THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- HADESTOWN's Damon Daunno

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with your favorite Broadway stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on!

In this week's edition, we caught up with Damon Duano, who stars as 'Orpheus' in HADESTOWN, playing at New York Theatre Workshop.

What is the first Broadway or off-Broadway show you ever saw?

When I was about 15, I would take the ferry over from Jersey and volunteer usher for Cabaret at Studio 54. Michael C. Hall was the Emcee at the time and I thought it was super punk rock. It made me want to go to drama school!

What is your most unique pre-show ritual?

Probably my warm up. Vocally and physically I'm very influenced by animals and babies, so lots of strange noises and ecstatic dance moves shake me into game time.

What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?

A few weeks ago we had Orpheus Night at Hadestown and it was a room full of musicians and actors I admire greatly, and the big moment where I square off to sing for the soul of my love, I hit the first chord and my guitar was completely devastatingly out of tune. It's a very exposed moment and I took a second to collect myself and try and tune as though it was part of the deal, but it was so heartbreakingly out of whack. I couldn't extend the moment any further, so I just sang the thing acapella! Afterwards everyone thought how cool it was to see Orpheus fumble in that moment not realizing my heart was in my stomach about it!

What is the one role you want to play before you die?

Hmm, adding the whole death thing to the question feels a bit ominous...

Perhaps Ophelia? As a teen I imagine I would've said Hamlet, but as a grown man in the wild world I relate more earnestly to her pathos (not that I want to drown myself... that sort of took a dark turn there.)

Who is your Broadway or off-Broadway crush?

Chris Sullivan. His style and versatility give me all the feels.

Where can people follow you online?

Goodness gracious, I'm not sure! Googling my name terrifies me and I'm currently without a website, as I try and limit my interactions with the digital realm. Though I do technically exist on FB and Instagram. Someday I'll join the fray I suppose.