gt.com: growing up, did you see yourself doing
something different?
MATT: Actually, growing up I always wanted to be a
professional soccer player. Broadway came into view when I was a sophomore in high school.
gt.com: interesting variety! okay, speaking of Broadway...describe your
new role in the remake of Hairspray.
MATT:
I'm playing the role of Link Larken and he's the heartthrob of the show. I don't know how
to say this nicely...he falls in love with a chubby girl.
gt.com: fair enough. how was the
audition process for that role?
MATT:
It was pretty strenuous! I didn't audition, they had just asked me to do the show. But, I
was originally in the ensemble, (the chorus). But after a couple of weeks, the
guy who was playing the role left to do a movie. So they had kept auditioning my on and
off again for the role. In the meantime, they had just offered it to me. My big break!
gt.com: had you previously seen the movie or were you a fan of it before
accepting the role?
MATT:
To tell you the truth, I saw the movie as I was doing the show, and I didn't really like
it! But the musical is different, it's unbelievable and makes it so awesome.
gt.com: so, how is it working
with the other cast members?
MATT:
This is probably one of the most amazing casts I've ever worked with! It's such a young
cast, and everyone just wants this to be a hit so badly that they'll do whatever it takes.
It's really great to be in this environment of people.
gt.com: sounds great! what is
your typical working day like?
MATT:
::laughs::
gt.com: err...let us rephrase that -- is it ever typical? what
have your days been like recently?
MATT:
Well, I just got back from Seattle. I was there for six weeks doing what they call an
"out-of-town performance." Each Broadway show does one before they come
to Broadway. A "typical" working day was usually 12-5:30 p.m. for rehearsals,
then an hour and a half for a dinner break, and then come back at 7:30 p.m. for the show,
which lasts until about 10:30. It's a long day!
gt.com: wow, we're tired just hearing that! did you do that often during
the week?
MATT:
That was pretty much every day!
gt.com: speaking of which, how did the shows go in Seattle?
MATT:
They were such a hit -- it was so amazing to actually put the show on in front of an
audience and get a response. We had standing ovations every single night! Some nights, the
audience didn't even leave the theater. We left stage after our final bow, and they kept
clapping for five minutes after we were gone. It was unreal -- I had never experienced
this before in my life!
gt.com: what do you think is the biggest misconception about your job as a
Broadway actor?
MATT:
Well, I think some people look at a show and say, "I can do that!" But,
I think that is the goal of an actor -- to make their job look easy. It's really a lot of
work, and I work hard at what I do. I think that is the biggest misconception, but I think
that's what actors are supposed to make the audience feel.
gt.com: what is the biggest perk to what you do?
MATT:
Pay day! ::laughs:: I think the very end of the show when you take a bow and
people are clapping for you. I don't think there is any feeling quite like that -- it's
pretty amazing!
gt.com: how about the worst part of your job?
MATT:
I don't like stretching out, but we have to do all the warm-ups before the show. They're
kind of tedious, but you have to do it.
gt.com: another part of acting that many find nerve-wracking: auditioning.
so, what's been the most difficult audition for you to go through?
MATT:
It was kind of the best and worst in a way...there's a new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical
called "The Beautiful Game." They did some casting here, but it was in
London. I auditioned for it, and Webber got to see me here. He liked me a lot, so he flew
me and one American girl over to London for four days to audition over there. It was such
a grueling process, but it was so amazing at the same time. I got to spend two hours in a
room with just me and Webber, hitting the piano and singing. But I think the worst part
about it is that I didn't get the part. After all that, you put so much work into
something, and it doesn't come through. It's really disappointing!
gt.com: when it doesn't come through, how do you deal with the rejection
from auditions?
MATT:
Well, if you can't deal with it, you shouldn't be in this business, because it happens
more than not. You gotta have a chip on your shoulder and be very prepared not to get [the
part].
gt.com: one part you did get -- a role on Sex and the City. how was that
experience?
MATT:
It was a lot of fun -- that was my first big television appearance. The scene was with
Sarah Jessica Parker, and I was the waiter. We had this whole dialogue, but when it
actually came on the television, I had one line! I was kind of pissed about that, but
that's how it goes!
gt.com: say you could choose your part. we're sure a waiter would be at
the top of your list! kidding...but really, describe your ideal acting role.
MATT:
Hmm...I've always wanted to be the villain. I usually don't get that opportunity, because
I have a certain look that labels me as the "heartthrob" or whatever. I
think that would be really cool to play a villain.
gt.com: continuing on that thought...if you were given the choice to work
with *any* actor -- dead or alive -- who would take the spotlight with you?
MATT:
I think I'd like to work with Marlon Brando!
gt.com: nice! so, what was the biggest shocker in entering the world of
Broadway?
MATT:
Being the only straight guy! ::laughs:: That's hard for me!
gt.com: we bet. haha. well, that said, has it been harder for you to meet
women as an actor, or has it made it easier?
MATT:
It's harder to meet genuine women. As an actor, you kind of put yourself out there and
they see what they see onstage. And that's who they see you as. It's hard to go out with
them and get that picture of that out of their minds. They see me as the character instead
of who I am.
gt.com: understandable! switching topics, you tried the music biz for a
little while as 1/4 of the group LMNT. what made you decide to head back to Broadway?
MATT:
When I was in that group, I just knew it wasn't for me. Every time I went out and we
performed in front of screaming girls, I felt...I felt kind of embarrassed in a way. And
that's the worst feeling to have in the industry. That's no discredit to them or anything!
gt.com: we can see what you're saying. speaking of music, you're an avid
show tune fan -- which one is spinning in your CD player right now?
MATT:
"Once on this Island" -- I don't know if you've ever heard of that
musical. It's an older one. That's been my thing lately!
gt.com: whose music would people be surprised you listen to?
MATT:
I think people would be surprised that I like punk music. There's this New York group
called "Hurry Up Offense," and I try to go see them whenever they're
performing. I like banging my head around every now and then!
gt.com: we're giving you an imaginary day off. so, what do you do when you
step away from the limelight?
MATT:
I try to get to nature whenever I can. I'm a big fan of traveling to see more trees and
lakes. And I like skydiving -- all that good stuff!
gt.com: impressive! okay, fess up -- a lot of actors are anti-reality
television. honestly, do you have the urge to watch the new crop of reality TV or is
fictional TV the type for you?
MATT:
I'm definitely a fictional guy at heart, but I have nothing against reality television.
Personally, I hardly ever turn on the television! I watch sporting events and everything,
but that's it.
gt.com: back to acting: what's your advice for aspiring Hollywood seekers?
MATT:
I don't want to say the typical, "It's a tough road..." This might be
kind of harsh, but everyone always tells you to have a backup job in case acting doesn't
work out. I say you shouldn't have a backup job. If this is really what you want to do, go
for it full force. If you have a backup job, your mind is always going to be thinking,
"Well, this is waiting in the wings..." and you'll never fully commit
to what you want.
gt.com: honest and true. well, the microphone is yours -- promote
Hairspray to the readers.
MATT:
::in announcer's voice:: Well, it's... ::laughs:: People are always
saying that it's "The Producers" of this season and that it's such a fun show.
You'll walk out of the theater dancing and singing. Even if you have never heard the songs
from the show before, you'll feel like you have -- they're so catchy. It's also a show
that has a lot of heart and it has a real good message about oppression and being an
outsider trying to fit in. It's heartfelt and fun-loving at the same time.
gt.com: we're hooked! save us front row seats!
 Groove
with the cast, and find out more
about the show at www.hairspraythemusical.com!
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