BWW Interviews: ETHAN LE PHONG Adds a Dash of Pepper to MAMMA MIA!
By: Michael L. Quintos Jun. 21, 2011
You wouldn't know it from his youthful looks, but actor Ethan Le Phong has been a longtime global chameleon for quite some time. Plucked from the theater scene while still attending college, Phong began his continuous upward trajectory when he packed his suitcase and joined the German company of MISS SAIGON before whisking back stateside to join the show's national tour, then, eventually the Broadway company soon after. Later, he heard London calling, and he answered in the form of West End iterations of THE KING & I, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and SOUTH PACIFIC.
Years pass under London's grey skies when the rays of Southern California sunshine finally guided him back to the U.S., where he quickly made a name for himself as a local presence. Aside from his rather revealing role in the film version of NAKED BOYS SINGING, Phong has since appeared in the celebrated Hollywood Bowl productions of LES MISÉRABLES and RENT (the latter directed by Neil Patrick Harris), the World Premiere of the new musical MASK at the Pasadena Playhouse, and as the title role in East West Players' all-Asian cast of PIPPIN.Cool! Well, speaking of MAMMA MIA, let me just say that, as a fellow performer of Asian descent, I think it's so refreshing that the show institutes color-blind casting, and that it's possible to see someone like us take on a role in a show that's not about geishas or refugees. Okay, for those five or ten people who've never seen the show, tell us a little bit about your character Pepper.
Well, Pepper is a bartender on this Greek Island. He's a bit of a jokester and charmer. He likes to flirt with everyone on stage—and that's one of my choices... I just decided [Pepper] tends to flirt with everyone [Laughs]. During the wedding [in the story], he fancies himself to Tanya [played by Alison Ewing] who's a much older female counterpart. Throughout the course of the show, you see him flirt and try all attempts to get that woman. Does ethnicity somewhat factor into how you play your version of the character, or does it at all?You know, I really don't think it does. I mean, I think it's great that I was cast as Pepper and that I am the only Asian in the show—I mean, besides our hairstylist on the show, who's Filipino—but I just wanted to take on the role and find certain traits he might have that I see in myself or I can bring to the role. I really don't think I use the "Asian Card" to find out who Pepper is. I think, he's just... he's a goofball! He would be regardless of any race, and I hope people can see that. And the great thing is... I remember when I saw the show for the first time in London, the [character of] Sky was played by an Asian actor! I was like, "Oh, that's great!" I've seen black "Peppers" as well as white "Peppers"...so it's great that the show [uses] color-blind casting. It just gives everyone a chance to be on stage! I totally agree! I think that's remarkable when a show is even able to look past race and do that!I think it is very important that we are up there. In fact, we need to see more Asian actors in roles! When I first moved to New York City, I remember seeing Darren Lee in the revival of ON THE TOWN. It was really encouraging, and made me work very hard to continue to push boundaries and make people think outside the box. Why is it that we can only have that one "token ethnic" in a show—unless the show is about Asians like MISS SAIGON or THE KING AND I? We [Asian actors] are fighting for those one or two spots in the show and there really should be more opportunities to showcase all ethnicities!I know what you mean. I think that's why I have held myself back from pursuing a career in musical theater, primarily because I didn't think there were that many roles available for someone like me, not to mention the fact that I have such an unusually high soprano voice for a dude! [Laughs] Get thee to CHICAGO for Mary Sunshine then![Laughs] Maybe if I was taller! But, anyway, seeing guys like you, B.D. Wong and Telly Leung doing well in stage musicals always makes me smile! You guys are totally representing!
B.D. Wong! Yes! And Telly is such a good guy, he deserves greatness! He and I should write a show together. All in all, I've been very blessed. I've been the token Asian guy like Telly in some amazing high-profile shows. Indeed! Now, you're no stranger to the local L.A. Theater scene, having done shows like East West Player's PIPPIN, both LES MISÉRABLES and RENT at the Hollywood Bowl, and you were also in Pasadena Playhouse's premiere musical adaptation of MASK and, most recently, at a staged reading of a new musical at South Coast Repertory. Tell me, how does working in theater in Southern California personally compare to touring or doing shows in New York or London? You know, it's just like any other place. You head to your prime location and you start auditioning and you slowly build a better reputation that you're a hard worker. Hopefully, your talent will supersede everything, and people will slowly get to know of you through word-of-mouth. I've gotten to the point where I've lived in L.A. for about five years and it's nice that my name comes up in casting. I've worked hard enough and have presented myself positively, hoping my talent will speak for itself. It's nice to finally get people to say "Hey, call him in! We'd like to see him!" instead of me always trying to knock down the door and going to open casting calls to make sure I get cast.But to answer your original question, it's about the same. I've gone from New York to London... I started out very unknown, but I worked really hard to get my name out and work with great people! And I've kept up friendships with these great directors and casting people. Hopefully that will continue. L.A. is still my home base now, even while I'm away on tour. But, [judging] from my track record... you never know, next year, maybe I'll land in Australia for a couple of years! [Laughs] Who knows? But, yeah, right now, I definitely enjoy the vibe in Southern California, but I do miss New York. I hope that one day I will get to return to Broadway and also appear once in a while in London for a gig or two.Awesome! Okay, so a few years ago, a bunch of my friends gathered together for a movie night at a house and we screened the film version of NAKED BOYS SINGING, which, of course featured you—well, a lot of you. Can you tell me a little bit about that experience?
