Since a very young age, Harper Smith has wanted to perform and has actually dedicated most of her life to studying the arts. Last summer, she decided that she has hidden herself away for long enough and needed to show herself off to the world in this past summer’s production of BYE BYE BIRDIE! at Theatre Under The Stars in Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park. She truly is a dark horse that has come out of seemingly nowhere and she’s prepared to take the performing arts world by storm as she performs with an awesome presence in ITP‘s I LOVE YOU BECAUSE. We got to sit with her before rehearsal the other day to find out what drives Harper’s passion and ambition.

 

 

 

ITP: Hi Harper! Welcome to IntimateTheatreProductions.com’s cast interview! First Question: What is your first Musical Theatre experience?

HS: Like the first musical I’ve ever been in?

ITP: Your first Musical Theatre *experience*. You can interpret that any way you wish!

HS: I went to a camp on Gabriola Island, and I was in OKLAHOMA. It was horrible, it was absolutely terrible. And that would probably be my first experience. And then from there I wanted to do it when I was younger. Funny, right?

ITP: Alright! What is your dream role in Musical Theatre?

HS: Omigawd. Dream role? I have to think about that. Probably something in LES MISÉRABLES, cause that was my favourite show when I was little. Anything. Just to be *anyone* in LES MISÉRABLES.

ITP: Anyone? So it doesn’t matter if it’s Cosette or Eponine…

HS: Actually, Eponine!

ITP: …or Chorus Woman #2?

HS: Cosette! Cosette, yeah that’s it.

ITP: Haha. What do you think in your mind is the most exciting about the ITP production of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE?

HS: Being part of it is great, but when it’s finally done; seeing it all together, I think it’s going to be fantastic.

ITP: You play Diana Bingley, a by-the-books, actuary woman who’s full of numbers and equations and whatnot. Do you find any similarities between you and Diana?

HS: Hm…I would say I’m a little bit OCD like Diana. I like things to be perfect, in a certain way and organized.

ITP: What would you say then are the major differences?

HS: I think I’m a little crazier than Diana. I’m a little bit of a nut job. And I don’t think that she is. *smirk*

ITP: Excellent! What is your background in theatre?

HS: Since I was about 7, I joined a school called the Jennings Institute which gave me training in everything: voice, piano, acting, theory etc…

ITP: How intensive is it training with Marnie Jennings?

HS: It was more intense than school. It was like a school outside of school, with classes everyday. Monday thru Thursday and then all day Saturday.

ITP: So it has a full program?

HS: It was actually a certified college for many years. Now there are only a few people left, and she only trains people who really *want* to be performers, as she is getting a little older.

ITP: Are there any Jennings Institute grads that the Vancouver Musical Theatre scene would know? Maybe anyone that the world might know?

HS: In Vancouver, there’s Matt Palmer, Todd Talbot and Barb Tomasic. And worldwide…I *think* the world might know Michael Bublé.

(In the background, Sayer Roberts begins to play Michael Bublé on the rehearsal piano)

ITP: It was discovered long ago with the help of Kevin Bacon, that everybody in the world is connected by six degrees or less. We have discovered that you actually share a first degree connection with someone in the cast. Why don’t you tell us a little about that?

HS: Oh! Sayer! Sayer and I actually grew up on the same street!

ITP: Not just the same neighbourhood, but the same street?

HS: And the funny thing is that we didn’t really know that each other performed until auditions for Royal City Musical Theatre‘s WILL ROGERS FOLLIES about almost two years ago.

ITP: Did you know of his family and their connection to the theatre?

HS: I knew that. I knew his dad, but I think it wasn’t until Sayer graduated from high school that we knew he was actually getting into the business. From there it was like “that’s pretty cool!” And then we discovered that we were going to do a show together and here we are!

ITP: Have you two been able to rekindle old friendships through this show?

HS: For the most part, we didn’t hang out in high school.

ITP: Would it be safe to say then that you’re getting to know each other better through this process?

HS: I think we’re finding out a lot more than we did.

ITP: Trying to figure out *why* you weren’t good friends in high school maybe? Perhaps thinking back “I should’ve hung out with this person so much more!!!”

