Meet the Stars of NYMF: Robert Hager of SPOT ON THE WALL

New York Musical Theatre Festival is in full swing and BroadwayWorld has taken the time to sit down with some of the stars of this years NYMF musicals.

Like any great art form, musical theatre is shaped by the events and philosophies of the day. The strength and vitality of musical theatre lie in its ability to stay fresh and relevant. It was with that idea in mind, ten years ago, that the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) was created - to provide an effective platform to introduce new shows, new perspectives, and new blood into the musical theatre canon.

MEET THE STARS OF NYMF sits down with Robert Hager of SPOT ON THE WALL

What's your favorite thing about performing as part of NYMF?

My favorite thing about performing at NYMF is the new work. New writers, new composers, new teams in the making, etc. Trying new work is always incredibly awe-inspiring to me. Finding what works and what doesn't. NYMF has always impressed me with the work they create and the chances they give up-and-coming writers and composers. It also helps to have a hardworking and creative director like Devin Dunne Cannon as well as a super talented cast.

Have you participated in NYMF before? If so, what's your favorite part and what drew you back to the festival?

My first NYMF show was NYMF's first year. I did a reading of Stephen Schwartz's Captain Louie. It was my first professional gig! I was in high school at the time and was thrilled to be working on it. Then about two years later I did a production of Orphan Train. Another great experience with director Pat Birch!

What other NYMF show are you most intrigued by or excited to see?

I'm super interested in seeing Claudio Quest, Deep Love and ACAPELLA, in which Janelle McDermoth, fellow RCDS high school friend, is in! Best of luck to all shows participating!

Tell us about your show/your character?

Spot On The Wall is essentially the story of healing loss and pain through art and creativity. Though sometimes a rough journey where hidden truths come out, we accept that honesty and communication are the right choices. My character, Paul Hunter, is a young photographer who recently lost his mom to cancer and is asked to hold an exhibition of his work, funded by his wealthy father, in honor of her. Paul goes through a roller coaster of emotions as he tries to cope with his mother's loss, navigate his complicated relationship with Laurel, a museum employee, salvage his crumbling relationship with his Father, and most importantly conquer his fear of what might be. And to patch it all up, the museum curator guides us along the way through a parallel story of the Apollo and Daphne myth. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!