At This Performance: KINKY BOOTS' Leading 'Lola' Understudy Timothy Ware!

BroadwayWorld introduces our latest weekly feature, 'At This Performance' highlighting the work of some of Broadway's hardest-working actors - understudies and standbys!

Waiting in the wings, these show-savers detail their favorite moments on stage, backstage, and in rehearsal in this new series, offering an inside look at one of the most stressful jobs on the Great White Way.

We're kicking off today's first installment with Timothy Ware, Billy Porter's standby in the Tony-winning production of KINKY BOOTS. Currently making his Broadway debut, the up-and-comer has previously appeared in the national tour of MAMMA MIA!, DREAMGIRLS, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Off-Broadway, he was recently seen in FOR LOVERS ONLY. His regional credits include THE FANTASTICKS at Arena Stage and THUNDER KNOCKING...at Cincinnati Playhouse.

How many times have you gone on as 'Lola'?
So far, I've played the role of Lola 97 times.

What was your first time on in KINKY BOOTS like?
The first time I went on is a complete blur. It happened so fast. It was my first time with stage lights and an audience while wearing 6 inch heels. I made it by the grace of adrenaline and 5 hour energy drink.

What's the most challenging part of being an understudy?
The most challenging part is making sure I don't disrupt the flow of the show and the other actors. There's a pace, a rhythm, that is created between a cast of actors who share the stage 8 shows a week. As an understudy, I have to make sure that I fit into that rhythm seamlessly.

What's your favorite way to pass the time backstage?
I like to use my down time as an opportunity to write. My original musical, "A Taste of Chocolate," was recently showcased in the Amas Musical Theatre Lab and directed by Warren Adams (Choreographer- Motown the Musical on Broadway). Amas will produce a workshop of it later in the fall of 2015 or spring of 2016.