HS: That’s exactly what it is. hahaha.

ITP: You get to do a little bit of “risqée” theatre in this show. Why don’t you tell our readers a little bit about your experiences about what you have to do in the show? Some of your thoughts and process through rehearsing those scenes?

HS: The first time it was awkward. Very awkward. Not awkward anymore. I think blocking it is the hardest part. Once you know it it’s fine, but when you have the director saying “And you are now putting your hand on her breast. And you are now going down on him”, it gets really awkward. But once you have it blocked, it’s fine! *guffaw*

ITP: I’m guessing you’re getting to know Victor *very* well.

HS: Yes! We know each other very well now! hahaha.

ITP: To date, what is your best or most memorable experience in the theatre world?

HS: In the theatre world? Probably going to Washington D.C. and singing in front of 40,000 when I was nine. It was a symposium for hunger with John Jacobson. The “double dream hands” man. He’s actually a wonderful man. He’s crazy, but awesome. That would be my best moment I would say.

ITP: Who would be your acting role models in the theatre?

HS: In the Musical Theatre world I’d have to say Kristin Chenoweth. I think everyone says that. But she can sing anything. She’s amazing and classically trained. Matt Palmer too – He’s a wonderful person and an amazing performer.

ITP: If you could so back in time to do any Broadway musical, what show would you do?

HS: ANY show?

ITP: If you could join any opening cast, ANY show.

HS: This is so hard!!! Um…probably INTO THE WOODS.

ITP: As…?

HS: The Baker’s Wife, if I was old enough to be the Baker’s Wife.

ITP: If you could have four Musical Theatre people (writers/performers/composers/choreographers etc…), and they can gather around a coffee table in your living room, who would you have?

HS: In the world?

ITP: In the world.

HS: Bernadette Peters, put her there. Stephen Sondheim, put him there. You can see I like INTO THE WOODS. Kristin Chenoweth, put her there. And Cleo Lane.

ITP: Nice! So they’re all pretty much people you idolize in the Musical Theatre world.

HS: Those are definitely them. Love them.

ITP: What do you think you would be doing if you couldn’t perform in the theatre?

HS: Probably something with kids. I teach ballet now, but something more with kids. Anything with kids.

ITP: In your opinion, what do you think is missing from Vancouver’s Musical Theatre scene?

HS: We just need a hundred times more theatre. We need more companies like ITP to come along. People need to go see more shows. They don’t see as much theatre as they should. So in short, people need to go see more, and we need more of it! *snap*

ITP: Any final words for our readers to encourage them to come see the show?

HS: Come out and support Intimate Theatre Productions because the show is so romantic and it’s going to be awesome! We need to keep it going so we can have more shows!

ITP: Thanks again Harper for giving us your time!

HS: Cool! It was fun!

So to make sure you get to see this young newcomer to the Vancouver Musical Theatre scene, get your tickets now and catch Intimate Theatre Productions’ inaugural performance of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE and you can say “I saw her in her first lead role in Vancouver”!!!

Aaron

Erin Palm: Artist, Singer, Performer, Dancer, Photographer. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. With some great theatre credits to her name, including the Arts Club Theatre Company tour of THE THING ABOUT MEN, super successful PAL Theatre runs of both REEFER MADNESS and JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS and more recently as Robin Gibson in the acclaimed Awkward Stage fringe production of SMILE: THE MUSICAL, Erin is always out and about doing the things that she loves. Today, we get a little more of a glimpse of what drives the ambition that has made her the success that she is!

 

 

 

 

ITP: Hi Erin Palm! How are you doing? Welcome to IntimateTheatreProductions.com’s cast interviews for I LOVE YOU BECAUSE!

EP: Well thank you for having me here!

ITP: First question I’m going to ask is the same question I’ve asked everybody else: What is *your* first musical theatre experience?

EP: My first musical theatre experience would have to be at a very young age. The first musical I did was in elementary school and I was in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. It was a concert version, but I’d say that still counts as my first musical theatre experience.

ITP: What school was that at?

