It’s the holiday season and what better way to celebrate than seeing a Broadway show? Memphis is one of the most recent original musicals to come to Broadway and lead, Chad Kimball took some time out to talk to Hollywood the Write Way about this incredible new musical and more!
What were previews like and what was opening night like?
Previews were insane. We did get our one day off a week, but the rest of the time we were rehearsing – putting in new scenes, songs, and blocking. It was actually pretty calm though. I’ve never been involved in such a big show where everyone was so calm. We were tired but calm. Opening was just fantastic, it was such a magical night.
What moment in the musical touches you the most?
Well, I get shot out of a cannon and I don’t stop really…I’m off stage a total of 4 minutes and 45 seconds so I am on stage quite a bit and so there are many moments in the show that really touch me. Though at the end, when the audience gets to finally participate – stand up, clap, and sing a long, it’s exactly what a Broadway musical is supposed to do. So for me, the best moment is to see that we’ve reached the audience. There is such an excitement there that is really touching.
What would you say you have learned most about yourself through your character, Huey?
When I first read him, I just knew who he was. In a lot of ways, he plays me just as much as I play him. He’s not a suave leading man, he’s sometimes annoying and belligerent but he goes after what he wants. I’ve learned that there a lot of people out there that can really identify with him because who hasn’t tried for something great? People on all levels can relate to his failures and successes and “Maybe I should do this, maybe I shouldn’t.”
What is your favorite set or prop?
I do enjoy my flask. (laughs) I drink about 8 bottles of water during the show so the fact that he has a tiny bit of an alcoholic problem is great for me since there is water in the flask and I’m usually parched!
Who was your favorite celebrity visit?
Whoopi Goldberg, Fred Willard came the other day, Glenn Close, oh and Marion Ross was so funny. (laughs) She said, “You’re a wonderful actor and a beautiful singer…and you’re almost a dancer.” (laughs) That was pretty great. I loved meeting her.
Memphis is set in the 1950s but what is your favorite decade of music?
That’s a good question. I’m kind of all over the map when it comes to music. I would say the 40s and 50s though. I love that sound. I love the blues and I love what came of it. I have a soft spot for it.
Of all of the theatre work that you have done, what role has been the most like you and the least like you?
There was an aspect I could relate to in playing one of nine characters in Lennon…I knew who he was but I had never read about him and then I realized why people were so in love with him. His talent, his truthfulness… The one I could relate to the least was Milky White the Cow because I’m not a cow but I did have a wonderful time.
What are your remedies for your voice?
Well, I was sick for a couple of weeks and did the show…so that was fun. You know you try all sorts of things but sleep is the best and I do drink aloe vera juice with my water and it’s been working great.
What’s your favorite part about the auditioning process?
There’s a certain confidence you have when you don’t care. What I mean by that is…I think that I started to blossom and book more gigs when it became not as important as other aspects of my life. I like coming in, knowing the material, and having the confidence to put my stamp on it but then at the same time, not have an air of desperation.
What can we expect from you in the future outside of acting and singing?
I own a clothing company with my brother that we started it in about 2005 when I was in London and then when I was in LA, we opened an office in the fashion district. It is called Obvious Clothing and we are launching our new division, Lolly Cashmere. It’s been amazing, we are in Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Fred Segal, etc… On the singing front, I am looking forward to my debut album which should be coming out in February. The concept is covering songs in season on and off Broadway that I like and arranged in a way that fulfills me artistically. So look out for that!
Memphis plays at Shubert Theatre Tuesdays-Sundays. Click here for tickets.