Interview: Steven Trumon Gray in NUTCRACKER ROUGE at Minetta Lane Theatre

Company XIV is presenting a revival of their sexy hit holiday show, Nutcracker Rouge at Minetta Lane Theatre through January 17th. The show is a sparkling reimagining of the beloved Nutcracker tale told with erotic, sensual and opulent flair. The show's conceived, directed and choreographed by Drama Desk Award nominee Austin McCormick. There'll be some new performers and elements in this year's production. Nutcracker Rouge contains partial nudity. Ages 16 and over are admitted. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Steven Trumon Gray who plays the Prince in Nutcracker Rouge.

Steven Trumon Gray, originally from Iowa City, obtained a BFA in Dance and a BA in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa in 2012. In NYC, he has had the opportunity to perform with David Dorfman Dance, Jane Comfort, Young Soon Kim White Wave Dance Company, Most Happy Fella for City Center's ENCORES, and Queen of the Night at the Diamond Horseshoe. In his spare time, Steven is also a professional photographer in NYC. Steven is ecstatic to be a part of Company XIV again.

Tell me a little about your earliest interest in dance and theatre.

When I was in elementary school, I was in boys choir and loved to sing. When I was 9 years old I saw Phantom of the Opera on London and I knew I wanted in perform. That same trip I saw Oklahoma which in turn had me singing "Oh! What a beautiful morning!..." while walking down the streets of London on a daily basis. I just had an itch to perform.

Who have some of your mentors been?

I would say I'm greatly influenced by good human beings that are sensitive and empathic more than individualized artists. Personally, being too heavily influenced by another artist's aesthetic and nuances can turn into mimicking, or if it's not done well can be seen as mocking another artist. And I try to avoid that. I'll take things I like from other artists and try it out from my perspective and in the vessel that I've been given, but adapting their lens that I covet when I experience from them. I have to say that my mentors are more my friends and family because they're human beings that I have cherished and that have stayed by me throughout all of it.

Tell us about some performers or performances that have inspired you.

I look to my coworkers for inspiration. I will say that I've learned a lot and appreciated experiencing performances with Laura Careless, Allison Ulrich and Katherine Crockett. Watching Jakob Karr on SYTYCD actually got me excited to be a male dancer and I looked up to him while starting my training so late, then seeing Davon Rainey in the promos of Company XIV made me want to perform with the company.

How is your role as the Prince in Nutcracker distinctive from other parts you have played?

It's distinctive because I'm not particularly present in the show. I don't show up until the last 15 minutes of the show. It's taking all of that balled up adrenaline and focus that you would have before performing a whole show, and honing it into a potent, macro-focused 15 minutes of time. It's particularly a selfless role, where I am to enable Laura to have an experience in the land of the sweets then bringing her to her climax in the story in a physical and intimate duet. My Prince in Cinderella was much more prominent throughout and had to hold the audience. Because live theatre is a living organism, it was partially my job in Cinderella to keep the show alive and continue to breathe. This show however, I have to focus on helping Marie have her moment.

Tell us a little about Company XIV's cast/creative.

They are all incredibly talented performers with distinct energies and skill sets that are second to none. It's amazing that Austin McCormick has hired so many soloists that are able to really listen and enjoy ensemble work as well. Austin's directorial eye in collaboration with Zane's designs and Jeanette's dreamy lighting truly transports you into a magical world if the audience allows themselves to experience it.

What do you want audiences to know about the upcoming performance of Nutcracker Rouge?

Keep your eyes and heart open and just enjoy. There is so much expectation from hearing a singular voice in media that audiences and today's culture in general really rely on. I just think that audiences can make decisions for themselves if they just keep their heart and eyes open to what the world we're sharing is, then they may be able to breathe and experience with us. And to just realize that you're coming for a treat, so sit back and let us treat you to the land of sweets.

For the future?

I will not be doing Snow White sadly, but I'm going to keep doing photography projects and I am starting another show, which I can't talk about quite yet.

Is there anything else you want Broadwayworld.com readers to know?

I am raising money for my fine-art series called the "Wet-Series" to be printed that have used some members of Company XIV as models and some high-profile names in the performing arts. If anyone wants to see my work, you can go to gofundme.com/wetseries, www.steventrumongray.com, or see more of my work on Instagram: @steventrumon

Performances of Nutcracker Rouge are Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 5pm at Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane, New York, NY 10012. Tickets are from $50 to $85 with premium and VIP seating from $100 to $175. Visit http://www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. "$30 Under 30!" $30 rush. Tickets are available at the box office beginning two hours prior to curtain for patrons under the age of 30. Limit of one ticket per ID. The running time is approximately two hours including one intermission. For more information on Company XIV, visit their web site at http://companyxiv.com/.

Photo Credit: Chad Wagner