BWW Interviews: Ciaran Sheehan in FROM GALWAY TO BROADWAY Benefit Concert at STNJ

The Broadway stars of The Phantom of the Opera and LES MISERABLES, Ciarán Sheehan and Gwen Eagleton, will perform a one-night-only musical event From Galway to Broadway on Thursday, March 5th at 7:30 p.m. at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. The concert is a benefit for The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's young artist education and training programs. Sheehan and Eagleton will perform a medley of Broadway standards, traditional Irish songs, and beloved pop tunes. Multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Donohue will join Sheehan and Eagleton on stage. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Ciarán Sheehan before the show.

A Dublin native, Sheehan remembered some of the musicals he saw as a child that made a real impression on him. The Sound of Music, West Side Story and Wizard of Oz were some of his favorites. He also spoke of the inspiration of his family. "I would say that my mother's family had a great appreciation for music. I got that from them. My grandmother always taught me new songs."

Yet, Sheehan began his career as a classical actor and admits to never considering musical theatre until working with famed Tony Award-winning producer and director Hal Prince who suggested he audition for The Phantom of the Opera. Sheehan made his Broadway debut in Les Misérables as Babet and Marius. Shortly after, Sheehan was cast as Raoul in the smash hit's third national tour. He went on play the Phantom for two years and over 1,000 performances, both on Broadway and in Toronto, where he replaced Colm Wilkinson.

Sheehan acknowledged that Hal Prince was a very important mentor. Prince encouraged Sheehan to take vocal lessons. Prince and Charlotte Moore of the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City financed his studies. He said "Hal was like a second father to me."

Playing the role of Raoul was a truly a special time for Sheehan. Performing in The Phantom of the Opera was an extraordinary professional opportunity. And he also met his wife, Alexia Hess, the renowned dancer and performer.

Sheehan has performed sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and The National Concert Hall in Dublin, as well as several televised specials for PBS including Ciarán -An Evening with Friends. Most recently, Sheehan performed off-Broadway in Fifty Words at the Gene Frankel Theatre.

Sheehan believes that the production at STNJ will engage and entertain Madison area audiences. He commented, "It is an eclectic mixture of music. We are performing Broadway pieces and traditional Irish pieces will be included. We have a lot fun and there will be great interaction with the audience."

For more information on Ciarán Sheehan, visit www.ciaransheehan.com.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus in Madison , New Jersey. The Outdoor Stage is located on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth and the Theatre's support and education facility is in Florham Park. Tickets for From Galway to Broadway start at $20. $60 tickets include a post-show reception with the artists. For more information, contact the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 or www.Shakespearenj.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey