The ensemble members of the current Broadway production of Sweeney Todd discuss how they integrate their work as the show's orchestra into the creation of their characters. In a master class, Barbara Cook advises her students to "sing close to the way you speak" and to "take off your emotional clothes" as she tries to fashion them into musical theatre actors. Philip Bosco, Simon Jones, and Harriet Harris share how they became confident in essaying musical theatre roles despite careers spent primarily in nonsinging parts.
Probably never before in the history of musical theatre have performers been required to master as many different skills to have a successful career. While a thrilling voice can still get you somewhere, it won't get you everywhere. Writers like Michael John LaChiusa, Adam Guettel, Jason Robert Brown, and Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have followed Stephen Sondheim's example in writing shows that require the complex creation of character. Broadway's revival of Sweeney Todd and Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Cabaret have even required actors who can also play musical instruments. Back Stage East goes to the pros to find out what it takes to become the kind of Renaissance performer who can compete for work in 21st-century musical theatre.