In 2 months, the Tony Award nominations will be announced, so you can expect quite a bit of Broadway coverage between now and then. Starting with the new hit musical, Memphis. Second lead, J Bernard Calloway has received rave reviews for his role as Delray, which he originated. So today, I present you with my interview with the upcoming star. Check it out:

When did you realize that you wanted theatre to be your career?
After I did a production of the Emporer Jones. I played the title role, at Alabama State where I attained my B.A. in Theatre. That show really solidified my ambitions to pursue acting.

How did you get involved with the musical, Memphis?
I auditioned in N.Y. at Chelsea Studios in the late summer of 2003 for the North Shore Musical Theatre where the east coast premiere was conceived.

Can you tell us your favorite moment of opening night?
The company bows! The audience energy was so magnetic and inviting to me. I felt like I was ready at that moment to take on Broadway.

How would you say your character has evolved from the first time you played him to now?
Well, Delray and Felicia were lovers at first during the early stages of rehearsal at NSMT. But to raise the stakes, Joe DiPietro wanted to invest in making those characters brother and sister. And it worked! Delray has become more of a staple for the black community as an entrepreneur in a time when that really was not accepted as normal. His club is an oasis where black folks could come to dance, eat, network, and take a load off. It didn’t hurt to know that the club is located on Beale Street, the major drag in Memphis.

What would you say is a message in the musical that you didn’t notice right away but have come to realize and appreciate?
Music is truly a universal language that everyone can relate to. Whether it be negative or positive. It is undeniable.

What is your favorite number in the musical based on the music and what is your favorite number in the musical based on the songwriting?
Based on the music it would be “Underground”. Based on the songwriting I have two numbers, “She’s My Sister” and “Love Will Stand.”

What are your remedies for your voice?
I use to warm up for 30 minutes before a show, but I discovered that I only need 3 minutes as to not do a show before the show. This includes vowel and consonant work and waking up all articulators through vibrations. Also, I always drink plenty of water!

What other musicals are you interested in working on?
This show has opened a lot of doors for me as far as business is concerned. I know that I will ultimately move on from Memphis feeling fulfilled and ready for what is next. I could see myself playing Caolhouse in Ragtime.

What do you do during intermission and what is your favorite part about Stagedoor?
I stretch and eat during intermission. Act 1 takes a lot out of me. The Stagedoor is my chance to say thank you and connect with the fans. That’s really important to me that that transition takes place.

What was your experience like shooting The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3?
It was my first movie. 2009 was really good to me. Working with heavy hitters like Denzel Washington, Tony Scott, John Travolta, was the best learning experience any young actor can have. A lot of times I was like a fly on the wall, like a sponge soaking it all in.

What’s next for your on screen career?
There are a lot of TV series that’s going through the pipe so I have my fingers crossed for the best. Whatever film I do next, I just pray for a great script that I can sink my teeth into.

Get tickets to Memphis the Musical here.