EP: That was at Champlain Heights Elementary. I did lots of amazing things there. I won the Jane Atkinson Fine & Performing Arts award in grade 7. I was super proud!

ITP: What is your dream role in Musical Theatre?

EP: Wow. This is a pretty amazing role that I have right now. But if I had to choose…oh my goodness, this is such a difficult question…I think I’d love to play Dot in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Or Clara in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. And there are so many other amazing musicals I can’t even think of right now.

ITP: So what do you think in your mind would be the most exciting thing about the ITP production of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE.

EP: The most exciting thing? Just that we’re doing it! This is such an amazing experience. It’s been so great and the quality of the production is going to be fabulous. The actors that are working on this show and the creative team are really in it. Their heart and souls are in it and I think that that’s going to show through. I think that will be exciting for people to watch; to really see characters come to life, to witness the set come alive, to see the great direction that we’ve been given.

ITP: Staying on the “Heart & Soul” topic, you play Marcy Fitzwilliams, a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants, likes to go multiple directions at once kind of photographer. I think *I* know the answer to this already, (EP: Do you?) but what similarities do you find between yourself and Marcy?

EP: I’m very very lucky to be a part of this production and have this role because I *am* a photographer around Marcy‘s age. I too am a very feeling type person and I can completely relate to that. I can relate to relationships and the relationships she has both with her friends and her intimate partners. Also how exciting and full of magic she is in a way that it seems that anything can happen. She speaks to me greatly.

ITP: Are there any differences at all?

EP: Oh, I think so! I mean, Marcy is way more high maintenance than me. I’m pretty…earthy. haha

ITP: Back to the theatre stuff – What is your background in Theatre?

EP: I went to Capilano University for their Theatre Diploma Program, and was to transfer to UBC, but then decided to continue at CapU. I studied at CapU for dramatic theatre because I wanted to be a teacher and liked the side of the dramaturgy of things. And then I decided “You know what? Let’s do this: Let’s be an actor. Let’s do some Musical Theatre and get my dancing underway!” They found out that I could sing and that was that. Now I’m doing lots of Musical Theatre, which I love and am super grateful for.

ITP: One of the things we’ve explored through these interviews is the tight-knit-ness of this Musical Theatre community of ours, and how there are these long term connections between the people cast in ILYB. Who are you connected to in this show before you were casted?

EP: I used to sing with the Vancouver Bach Children’s Choir, which is where I met Aaron Lau, which was a wonderful time in both of our lives. I also went to school at Capilano University with both Sayer And Victor. And Harper is this amazing wild horse, who I have never met before, but am grateful that we’ve met cause she’s just hilarious and has become a great friend! I’ve known Aaron the longest through mutual friends!

ITP: To date, what is your best experience in the Theatre?

EP: My tour with the Arts Club Theatre Company. THE THING ABOUT MEN, where I played 12 characters. I was the female chorus, so I completely understand what Sheryl and Aaron are going through in this show. It’s not easy, but it’s sooooo much fun! And sometimes, you get to steal the scene or two! It was fabulous experience with fantastic people. I am such a lucky girl!

ITP: Who are your acting role models?

EP: I love Bernadette Peters because I think she’s amazing and hilarious and adorable and very successful. I also have a very soft spot for Donna Murphy, who played Ruth Sherwood in WONDERFUL TOWN, Fosca in PASSION and was also The Witch in Disney’s TANGLED. She’s also another actress who is able to pull off drama and comedy *and* she has an amazing voice. She’s got great timing, which I love. And she’s on Broadway. I think it’s important to have amazing role models to aspire to. You have to have something that drives you all the time. I think that role models that are high up will always push your limits, which is important. To throw down a couple of other names: Vancouver’s own Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Sutton Foster and Shoshana Bean. Those are amazing chicks too.

Oh, and Sondheim.

ITP: Why Sondheim?

EP: Cause he’s God. He’s a genius.

ITP: Would you say that he’s the God of Musical Theatre?

EP: Yes. Also a big shout out to Jonathan Reid Gealt. Hello! You are amazing. I think you are fabulous. I think he’s a great addition to new Musical Theatre and I’d love to work with him one day.

