Justin Matthew Sargent, last seen on Broadway as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, is back on the New York stage in the U.S. premiere of Rolling Thunder at Off-Broadway's New World Stages.

The actor—whose Broadway credits also include Drew in Rock of Ages and Frank Wildhorn's Bonnie and Clyde—plays Thomas in the Vietnam War-set production, which premiered in Australia and continues Off-Broadway through September 7. Attendees can expect to hear 20 rock classics of the era, including "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall," “Born to Be Wild,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” With a book by journalist-writer Bryce Hallett and direction by Kenneth Ferrone, the company also features Drew Becker, Cassadee Pope, Daniel Yearwood, Courtnee Carter, and Deon’te Goodman.

Sargent, who just finished touring the country as King George III in Hamilton, has been seen on screen in Jesus Christ Superstar: Live, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Mr. Robot, Delocated, and Royal Pains. His additional theatrical credits include A Sign of the Times, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, High School Musical, and Love Actually Live.

In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Sargent shares what audiences can expect from Rolling Thunder, his dream stage roles, and how being dropped by his manager turned out to be a blessing for his career.

Where did you train/study?
Justin Matthew Sargent: I got my BFA degree in Musical Theatre from UCF [University of Central Florida], and I also studied with Deborah Hedwall here in NYC.

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Oof! It's extremely difficult to pick one instructor…My professors at UCF were each so incredibly impactful in different ways. Jim Brown, Judi Siegfried, Earl Weaver, and Dr. Steve Chicurel were the four instructors I studied under the most during my time at UCF, and they all brought so much passion for the art form to their respective areas of expertise. I was very lucky to have been molded by their leadership and wisdom.

Tell me about the role you're playing in Rolling Thunder and whether you learned anything about the era that you didn't know while preparing for the production.
I play Tommy, an energetic and eager young man with a great sense of duty. Throughout his time in Vietnam, he experiences a loss of faith, friends, and his own morals. One thing that this production emphasizes, that I never really grasped, was how intertwined the social movements were with this war. The Civil Rights movement had a massive effect on the war overseas, and I don't remember drawing that correlation in school.

What can audiences expect from the production?
We like to describe this show as a "rock journey," as it is very much a rock concert that also weaves in and out of stories from at home and overseas during the conflict, almost like a documentary. The show features some of the most iconic songs of the era, with incredible vocalists and a killer band! It'll take you from hands in the air to tears in your eyes, and back again.

What do you consider your big break?
Taking over the role of Drew in Rock of Ages. Has to be. The timing was perfect, the role was a perfect fit, and I was incredibly lucky to have done 500+ performances as Drew on Broadway.

Prior to Rolling Thunder, you were touring as King George in Hamilton. What's the best part about touring with a show, and what is one of the more difficult aspects?
I love Hamilton...and playing KG3 was nothing short of a dream. This was the first tour I had ever done, and with this company, you really feel like you're on the road with your family. You lean on each other, explore with each other, and make memories that will last forever. The hardest part, for me, was the time away from my daughter. I worked hard to make sure that I could see her on my days off, so resting wasn't always part of my work/life balance.

Did you notice any difference in audience reaction as you moved from city to city?
For the most part, no. Everywhere we stopped we felt like rock stars! People were just so excited that the show was in town, and that was such a treat. 

Did you have a favorite city that you played?
Philly! Mostly because of the proximity to my house in New Jersey, but also because the theatre is so gorgeous, and the crowd was always on fire.

Do you have any dream stage roles and/or actors you would like to work with?
I'm a rock guy, so I'd love to play Riff Raff in Rocky Horror (…revival time, ya?), Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Freddie in Chess. I'd also love to play The Phantom one day, if they ever do a version where the ol' Opera Ghost has a little rock edge to him.

Tell me about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
A few months before my daughter was born, I was dropped by my manager. I was told that there just wasn't anything they could do for me, and that was probably true at the time. I know it wasn't anything personaI, and I know it happens all the time, but it was devastating to lose that representation as my life was going through such a dramatic change. Then, the pandemic hit. Talk about a one-two punch! I thought about throwing in the towel, but I was lucky to have been surrounded by incredible friends and family that believed and supported me. Since then, I've been working with a new manager, new agents, and I've been working consistently! Sometimes the business puts you through hell to see if you can survive the heat. I always tell young actors to surround themselves with supportive and nurturing people and to make sure they are doing the same for others. It's the only way to survive the madness!

Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Robert Cuccioli. I was obsessed with the Broadway cast album [of Jekyll & Hyde] when it came out. His voice is iconic, but you can feel every bit of emotion through that recording. I've had the pleasure of working with him on Spider-Man, My Life Is a Musical, three or four different workshops, and two different musicals about Mozart. Working with him, I've learned so much. Not only about the art form, but how to earn respect and longevity in an impossibly difficult industry. Never meet your idols? Nah, I'm honored to call one of my idols a friend.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Be you. Unapologetically. The jobs that will need you will come.

What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
Save as much money as you can when you are making it.

In such difficult times in this country and around the world, how do you think theatre can play a positive role, either for yourself and/or the community at large?
The old saying in the theatre, "we hold a mirror to society," has never been more apropos. People tend to become more empathetic and willing to take inventory of their own lives when they see that reflection, and I believe it can result in real change and action. What better time than now?

What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
Having my daughter in the audience and catching a glimpse of the massive smile on her face while Daddy's on stage.

close gallery

0 of

Photos: Rolling Thunder at New World Stages

Next Slide  

You may also like

• 
  Photos: Guys and Dolls at Shakespeare Theatre Company
• 
  Photos: Jeremy Jordan and Aisha Jackson in The Great Gatsby
• 
  Photos: Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Hamnet Film