THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- ALADDIN's Steel Burkhardt

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with your favorite Broadway stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on!

In this week's edition, we caught up with Steel Burkhardt, who is starring as 'Kassim' in Aladdin- currently playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

What is the first Broadway show you ever saw?

I don't really remember my first Broadway show. Being a New Jersey native I was fortunate enough to see many Broadway shows in my youth. One that stuck with me most was seeing THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on my 12th birthday. We had seats in the third row of the orchestra so it was perfect for watching the chandelier come down and swing onto the stage right over our heads. Another memory that night was going to buy a soda at the concession stand. A gentleman asked me if I was enjoying the show and I told him yes and that it was my birthday. He was so nice he bought me a souvenir program as well as my soda. I'll never forget that man's generosity as well as the show.

What is your most unique pre-show ritual?

I don't have many unique preshow rituals. One thing that I do like to do is I like to show up an hour before curtain just to be in the space, hang out with the people, and - in case I need to - stretch.

What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?

I have had two moments both with HAIR, the American tribal rock musical. They were both dealing with injuries in the show. I was on for Berger on Broadway and it was during the number "Hair" where I jumped over another ensemble member's head and with the rake and with a misguided jump I twisted my ankle and then had to continue on doing the entire first act with a severe sprain. I did not do the second act but the show must go on.

What is the one role you want to play before you die?

I have never really wanted to play any specific role that is on Broadway or off-Broadway. I very much enjoy the creative process of developing roles with directors and writers. I guess if I had to pick one it would have to be Billy Bigelow in CAROUSEL.

Who is your Broadway crush?

Will Swenson. I call and tell him every day I just don't think he ever really hears me.

Where can people 'stalk' you online?

I guess Twitter; the more people stalk me the more I might tweet.

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