ITP: Did you hear that JRG? You’ve got a fan!

Next: If you could go back in time and join any opening night cast on Broadway, which show and which character would you be?

EP: I would want to play Stella in Tennessee Williams’ STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. I think. Something like that.

ITP: If you could invite four Musical Theatre people to your tea party, which three would you have at your backyard table? Three because Sondheim is God, so he’ll already be there.

EP: Absolutely! Stephen Sondheim would be amazing. Bob Fosse would be another one. Fred Astaire as well. He’s such a hard worker, so diligent and intense. And Judy Garland. That’d be a very interesting mix of people.

ITP: What would you have them discuss? Would you have them debate on how Musical Theatre should be? Or should they be creating something?

EP: That’d be so crazy and amazing if they created something! But I think it would be really interesting to hear them talk about how Musical Theatre was back then. And how to incorperate the styles and the discipline of the Musical Theatre back then, and then build on some of those great thoughts for the present.

ITP: What do you think you would be doing if you couldn’t perform on stage?

EP: I couldn’t imagine my life without theatre. I am a photographer as well, so I would totally incorporate that. But I think I would go a more artsy route. Go into sculpting and painting. I’d seriously like to travel the world with my art (photography, paintings, drawings and sculptures). I’d probably be a very reclusive artsy person who read plays all the time and went to the theatre, only to dream of what my life would have been like had I not chosen the path that I’m currently on. Out of all the things I do in my life today, theatre comes first. =oD

ITP: In your personal opinion, what do you think is missing from the Vancouver Musical Theatre scene? What do you think is needed?

EP: More opportunity. That is what is missing. More opportunity for new companies and other creative collaborations to showcase more talent. We have an amazing array of talented actors here in Vancouver. I would really love it if we could be like Broadway! I know the community can’t financially do that right now, so there’s not enough work for everyone. I think that more opportunities to showcase talent in Vancouver, new works, experimental works would be beneficial and get us closer to that goal. And support for new companies who are trying to create great and amazing theatre on a professional level. I have great respect for companies like Patrick Street Productions, Monster Child, Intimate Theatre Productions, The Boys Upstairs, Hey, Look! It’s a Co-op, (just to name a VERY small handful) who are bringing about great talent and fabulous work, and are scraping together funding. And more mentorships within Vancouver so that we could have a thriving theatre community, *that* would make me happy. FUNDING! I think that’s what’s missing in Vancouver. And more audience members who decide that they really love theatre. We have to find a way to make Vancouver love theatre. I think that’s the key. Or find more investors – people who love this city and want us to do more. I want this city to be busy with life like Broadway. I want Vancouver to become a mecca for people who want to see amazing work. To have people find Vancouver amazing, interesting and worth their time. Amazing schools, amazing people and full of busybodies. It all comes down to FUNDING. But the busy and thriving feel of Broadway? I want that here.

So to make sure you get to see this young visionary that’s destined for theatrical greatness, get your tickets now and catch Intimate Theatre Productions’ inaugural performance of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE!!!

Aaron

Meet Victor Hunter. He’s another recent-ish graduate of the Musical Theatre program over at Capilano University. He was last seen in Point B Theatre‘s HOUSE OF YES and as Chuck Cranston in ExxiiT 22‘s FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL. He’s a self proclaimed King Geek of Nerd-dom. I think he could act more Asian than the actual one in the show. AND ladies…he also sings, dances and can be funny! What more do you want from a cute guy like him? Let’s see how much more he can bring to the table!

 

 

 

 

 

ITP: Hi Victor!

VH: Hi!

ITP: So I’ve got a few questions to ask you so that your fans..

VH: …and Future Fans!

ITP: Hahaha! And *future* fans…before they come see you and your half naked glory in I LOVE YOU BECAUSE.

VH: That’s how I make my fans…

ITP: So what was your first Musical Theatre experience?

VH: I suppose my first Musical Theatre experience was in grade 1… (he looks off into the distance expecting a cut-away)

ITP: You…gonna tell us about it? Or are you gonna leave me hangin’ here…?

