’s a show for everyone, but guys that say they don’t do Broadway shows can come too and have the greatest night of their life.
How does your character fit into the storyline?
I play a guy named Drew who moves out to the Sunset Strip with just a beat up guitar and a duffle bag. He’s a big dreamer. He lands a job at the Bourbon Room, which is a coveted position because it’s where all the rock ‘n’ roll icons partied. Even if you’re cleaning up their puke, it’s a big deal. He meets Sherrie on his first day in L.A.—a girl much like him, she wants to become a movie star. There’s this instant connection, but throughout the show they keep missing each other and of course other madness ensues.
Why did you decide to go on tour with the musical after leaving the show on Broadway?
I did everything I set out to do in New York. I got the message out there and I completed my job as an actor and star of the show. After I was done, the producers came to me with an offer to go on the road. I considered it for a while and decided, let’s go ahead and get out there and engage those “Idol” fans.
What’s the future hold for you? Are you planning to do more theater or are you going to start putting out more of your own music?
This show has been a great extension of my music. I’ve been doing a live show in New York called “A Night at the Rock Show,” where I do a solo tribute to some of my favorite rock songs. I’ve also got a new album in the works. I’ve been working with my independent label Sweet Fire Studios in Brooklyn. I’m not trying to achieve rock stardom or anything—I’m just trying to do good work. I’ve gotten a bunch of songs together that I’m working on. I’m planning to put something out next year sometime. There are still roles I want to play, Broadway shows I want to produce. I’m a hustler, I work really hard. I’m always updating my Twitter page. That’s probably the quickest and easiest way to find out what I’m up to.
“Rock of Ages” runs Dec. 7-12 at the Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad Street, Columbus. Tickets are $22.50 to $77.50, call 800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com. For more on Constantine Maroulis visit ConstantineMaroulis.com.
~from Metromix.com
