The Echo was fortunate to recently spend time with Constantine Maroulis, who is back on Broadway and better than ever with a renowned cast including iconic Sopranos star Joe Pantoliano! As one of American Idol’s most lovable earliest finalists (Simon called him Astonishing!), he went on to receive a Tony Award nomination for creating the highly successful, Rock of Ages global franchise. Constantine’s passion for performing began at an early age, with numerous accolades over the years for his work on Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Toxic Avenger, and many other highly successful productions.
In Rock & Roll Man, Constantine takes on the daunting challenge of bringing to life one of the music industry’s most powerful radio personalities, Alan Freed, who was also one of the most influential civil rights activists. Freed coined the term Rock & Roll and fought for equal rights for African American artists and for the integration and inclusion of teens regardless of the color of their skin. He sacrificed everything to help break the color barrier, ultimately losing his career, family, wealth and life at a very young age.
We hope you enjoy the interview that follows below and highly recommend seeing the incredibly entertaining, dramatic and educational Rock & Roll Man!
1) You’re such a well-known musician and actor. Did your music or acting background draw you to this role?
My music and acting background drew me to this role. What’s so fun about working in theater and on and off Broadway – I always want to create new roles. That’s what is always very exciting to me – to have the opportunity to create something that’s original from the beginning. So yes – definitely the story and the chance to retell the origin of Rock & Roll on stage for New York audiences – that was everything for me!
2) How did you create the stage version of the legendary Alan Freed?
With a lot of work and a lot of practice – and an amazing team – a great director and choreographer – a wonderful producer who allowed us the space to rehearse and the time to put this together – the way it needs and the respect – and then providing us with a really talented supporting cast and crew. There are so many elements that it takes to put a great show together. Then you have all the designers and the lighting and the costumes – and a wonderful theater and people have to come to the show – and people that sell the tickets and promote the show! It’s a great question but it’s a huge answer. There is not just one person or thing that helps – it’s everyone – it’s a big team effort like sports.
3) What is your favorite scene from Rock & Roll Man?
There is a really dramatic scene called Smoke in Your Eyes – it’s a fantastic, legendary song by The Platters. And there is a sequence where we see sort of the spiral and the downfall of the Alan Freed character but he is still fighting. He’s fighting to keep his family together. He’s fighting to keep his job. But you have to remember this occurred at a time in our country’s history when we were dealing with segregation – we were dealing with post-World War II – a time when unfortunately there was so much discrimination going on in the country – not just with African Americans but with Jewish Americans – like Alan Freed – especially someone like him who was out there to elevate Black Artists. And he was persecuted for that as well. But he laid his life on the line for art and for music. That’s what I admire.
4) Do you like the classics or original songs better performed in the show?
Gary Kupper our writer, our composer has done a great job writing songs that are in the style of the era – the 50s – but it’s hard to compete with the original songs. I mean there are so many great ones in this show – they’re classics and there’s a reason why they’re such classics – they’ve been around for 75 years and they’re some of my favorite songs in the show for sure. And I don’t really sing the classic songs. I sing mainly on the original ones.
5) You have starred in so many great productions. Will we get to see you in any other roles this year?
Probably not and thank you for saying that! I’m really focussed on Rock & Roll Man and taking this show as far as I can. We’re really happy to be here at New World Stages off-Broadway right in the heart of Broadway – we’re playing 500 seats. You know I started Rock of Ages in this very same theater 15 summers ago. So, if we can have a fraction of the success of Rock of Ages with Rock & Roll Man – I’d be in a pretty good place. I hope we can run this through the summer and into the fall and then maybe transfer to Broadway. Wouldn’t that be fun?
6) What is the one question you wish people would ask you but they never do? And what is the answer?
That’s a great question wow! I don’t know – you got me stumped – probably something I shouldn’t admit or talk about just yet. Maybe where did I have my first kiss?
7) What advice would you give to aspiring high school musicians and actors?
I think we’re in a place right now in pop culture where everyone wants to get famous real fast. They want to have a million followers. They want it all to happen so fast. But it does not happen fast – and it should not. I think worry about today. Work hard today. Get on stage as much as you can. But it’s not just about being on stage and starring in shows. There are so many great jobs and career paths within the entertainment or theater world. I mentioned earlier – you have amazing designers – you have amazing artistry all over the stage, behind the stage, in front of the house, sound, lighting, publicity and management. So, there’s a great world out there. But just worry about today and getting better – a little better every single day
The Facts:
Location: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, New York City
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission
Ticket Price Range: $70 to $174
Website: https://rockandrollmanthemusical.com/