VH: Hahaha! It was a christmas production and I was a penguin. The Chancellor actually, who opposed…it was kind of like a FOOTLOOSE kind of deal…

ITP: So was that your first Theatre experience, or your first Musical Theatre experience…

VH: Musical Theatre. I remember specifically because in the end everyone gets to dance and celebrate and I was so excited! And then they told me “…except the Chancellor Penguin because he’s still bitter about it…”. So my first Musical Theatre I didn’t actually getting to dance or anything.

ITP: That’s kinda funny…ish. So! What’s your dream role?

VH: For Musical Theatre? I guess…gosh! I don’t know what my dream role would be. I don’t think that far ahead.

ITP: What’s your theatre background like?

VH: My theatre background is sort of similar to Sayer’s. (in a haughty voice) I did a few shows in elementary. (back to normal) And then it wasn’t until, oh gosh, grade 10? Grade 10, Yes! At Princess Margaret Secondary in Penticton. I had a wonderful acting teacher throughout high school, and she really (haughty voice again) saw my potential. She really pushed to have me in a lot of her productions. My first big musical was PIPPIN where I played Charlemagne.

SR: (from across the room) …and conquered everything!

VH: And conquered everything in a blood bath! *snicker* From there I did GUYS & DOLLS and DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL in grade 12 as Chad Danforth.

ITP: What, in your opinion, is going to be the most exciting about I LOVE YOU BECAUSE.

VH: I think the most exciting thing I get to do personally is to tell a really interesting story, but through comedy. I think that’s the most exciting thing to me. Being able to tell an earnest story but in a comedic way. That always gets me going.

ITP: What is your best experience in theatre?

VH: I think my favourite experience would be the first time I ever received an applause at the end of a solo. That was in PiPPIN in high school. That was definitely a turning point. It’s a feeling I’m trying to pursue.

ITP: Do you have any acting role models?

VH: Most of my acting role models I take from the voice-over world. That’s sort of where I’d like to go.

ITP: Anyone specific?

VH: People like Mel Blanc. And more recently the Vancouver talent like Scott McNeil and David Kay and all those people I grew up listening to on the cartoons. It’s really been my biggest inspiration for acting in general. I feel really lucky to be in the same city and get to meet a lot of those people.

ITP: If you could have four theatrical people, be it writers, songwriters, book writers or actors – who would you like to have at your little round table?

VH: Oh goodness! I would want to have…but they’re all cartoon people!

ITP: That’s just fine! I’m sure your fanboys and fangirls will love hearing the names of their favourite manga & anime artists and what not. *chuckle*

VH: Hahaha. I would want to sit and talk with Derek J. Wyatt who was the director and artistic director for the Transformers: Animated. I would just love to talk to him about his philosophy in regards to cartooning and his art direction and where he takes his characters. I would also want to sit with Brian Lee O’Malley, the creator of Scott Pilgrim. If I could just have those two, I wouldn’t even need two more. I would just rap with them about cartoons.

ITP: I’d like to have everyone note that Victor won’t just talk with them; he will *rap* with them. They will drop sick beats and rhyme the heck out of the topic.

VH: I will get my third guest, whoever that may be, and he will lay a sick backbeat and we will just mix it up with our fresh…skills. *beat* That’s my answer to that question!

ITP: If you could go back in time and be on any show on Broadway, which show & what role?

VH: If I could go back in time, I would want to do GUYS & DOLLS on Broadway. As Nathan Detroit, as it’s my favourite role in (in his haughty voice again) the Musical Theatre cannon.

ITP: What do you think is needed, missing or needs to change in the Vancouver Musical Theatre scene?

VH: I think we need to be open to a lot more new ideas. We need to give a lot of the smaller production companies a bigger shot. I think a lot of the smaller companies need to really rise up and bring something fresh, new and exciting to what is kind of a little bit stagnant.

ITP: What would you do if you couldn’t perform on stage?

VH: If I couldn’t perform, I would be a graphic artist/illustrator.

ITP: Along which style? Anime or the “Frank Miller”-esque style?

VH: Just in general. Graphic design in general and illustration for commercial art and things like that.

