Being a replacement actor has its pros and cons.
Sometimes an actor has marquee value and when they leave, the show closes soon after. And sometimes a new actor brings life back into a show.
And although “Memphis” is still as fresh as the day it opened, Adam Pascal, who took over the lead role of Huey Calhoun in October, brings his heart and soul to the role and to great results.
“I’m so glad everyone has confidence in me,” says Pascal, who says he’s excited as “great roles like this are few and far between.” Pascal feels he has a lot of responsibility to make this work as Chad Kimball, Tony nominated for his performance, has been playing the demanding part since it started, about eight years ago.
He says that he’s also gotten so much love and support from the amazing cast and is happy that they all seem to have confidence in his abilities. “The show is really like a family,” he says, “and they’ve been great at letting me in.” Pascal, known for originating the roles of Roger in “Rent” (Tony nomination) and Radames in “Aida,” has had previous experience taking on other roles he didn’t originate such as the Emcee in “Cabaret.”
There’s not a lot of great roles that come along, says Pascal, so he feels blessed with the parts he’s had. Pascal also always seems to have roles in which he has a power ballad or two and “Memphis” is no exception.
He says he’s able to keep the energy high every night not only because there is so much comradery backstage and positive vibes from the audience, but he humbly says that belting out the big songs every night “is just my job.” He adds, “A doctor or really any professional who takes pride in their work wouldn’t give any less of themselves, so he too gives his all.”
Pascal, a native New Yorker, is happy to be working on Broadway again but has enjoyed a lot of his trips to other cities, in particular San Francisco. Not only did he film “Rent” here but did a brief run of the show in San Francisco as well as a few concerts. “I have family there and it’s one of my favorite cities in the world.”
There are no plans to travel again soon as his focus for now is on "Memphis.”
While there are no plans for Pascal to record any more songs from “Memphis,” his uber fans might be excited to know that they can see the song “Memphis Lives in Me” on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XiTD8rASXs. Or they can listen to an mp3 at http://www.memphisthemusical.com/-adam-pascal-song-download.
To get tickets or to learn more, go to www.memphisthemusical.com.
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