BWW Interviews: Q&A with WE WILL ROCK YOU's Brian Justin Crum

Brian Justin Crum is no stranger to the stage and theatre audiences across the nation will recognize him from the national tours of "Altar Boyz," "Grease," "Wicked," and "The Addams Family." He recently also understudied both the roles of Gabe and Henry in "Next to Normal" on Broadway and was seen as the title role in "Tarzan" at North Shore Music Theatre.

Now, he is heading back on the road, this time in the leading role of Galileo in the Queen-scored musical, "We Will Rock You," which plays Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre from October 22nd - 27th, 2013.

We chatted with Crum to talk about playing his dream role, singing Queen's iconic songs, and more:

"We Will Rock You" has been a huge success in London. What do you think it is about the show that connects with audiences so much?

This show is really all about the music. You can't beat Queen! It's the rock, it's the feeling, it's the soul of it all and that's what makes the show such a success and such fun to watch for the audiences; hearing all your favorite classics from back in the day and heard on a stage full of live singers.

Do you feel there is an added pressure to be singing songs audiences know so well?

Absolutely! Especially with somebody so iconic as Freddy Mercury, there's definitely the pressure of, "Can't let them down!" People are very specific about how they want to hear their Queen tunes sung, so there's definitely the pressure. But, also, you know, I've been given the freedom to listen to Freddy and to also do my own thing with it and make sure that it's my own.

Is your role of Galileo more or less challenging that past roles you've played?

It's the most challenging thing I've ever done. And, I'm very grateful to have the challenge of it. The show is nonstop for me as Galileo. I think of it as running a marathon. And, it ends off with what I like to call the Galileo concert of just back-to-back Queen number ones, so it's definitely the most challenging thing I've ever done.

Have you had to implement any changes to your usual routine of keeping your voice healthy and in shape because of singing this rock score as opposed to a traditional musical theatre score?

Sure, yeah. I've been what I like to call a nun. We started rehearsals and I use a steamer and I inhale this hot steam and I have a humidifier by my bed and I drink over a gallon of water a day. It's just all about staying healthy, staying moisturized.

Were you a Queen fan before joining the cast of "We Will Rock You"?

I was, absolutely. I mean, I have Queen songs in my audition book for years. So, it's been really, really exciting to get to now share them with an audience

What was your audition song for this show?

I had to sing "I Want to Break Free" and "We are the Champions."

What is your favorite song to perform in the show and why?

We do a lesser-known Queen song called "Hammer To Fall," which is a duo between myself and Ruby Lewis, who plays Scaramouche. It's kind of their lover's quarrel of the show and it's really fun to do. And, Ruby and I have a really great relationship on and off stage, she's really fantastic, so it's really fun to get to perform that with her.

You've been on tour before, with "The Addams Family" and more. Do you enjoy tour life?

I do! You know, it's always a constant struggle of managing the packing and the traveling and all that kind of stuff, but I've been on tour off-and-on since I was 18 years old, so it's definitely something that I'm used to at this point.

Do you hope in the future to stick with sit-down productions or do you want to keep doing tours?

While I'm young, I say, why not see the globe as much as I can? But, you know, absolutely, New York City is my home and I would love to be back on Broadway doing a sit-down.

What is your dream role?

My dream role...you know what? To be completely honest, I would have to say Galileo Figaro has been my dream role. I discovered the soundtrack to the London cast when I was probably 17 or 18 and I would just sing it in my car all the time. This has really been something I have been dreaming about for a long time, so I don't know that there's anything else out there that compares with it.

Were you actively going after this role?

Well, there was no real thing to go after, because all there was was the London production and American actors don't get the opportunity to work out there very often. But, as soon as they announced they were doing an American production, I was like, not only do I have to do it, but I will do it. It was my mission to make sure I got the job. Very happy that I did.

Brian Justin Crum can be seen in "We Will Rock You," playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph), October 22nd - October 27th, 2013. Tickets can be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or by calling (800) 775-2000. Tickets range from $18 to $85.

Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia

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