ITP: Any final words about the show to the people reading this interview?

VH: I just want everyone to have a wonderful time and open their minds up to a wonderful story that is filled with a lot of truth and heart.

ITP: Thanks a lot for your time Victor!

VH: No, thank *you*

So make sure you get your tickets now to see this funny man in all his glory in Intimate Theatre Productions’ inaugural performance of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE!!!

Aaron

Sayer Roberts is a fresh face to the Musical Theatre community here in Vancouver. A recent graduate from the ever popular Capilano University Musical Theatre program, he has been taking this city by storm having not only landed the lead role of Austin Bennet in the ITP production of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, but also Rolf in Gateway Theatre‘s THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Barnaby in RCMT‘s HELLO, DOLLY! We got to sit with Sayer for 10 minutes and amidst talk about brotherhood, nerd culture and even Seth MacFarlene, we learnt what makes Sayer Roberts tick!

 

 

 

 

ITP:  Hi Sayer!  Welcome to IntimateTheatreProductions.com’s first cast interview!

SR:  Oh, hi ITP!

ITP:  So!  First question I’m going to ask is;  What is *your* first Musical Theatre experience?

SR:  First Musical Theatre experience was in grade 12.  We did a production of ANNIE

ITP:  And which school was this at?

SR:  It was at New Westminster Secondary School, and *I* played President Roosevelt.  Along with several chorus characters.

ITP:  And what is your dream role in Musical Theatre?

SR:  That is a very tough question – there are so many. *snicker*  Regardless of the role, I would love to be in LES MISÉRABLES.  The wonderfully talented Aaron Lau just introduced me to THE BOOK OF MORMON, and now being in that show would be quite a hoot, I think.   I would love to play Frederick in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE as well.

ITP:  Nice diverse set of roles and goals there.  What do you think, in your mind, would be the most exciting thing about the ITP production of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE?

VH:  (in a loud whisper) Working with Victor Hunter!!!

SR:  Hahaha.  The most exciting thing.  Well at first glance, just the show itself, is something that not many people know, but it is fantastically written.  The lyrics and the script are so applicable to actual real life.  Personally, learning the script has been really easy because a lot of the language is very natural for me.  What my character Austin says is something I would find myself saying or phrasing that way, so it’s a very understandable language.

And from ITP’s point of view, doing the show is fantastic because it is a really great small show, and a great, fantastic, good kick start to the company.  It was a very good choice on ITP’s part.

ITP:  Well thank you!  So you play Austin Bennet, an uptight greeting card writer in the show. Do you find any similarities between Austin and yourself?

SR: We’re just very similar people overall. He’s a little more uptight than I am, but I like things certain ways and he likes things certain ways. He definitely dresses fancier than I do, but that’s probably because he makes more money than I do. He also lives in New York, so you have to be fancy. His sense of humour and the things that he says are very similar to how I would say it. I see a lot of myself in Austin, and it’s been very easy. The biggest difference is how uptight he is. He definitely likes to plan things way in advance and that’s not something I necessarily do. I like things to be systematic and predictable, but I don’t like to plan ahead so it’s kinda of a contradiction of itself. A lot of problems arise because of that. But he’s definitely more of a stickler for the details than I am.

ITP: What then is your background in theatre?

SR:  Not very long.  That show in high school was the first thing I ever did and then for some strange reason I decided to go into theatre for university.

ITP:  Do you have any family members in theatre perhaps?

VH:  *snickering in the background*

SR:  I do have family members in theatre!  In fact, my mother is Colleen Winton, who has been in theatre since she was in university and all that jazz. (Author’s note: Shameless plug here – Colleen is actually appearing in the Arts Club Theatre Company‘s production of CALENDAR GIRLS, which happens to be running at the Stanley Theatre on the exact same dates as I LOVE YOU BECAUSE)  And my father is Russell Roberts who is also an actor, who’s appeared at Bard on the Beach for several seasons.  He grew up in Wales and went to theatre school there.  They both also attended the University of British Columbia.

ITP:  So you *are* an actor who comes from a pretty regal acting pedigree, aren’t you?

