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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 Eric Anderson, who is starring as 'Shlomo' in Soul Doctor- currently playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
What is the first Broadway show you ever saw?
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. I came to New York with my high school Drama Department for a week back in '87 from California. I had the cast album on vinyl and wore it out.
What is your most unique pre-show ritual?
"Bringing it in" with the cast. In KINKY BOOTS before each show, the factory workers gather in a circle centerstage, each with a hand in the middle. We then shout off, "Oi! Oi! Oi! Shoes!" In Soul Doctor, I gather with my castmates stage right, and we bring it in. Although in this show, we shout off, "Oy! Oy! Oy, Gevalt!"
What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?
This answer's kind of gross. When I was 12 years old I did a production of Hans Christian Andersen with my pop. I played his apprentice, 'Peter', and during one performance fell victim to food poisoning. I made it all the way through the show, completely green from illness mind you, but was able to deliver my last line in the final act before exiting and proceeding to immediately heave all over the floor in the stage right wing. The rest of the cast soon made their exit as well, and it almost turned into the barf-o-rama scene from the movie, "Stand By Me." I was able to make it out for curtain call though, and took my bow, albeit with puke all over my shoes. My pop was so proud of me that day.
What is the one role you want to play before you die?
'Lear.'
Who is your Broadway crush?
Jessica Rush, of course.
Where can people stalk you online?
My website, www.eanderson.com, has links to my Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. I'm a lot more fun in person, though.
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