Interview: Dominique Scott of ROCK OF AGES National Tour Talks Past, Present and Future

Following an engagement in Montreal's Theatre St-Denis, the touring production of ROCK OF AGES is now on stage in Ottawa thru March 10 and next lands in Toronto from March 19-24 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. BroadwayWorld sat down with Dominique Scott, who plays 'Drew' in the show, to talk about his life and work, and his journey to ROCK OF AGES.

Dominique Scott was born to play Drew in ROCK OF AGES. His father was a rock star in his native France, playing guitar for 70's and 80's band Hollow Spirit. After the band moved to Florida, he met Scotts's mother who had emigrated from Poland.

Born and raised in Miami. Scott was, in his words, "the most ADD kid." He always loved entertaining. He performed in school plays, but also "in class, while the teacher was teaching." His parents put him in theatre when he was 11 or 12 and he's been doing it ever since. Scott earned a degree in musical theatre and a minor in jazz piano, which he has been playing since he was 10 years old.

Scott has appeared in nearly 60 productions, both professionally and non-professionally. He has played Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES, Chris in MISS SAIGON, the Beast in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Will Rogers. His first show out of college was a new musical in New Hampshire called THE FOUR PIANO MEN. Scott played both Stevie Wonder and Freddie Mercury.

His favourite role is Drew, his ROCK OF AGES role. Scott says he feels lucky to find a role that so similar to him. It is a culmination of all his skill sets. There are some differences and challenges, but the character is not very different from the actor who portrays him.

Scott's journey to ROCK OF AGES sounds like something out of a movie. When he auditioned for the Broadway company, he didn't get a callback. In fact, he has auditioned twice for them. Gigging with his band, waiting tables and hoping for his big break, Scott got a text message from a friend that auditions were being held for the National Tour. Scott auditioned and again, he didn't get a callback. It was only though his perseverance that he was seen again. He felt so strongly about the role that he made an audition video and sent it to casting director. He then received an email inviting him in to final day of auditions in front of the whole creative team. Scott went in that day and booked the job.

Scott is very passionate about his band, NYC based Domin8trx. He spent two years working on their debut album, Carousel and says it was a true labour of love. The album was released last year and is available on iTunes. It can also be streamed via Scott's website, www.DomScott.com.

After playing Drew, which is a dream role, Scott says he would like to play Chris in MISS SAIGON again. He would also like to play Huey in MEMPHIS and Quasimodo in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. One show that has stuck with him is GHOST: THE MUSICAL and he would love the opportunity to play Sam Wheat.

No matter where his next journey takes him, Dominique Scott's passion, perseverance and drive are sure to bring him success.

ROCK OF AGES is a worldwide phenomenon with smash hit productions in Australia, London, South Korea and still rockin' on Broadway: 18 artists and 5 musicians on stage performing 28 classic rock tunes including "Don't Stop Believin'", "We Built This City", "The Final Countdown", "Wanted Dead or Alive", "Here I Go Again", "Harden My Heart", "Can't Fight this Feeling", "Renegade" and "I Want To Know What Love Is".

ROCK OF AGES is now on stage at the NAC Southern Hall in Ottawa thru March 10. The show next lands in Toronto for a limited run from March 19 to 24 at The Sony Centre for Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased at the Sony Centre box office, by calling 1-855-872-7669 or online at www.sonycentre.ca.

For more info on Dominique Scott, visit his official website www.DomScott.com.

All photos courtesy Dominique Scott.