SR:  Well, *haha* I guess you can say I’m a pure breed!

ITP:  And you didn’t do your first show until grade 12? That’s fascinating!

SR:  Oh!  I didn’t want to do theatre before that!

ITP:  I know that you and Victor Hunter weren’t in the same grad class at Cap U, but I do know that you had a 2 year crossover, also you two did FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL together.  What’s it like having Victor as your brother?

SR:  Really easy, really natural. Victor and I have always gotten along very well. And now that we’re getting to know each other even more, we get along even better. We both love video games and nerdy things of that ilk. I think we kinda look a bit similar too, so it kinda works that we’re playing brothers.

ITP:  Has anyone ever suggested that you two play brothers before?

SR:  Not to me at least. I don’t think that we’ve ever actually been together in a situation where people would look at us to be brothers. Just the tiny fact that he was one year ahead of me at Cap U, just gives him that tiny little bit of life authority that you give to people who are either older than you, or a year ahead of you or whatever. So there is that natural sense of him being the older brother…ness? So it’s really easy to be brotherly with him on stage, I find. And when we poke fun at each other, or when he’s bugging me or giving me advice, it’s been very easy to react and act with that. I love working with Victor Hunter!

ITP:  So to date, what is your best experience in the Theatre?

SR:  My best experience to date, I would have to say, is a recent production of SOUND OF MUSIC I did at the Gateway Theatre. Working with that company was fantastic. Everybody in that show was just delightful and Chris McGregor, the director, had a stunning way of conveying how he wanted the show. It was a brilliant take on it. I was playing Rolf and Ranae Miller was playing Liesl and working with her in the number “16 Going On 17″ was the most fun I’ve ever had on stage yet, so that was a delight!

ITP:  Who are your acting role models, be it in the Theatre/Musical Theatre, or on TV/Film?

SR:  Well, hands down, no questions asked: Hugh Jackman. Why? For everything in life – being a good person and talented and handsome and fit and everything.

ITP:  So would THE BOY FROM OZ be another show that you’d probably want to do in the future?

SR:  Yes! I’m not that familiar with it, but I have enjoyed what I’ve seen from it. But yes, Hugh is definitely one of my idols. Who else would be a good one?

VH:  (From across the room) Victor Hunter!

ITP:  Let’s see…what is the next question?

VH:  How much *do* you love Victor Hunter?

ITP:  Quiet Victor! You’ll get your turn! Now Sayer – If you could go back in time and could do any Broadway Musical, what show would you do, which role and why?

SR:  If I could go back in time, meaning I could work with people who are no longer on Broadway?

ITP:  Sure, if you want to take that as your interpretation of the question, go right ahead!

SR:  I don’t know. Being as I’ve only technically been in the theatre world for about three years, I’m not too familiar with the history of Broadway and it’s performers.

ITP:  Is there a show that you wish you could’ve been part of the Original Broadway Cast then?

SR:  Hm…that’s a good question. I think what I would have to say that I would want to be a part of something that’s as ground breaking as THE BOOK OF MORMON. Not necessarily being *in* THE BOOK OF MORMON (that would’ve been fantastic, obviously!), but being in something that breaks so many barriers and still *is* a fantastic show.

ITP:  Sort of like the way that BYE BYE BIRDIE! introduced Rock & Roll music to the Musical Theatre syllabus.

SR:  Very close. Or something like SPRING AWAKENING, which was a great interpretation. Keeping the classic script and text, but then having contemporary music stylings I think is a really interesting new idea for the world of Musical Theatre. Something really good and different like that.

ITP:  So if you could have four musical theatre people, be they actors, writers, composers etc…, and they’d gather around a table in your salon, who would you like to have?

SR:  The first person I’d have at my table would be Kevin Kline (whom you can also add to my list of idols). Let’s see. Stephen Sondheim, yes, but I’d be so intimidated, I wouldn’t even know what I could say to him.

