Andy Kelso Plays MARK in RENT…read on to discover what makes him rock!

I grew up in Aurora, Colorado which is a suburb of Denver. Also-I was born in a car-a 1980 Toyota Corolla that I eventually ended up driving until I was 18.  
Becoming an actor was something I stumbled upon.  In 5th grade, everyone was required to be a part of the school’s Christmas show entitled Something’s Up Down in Bethlehem. Our teacher had us sing for her so she could cast the show and, much to my surprise, I somehow ended up with the lead.  From then on, acting was always just a hobby-something I did for fun in school.  When it was time to go to college, I thought I wanted to be a sound engineer, so I decided to pursue that and ditch acting.  It was only after realizing how much I missed performing that I decided to change paths and go to school for acting.  It may sound obvious, but my mentors have always been my teachers throughout the years-from my high school theater teacher to my acting coaches in NYC…I’ve been blessed with some brilliant people as far as that goes.

I’ve been performing this show in the privacy of my own home and/or car ever since high school!  It was the first soundtrack that I knew backwards and forwards.  I immediately loved the sound of the show and couldn’t get enough.  This show was and is such a huge inspiration to me and I feel so honored to finally get a chance to be in an actual production of it.
I thought seeing the movie was a bit like seeing the movie of a book you’ve read…it was interesting to see, but nowhere near as good as the real thing. 
Some favorite musicals include, Billy Elliot, The Full Monty, Last Five Years, Avenue Q, and Passing Strange.  Playing Mark definitely checks a dream role off the list for me.  And speaking of RENT, I think it would be fun to play Roger someday.  I would also love to originate a role in a show someday.

When I’m not on stage, I like discovering new music, playing guitar, hanging with friends, and exploring the rabbit hole that is New York City.  I also love to travel and try and do so whenever I get the chance!

On my Ipod? A little bit of everything and a lot of rock n’ roll.  I love discovering new bands and new sounds.  However, some favorite bands/muscians include: Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, The Tallest Man of Earth, and Arcade Fire.

Steena Fernandez stars as The mesmerizing Mimi in RENT. I caught up with her at rehearsal...and learned a thing or two!

I grew up in Odessa, Texas. I used to sing around the house on a turkey baster when I was 3, so mom put me in dance and singing classes. She knew and I guess I knew at a very early age, I had the bug.

I didn’t start acting until high school. I saw some posters advertising for Steppin Out auditions at my high school, so I went and auditioned for the show and for the drama department. I got a part in the show and enrolled in the theatre program there. After high school I went to Texas Tech University to further my studies in acting, singing and dance. Mentors include: John Gillas: voice, Dr. Johnathan Marks: acting, and Judy Gorlin: Dance.

I loved this show since college. I remember they had an open call in Austin, Texas around the time when it was getting so popular, and me and a group of friends drove from Lubbock, Texas to go audition. I did get a call back but no part. Then when I moved to N.Y. right out of college, I auditioned for the tour and got Alexi Darling, Mimi understudy.  Touring this show was so much fun! 

I did see the movie. GREAT!  Basically if it says RENT on the cover I love it! In any production of this show, I can always find the magic!

Mimi is one of my dream roles…so excited to finally be playing her!!!! Some favorite shows: Cats, Miss Saigon, Hair, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Moon Over Buffalo, Ragtime and In the Heights.

When it’s nice out, I love to ride my bike and go for a run outside. I try to go in the sun only in moderation, but I LOVE the beach and sun. Reminds me of going to South Padre Island as a child with family. Oh and I love food network, so I am picking up some good recipes and cooking more these days.

On my Ipod ..Oh I have anything from Van Halen, Johnny Cash, Coldplay: Viva La Vida one of my fav’s, Jack Johnson to Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys.  Right now as I type this, I am listening to The Beatles…can NEVER go wrong with that!

Gary Lynch is turning out a hilarious performance as Joe/Josephine in SUGAR! One you won’t want to miss! I asked him to tell us a bit about his journey! 

   I grew up in Rhode Island, my Mom is an artist and my Dad was a teacher, athletic director and coach, I started playing sports and acting at a young age…the two combined are what I feel represents who I am…..
My Mom got me involved  in theatre at a young age to combat shyness…LOL,  I was hooked after performing onstage, it was Home…I also didn’t mind the multitudes of actresses….what a life! It’s where I met my wife.

I recently saw the  Billy Wilder movie and realized I never saw the whole thing until now…I think the musical tries to capture the best of the film, but could have had more of the film content in the stage show
What are my favorite shows?  Yikes….I commit to everything I’m involved in…..I don’t have a favorite…but Les Miz would be on the top of my list. My dream role, is something I originate in a new show…..  

