BWW Interviews: Michael Therriault Talks PARADE

Acting Up Stage and Studio 180 present the Canadian Premiere of PARADE at the Berkeley St Theatre, on now until January 22nd 2011.  A Canadian Premiere, this musical showcases the work of composer Jason Robert Brown, a critically acclaimed up and coming lyricist who penned such other works as The Last Five Years and 13.  The show features a talented cast of some of the best that Canada has to offer, including Michael Therriault in the lead role of Leo, the wrongly-accused and persecuted Northerner in this historical tale of the famous trial.  Michael spoke with BWW about the role and about his own personal taste in musical theatre:

This show deals with a lot of very sensitive and difficult issues so you have to balance the musicality of your roles with the emotion and acting needed to convey the story.  How do you approach this as an actor?

We have a fantastic musical director in Paul Sportelli. He is terrific at finding that balance. I know personally, when rehearsing a song, I would run it with a specific focus in mind. One pass would be to focus on what was Leo was attempting to say which would often leave the musicality wanting. And then I'd do a pass focusing primarily on the musicality. I think gradually, with Paul's guidance, they blended.

 

Parade is playing in a very intimate space, does this affect how you approach the show and the material?

 

Most actors love intimate venues. I know I do. And I think this piece lends itself to an intimate space because there is so much in this script that is left unsaid. Also being close and unamplified helps the characters feel more exposed and naked than they would be in a larger thaeatre.  
I am a huge fan of Jason Robert Brown's so I am pretty thrilled to be doing this. 

 

Jason Robert Brown has a huge following as an up and coming musical theatre composer, and is very popular with self proclaimed "theatre geeks" With your personal backgrounds in theatre, would either of you consider yourselves "geeks"?

 

Yes, I am a "theatre geek". I think most actors are. Going to see a play or a musical is one of my absolute favorite things to do.

We would love to get a bit of musical theatre trivia for our readers - could you each rundown your five favourite Broadway shows and why?

Oh gosh! That is a difficult question to answer. Some of my favorites I have actually never seen. I am going to break your rules and give you seven. 

1) SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. I wish I could have seen the Menier Chocolate Factory's transfer because I hear it was beautiful. A great, meaty piece that has a lot to say about what we do.

2) I think FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a masterpiece. It's economy is amazing. It is so funny, moving, political and pertinent. There is a reason it is a classic.

3) I love HOW TO SUCCEED and especially love listening to the new orchestrations that were done for Des McAnuff's production in the 90's. It is a show that is very high on my "must see/or must do" list.

4) I loved the Broadway production of IN THE HEIGHTS. I saw the show two years into the run and it felt like the cast was giving an opening night performance. That alone was incredibly inspiring. And the choreography was exhilarating.

5) I also loved seeing HAPPINESS a couple of years ago. Another show that I walked out of the theatre feeling very moved and inspired by.

6) WEST SIDE STORY is definitely a show that I can't get tired of. I was fortunate to see the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's production two years ago and I think it will live in my memory for a long time.

7) SHE LOVES ME is also a favorite of mine. A beautiful piece that I am surprised is not done more. 
Finally, for those unfamiliar with the history behind Parade or Jason Robert Brown's work, what one thing would you say to encourage people to come out to the theatre and experience it for themselves?

You should come see Parade in Toronto is because I think it is a very important piece of theatre and a production that we are very proud of. It has a stellar cast and if you don't see it now, you may have to wait quite a long time to see it again. 

When and Where?

PARADE

The Berkeley Street Theatre

Performance Schedule
Monday-Saturday 8 PM
Matinees Saturday 2 PM

Tickets: $32 to $40, with 20% discount for students and seniors

On Sale Now by Phone at 416-368-3110
And Online at www.paradethemusical.com

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