(Sayer then takes time to think of two other people. A really long time! But finally…)

SR:  I’ve thought long and hard, and I think I would definitely want Seth MacFarlene at that table. I think that Seth MacFarlene is so great at just understanding humour and putting it into things. I love his sense of humour. But he’s also a great Musical Theatre lover – He has a degree in Musical Theatre plus he’s an amazing singer. He’s just one of those people that I’d love to get to know better and just hang out with him.

ITP:  So we’ve got Seth MacFarlene, Stephen Sondheim and Kevin Kline so far…the last person would be…

SR:  I don’t know…I guess I’d have to go with one of the greats: Ian McKellen.

ITP:  On a slight tangent – What if Seth MacFarlene were to write a musical? I mean, a full musical and not just a few numbers for FAMILY GUY.

SR:  I think that he probably has one in the works. It would be BRILLIANT. Seth MacFarlene, if you happen to be reading this interview – Write a Musical. PLEASE!

ITP:  Now here’s a big question tho: If Seth MacFarlene writes a musical, in your personal opinion, how do you think Seth should change his comedy stylings so it doesn’t get reflected as copying Trey Parker and Matt Stone?

SR:  I don’t think it would because Trey and Matt have their own really unique style that goes hand-in-hand with SOUTH PARK, which is really blunt and really abrasive – but fantastic! FAMILY GUY can be blunt and abrasive too, but they’re really good at putting the subtleties in the jokes, so you might not get it. They also put in jokes specifically for certain demographics that a broad spectrum won’t understand, but the few people who do will go “ahhhhhh!”. So I don’t think it would conflict so much. And specifically, I’m sure Seth could write something similar to THE BOOK OF MORMON, but I think his style would take him in a completely different direction. I think that he might write something a little smaller, but you never know, judging by the musical numbers that he puts into FAMILY GUY.

ITP:  Back to the theatre stuff: What do you think you’d be doing if you couldn’t perform?

SR:  Hmm…what would I do? When I was younger I always liked drawing. I’ve played piano for years and years and I also play trumpet. Music has always been a part of my life. I was good at English and writing, but I’ve never really thought about it before because Theatre has always been so plainly there for me to do. This is one of those tough questions that make your realize “Man! I need a fallback plan!”.

ITP:  What do you think is missing from Vancouver’s Musical Theatre scene? What do you think needs to happen, or what would you like to see happen?

SR:  I would like to see one of the larger theatre companies in Vancouver take over one of the larger theatres (The Queen Elizabeth Theatre or The Centre for Performing Arts). That way huge scale productions can be produced locally with Vancouver’s own talent instead of big Canadian National Tours or Broadway Touring companies to use these spaces. We have these theatres here in town, so why don’t we use them? Let Vancouverites experience their own talent in these massive auditoriums. That’s something that I’d love to see happen. It probably won’t happen for a long time, or even at all. I would love to see bigger scale productions put on. Essentially I would just like to see more money put into the arts by the government. I guess that’s the long and the short of it!

ITP:  Do you have any final words for people reading this interview? Maybe some words of wisdom to impart on our fellow readers and to encourage them to come out to see the show?

SR:  It’s great to give new companies and new works a try. I guarantee, if you are doubting whether or not you’d like this show, that you would be pleasantly surprised! After reading the script for me, it was a delightful time. It was funny, sad, happy, very charming and the music is bouncy, fun and memorable. You will definitely go away humming at least one of the tunes from the show!

ITP:  Thanks for stopping by and giving us some of your precious time!

SR:  Thanks for having me!

Make sure you head to Brown Paper Tickets to get your tickets for I LOVE YOU BECAUSE at Studio 1398 on Granville Island, February 8th-25th!!!

Over the next few days, I’m gonna conduct some interviews with the Cast of ITP‘s I LOVE YOU BECAUSE and post them up here on the site, so that you can all get to know and love them *before* you see them perform beautifully on stage!!!

But until the first interview goes up, why don’t you start by checking out the I LOVE YOU BECAUSE Cast Page!!!

Also, I’d like to remind you about the Valentine’s Day Contest that’s running until January 31st, for a pair of tickets to the special Valentine’s Day showing of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE on Granville Island (complete with complimentary champagne!!!). Click on this link or the one near the top for all the details!

ttfn!!!

signed,

Aaron