A few days ago, I had the pleasure of talking to Broadway star Steve Rosen (The Farnsworth Invention, Spamalot and New Revival of Guys and Dolls) and got an interview, he is such an amazing performer and entertainer, THANK YOU STEVE!
Dave: You are from the beautiful city of Rochester but you now live in NYC, what one do you like better?
Steve: Both have their plusses and minuses. NY is the center of the universe. The most interesting art, theatre and people in the world are here, no question. Rochester is a bucolic escape from all of this. It's quiet and cultured. It's still a little "red state" for my taste, but I am equal parts city and country mouse. I can't say I like one better, it's like my Yin and Yang.
Dave: Out of every show you've ever done, what is your favorite and why and you HAVE TO pick ONE, you have no choice?
Steve: My favorite show I've ever done was probably The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin at The Music Box Theatre on Broadway. It was a play about the invention of television. I loved the play and we didn't run nearly as long as we deserved, but I had more fun with the cast of that show than any other I've done. Ever. The people you work with are the ones that make long runs tolerable.
Dave: Do you have any other things you consider talents other than acting and singing?
Steve: I'm also a writer and a comedic improviser. I co-created a show called Don't Quit Your Night Job (www.dontquitnyc.com) which is a monthly benefit where Broadway stars get to goof off on stage for charity. I also am working on writing a TV pilot with my friend and DQ collaborator David Rossmer.
Dave: When you were young what actors did you look up to and inspired you?
Steve: When I was a kid I was obsessed with Zero Mostel, who was a big theatre star in the 50s, 60s and 70s. I really liked listening to the soundtrack of Fiddler on the Roof and played Tevye in high school and just kind of got interested. I read his biography and learned about his political history (getting blacklisted) and actually own an oil painting that he painted that I bought on eBay.
Dave: You been in quite a few Broadway shows, has there ever been a time when you've said "I just don't feel like performing tonight?"
Steve: I do. But then when you walk by the crowd of people waiting to get into the theatre, that feeling instantly subsides.
Dave: Are there any negatives to being an actor?
Steve: There are LOTS of negatives about being an actor. Actually, most of being an actor are negatives. Constant rejection, career pitfalls, having to work enough to get health insurance, shows closing without notice...etc. At any time, 10% of all of the members of the Actors Equity Association are working. That means 90% are unemployed. It's especially tough for those trying to raise families. Many actors (even ones who are "famous" on Broadway) have side jobs to help make ends meet.
Dave: If you could be in any musical movie what would it be?
Steve: I would love to be in a Spamalot movie if they ever made one.
Dave: Where is your favorite place to eat in NYC?
Steve: El Faro. It's a Spanish restaurant in the West Village where my parents used to date. Chicken Villaroy is my favorite.
Dave: What are your plans for the future?
Steve: I'm doing a Don't Quit Your Night Job this Thursday night, then heading to LA for a few months to try and find some television work.
Dave: If you were stuck on an island what 5 people would like to be with?
Steve: Um..is my dog a person? I've got some very close friends, I don't want anyone to feel left out. :)
Steve Rosen was interviewed by David Perry exclusive for BroadwaySergey.com.
