Here, via email, we hear from singing actor Charlie Pollock, who will star in the title role of the Signature Theatre Company's new musical Elmer Gantry, which begins performances Oct. 7 at the Arlington, VA, venue.
What show recently impressed you?
There are actually two shows that impressed me, and they are both a bit of a minority position. The first was Rocky. I am a huge Alex Timbers fan, and I loved how cinematic his production was. The visual style and energy impressed the heck out of me. Also, Andy Karl's magic trick of a performance blew me away.
The second show I saw this past season that I loved was The Bridges of Madison County. I was mesmerized by the score and how well sung it was. I am a sucker for beautiful music, and Jason Robert Brown writes songs that tickle a very specific part of my soul.
What production are you most excited to see?
There are so many shows I'm excited about this season — The Last Ship and Honeymoon in Vegas are on my list, but the show I am most excited to see is Fun Home. I have always been impressed with Jeanine Tesori, but now that I have worked with her I am positively obsessed! I didn't see Fun Home when it was at the public, but I listened to the incredible cast album and was moved to tears while sitting on NJ Transit. I can only imagine what it will be like in the theatre.
Also, I would love to see Fortress of Solitude, but my obligations with Elmer Gantry will prevent that. I did a reading of it years ago and have been haunted by it, in the best way, ever since. What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
That's easy. Floyd Collins. This is a musical, much like Violet, that I don't think got its due the first time around. I love an American story told with truly American music. And, it's one of the greatest scores I've ever heard, and I've never seen a production of it. And, of course, I would love to play Floyd Collins!
What are your current/upcoming projects?
Right now I am playing Elmer Gantry in Elmer Gantry at the Signature Theater in DC. It is a great undiscovered American musical, and I am honored to get to play this role.
I also have a cool recurring role on TV's "The Good Wife."
My upcoming projects, really project, is still top secret until all ducks are in a row, but it is something I've been working on with some of the most talented people I know for the last three years. Hopefully I will be able to talk more about it soon!