The fabulous Colleen Hawks, as Sugar Kane in SUGAR, "The Some Like It Hot" Musical!

 Director of NINE, Jonathan Stahl

I grew up in south central PA in the valley between the north and south mountains.  Newville, PA to be exact. I lived in the country and had a very enjoyable upbringing that did not have a lot of urban culture.  I went to public school and did high school theatre productions.  I played in the band, sang in the choir… I did not start dancing till much later and eventually went away to college for musical theatre — somewhat against all odds

I was somewhat influenced by Sunday afternoon movie musicals and movies by Shirley Temple.  I had a very supportive teacher in middle school who did one small community review who gave me encouragement.  In high school, I was mesmerized by the movie ALL THAT JAZZ.  I did not see much live theatre, but did go to local regional theatre when the opportunity arose. My own work has been greatly influenced by working with Richard Stafford as his associate the last few years.

In approaching directing NINE, I obviously did as much research as I could… watching the movie 8 1/2, reading up on Fellini, watching his movies, etc.  I saw the original production video at Lincoln Center Library as well as the 2002 revival for research.  I also have the life experience of also being a man who has reached 40 and knows the intricacies on moving forward in life that can accompany such a milestone. 

I have seen the recent movie of NINE. I think Mr. Marshall took on an interesting challenge.  It appears as if he tried to merge the movie "8 1/2" with the musical NINE.  They are two very separate mediums that do not lend themselves to being merged.  I think the movie is cinematically stunning, and there are a few wonderful performances.  I enjoyed the movie, but was mostly disappointed with how the "ensemble" of women that are in the musical were handled amongst the medium.  The stage version so beautifully gives the audience the opportunity to see how ALL women, from ALL walks of life had affected Guido.  The movie just made it look like super models and the likes were his only muse.  I think Guido has many muses.  I hope our production represents that.

I am not a big "favorites" person.  If I had to name a few favorite shows I guess I’d say RAGTIME, FALLSETTOS, INTO THE WOODS, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.  I have always wanted to play Whizzer in Fallsettos, I loved playing Lumiere in Beauty and Beast, and would like to play the lead in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMEN.

When I’m not working on a show, I like continuing my education…either as a performer (dance classes, acting classes and the like), or as a student of life.  I recently got my undergraduate degree after a 25 year hiatus and thoroughly enjoyed the education I received in doing so.  I like traveling, going to the gym and museums.  Ironically, I have to remind myself I need to go see shows from time to time.  I tend to forget to do that. But when I do go, I always love the theatre.

Leading Lady, Glory Crampton, starring in NINE, dishes about a few things in her own "unusual way"! 

I grew up in long island. NY. My Father was a surgeon from Buenos Aires, Argentina and my mother, a housewife from Pasadena, California. I was into sports. I was a competitive diver until my teens. I started acting in community theater and decided to go to college to study acting. I went to NYU (Tisch) and my involvement in musical theater happened by accident. 
I was influenced by great performers, I loved Natalie Wood, Audrey Hepburn, Olivia Hussy from the film, Romeo and Juliet, and all the romantic tragic love stories!!

I played Claudia in the past and never thought I was right for Luisa. so this was a surprise for me when I was cast, and I love playing this role!! It has opened up the possibility of playing more of these types of roles and I’m using a very different part of my voice (a much lower register that I’m really enjoying)

The recent film of NINE was beautiful, had great cinematography and amazing actors, but, some of my favorite songs from the show were cut from the film which altered the storyline for me a bit. I think I prefer the stage version.

I love so many of the musicals and roles I’ve gotten to play. Phantom, My Fair Lady, Camelot,  I’ve gotten to play so many of my dream roles. At this point I’d like to create a role. Something no one else has put a stamp on. 

I love to travel. I’ll be traveling as soon as Nine closes. I think my husband and I will be going to the Virgin Islands. My next big trip will be to Buenos Aires. I also love going to restaurants, a great bottle of wine, experiencing different cultures. So many roles I’ve played are European, I guess the traveling has helped! M y husband and I are also renovating our kitchen and that is a big project.

My CD is going to be released very soon so that will keep me busy and I am very exited about that!!!

The CD is with the London National Symphony. It was recorded at Abbey Road in England, in the same studio the Beatles did all of their recording (their piano is still there in the corner. I played it in between takes!). It features original orchestrations of “leading lady” songs from Broadway shows.  “Unusual Way” from NINE is the title song, “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “All I Ask Of You”, “My Man”, “I’ts A Grand Night For Singing”, “Pie Jesu”, “If They Could See Me Now”, .and many more!! We are taking pre-sales orders in the lobby now.  We are also releasing a music video on "you tube" this week of "UNUSUAL WAY"!!