[Laughs] You know, it was a very refreshing experience in that it challenged me to really test my boundaries. I thought, when I found out about the casting, I went.. "You know what? Why not?" I'm still young... everything is still where it should be on my body! [Laughs] And, hopefully, I could be in a film and portray a positive Asian actor out there that's, you know, doing a show like this and break molds and break stereotypes. And also to just deliver a good performance. I remember the day before when we had to finally undress... I remember that I was so nervous! I was turning red everywhere, my body started itching, and I thought, "Ohmigod, I signed up for this... I know I have to do it, but I don't think I can, and maybe I should quit right now!" But in order for me to really do it and challenge myself, I created a new persona! [Laughs] So, okay, I created this person, his name is Leland Way, and he can do anything he wants—no holds barred! And I think I had to do that... to fall into this other character. So the next day, I just pretended I was this other person and... undress! Nothing ever bothered him! It was a breeze for him! And then, of course, when they called "cut," I was, like, "Where's my robe?!" [Laughs] Did you ever perform in the live stage version of the show?No, I haven't. I've been invited a couple of times around the country to do it ever since after the movie [was released]. But, with my schedule, I was never able to do it.I see. So, switching gears for a moment... let's talk a little bit about your background. Where were you born and where did you primarily grow up?I was born in Vietnam, and I was raised in Chicago for my youth, and then I went to school down in Georgia.Growing up, were you exposed to a lot of theater?
My first exposure was definitely in Chicago. I was, I think, in fifth or sixth grade... my teacher was very affirmative with the Arts. We went to a two-week course at the Disney Magnet School. We learned everything about television, film, theater, painting, and how to develop commercials. At the end of the two weeks, we put up a show! I remember that I got cast as Thomas Edison for The Story of Thomas Edison. So, there you go again! An Asian kid playing a white man! [Laughs] From there I went on to perform with the All-City Choir in Chicago. I had my first field trip to New York and got to sing in Carnegie Hall! Yeah, so that's when, I think, I started getting the bug. So that started the ball rolling!Yeah, after that, I auditioned a lot in high school. I was advised to take dance lessons... I think my first dance lesson was when I was 16 or 17. Soon after I auditioned for and worked amusement parks and community theater during the summer—just to always keep myself in a theater environment.Who were some of your idols and influences growing up?Lea Salonga , of course! When I first heard about MISS SAIGON, I was determined to find out everything about it. And hearing about her breaking barriers and... [Pauses] ...and especially since it's a musical about the Vietnamese people during the war. It certainly caught my attention. But, yeah, she's definitely an influence. Let's see... Lucille Ball! For comedy, I look up to her. All of my comic bits, I think, derive from watching I Love Lucy all these years. [Laughs]. Whenever someone asks me, "if you could have dinner with a person, either living or dead, who would it be?" And, instantly, her name pops up! [Pauses] Oh, uh, and Bruce Lee, of course! His constant struggles and tribulations have been a wonderment to me and, hopefully, one day I'll get to play him... if they ever do a show about him. You mean a musical version of his life? Like, BRUCE LEE: THE MUSICAL?!Right! [Laughs] Yeah, a musical version! But as far as other influences, I love Stephen Sondheim! His musical attributes are amazing. Bob Fosse is always someone I've studied closely for dance. A lot of the people that have influenced me are masters in their genre.What about specific musicals? Any particular ones influenced your love of the business?Oh, I think LES MIS, being that it was the first musical that I've seen live. I saw it at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta when I was a sophomore in high school for my birthday. I remember that day clearly. I sat in the gallery which is, like, very far. I remember feeling a sense of... like, I wish I could just leap out of my seat and just be on that stage and perform! It was nothing like I've ever seen or heard before. And I knew ever since then that I was going to do that show, come rain or come shine! And... I got to do it! It was something I could check off my bucket list!Awesome! Now, I'm sure you get asked this a lot, but... do you have any other roles in other shows on your wish list that you maybe want to play someday?
Oh, wow. A lot! "Raoul" in PHANTOM! And I definitely would like to tackle both "Marius" and "Enjolras" in LES MIS. There's "The Engineer" in MISS SAIGON... in a few years, of course [Laughs]. Um, also, the Emcee in CABARET would be a lot of fun! Oh, and if they could do an all-Asian cast of NEXT TO NORMAL, I would be happy! [Laughs]That would be interesting! I mean, really, an all-Asian cast of anything! [Laughs]Yeah! I remember when I did the musical PIPPIN in college... and then for me to finally play Pippin with East West Players was a great experience for me.
That's so cool! Okay, so we've come to my favorite part of doing an interview: THE LIGHTNING ROUND! I'll ask you some quick, short questions and all you have to do is just give me the first thing that pops into your head. Okay?
Cool deal! Okay! [Laughs]In one word, describe for me what goes through your head right before you step on stage as Pepper.Breathe.What's your favorite musical of all time?Les Misérables.What song do you like belting in the shower or when you're all alone in the car?[Laughs] "And I Am Telling You..." [Laughs]Well, I have to admit, that's probably my choice as well [Laughs]. Okay, which Broadway actor/actress are you completely obsessed with at the moment and why?Oh, Norbert Leo Butz in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN! He is such a flawless actor. I first saw him in THE LAST FIVE YEARS and I remembered, wow, I didn't feel like I was watching an actor on stage. He just embodied this person. He just has this relaxed feel about him. He draws you in. And, so, yeah, he's a Master Class to watch!And he just won the Tony last Sunday!Exactly! And, such a humbling speech that he gave, you know, with everything that's been going on in his life. I know, right? A great, touching moment. Okay, next question... what scares you the most?Not being nervous.What is your one guilty pleasure?Oooh... Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! [Laughs]What do you like doing on your day off?Oh, well, I try my best to sleep in... but I always wake up.That must be hard since you guys have been doing the show in a new city almost every few days, right?Yeah, sometimes we do three cities in one week, so it can get very exhausting. What or Who irritates you the most?Cell phones in theaters!!What instantly puts a smile on your face?My nephews!Awww. If you could trade lives with someone for one day, who would it be and why?Judi Dench! [Laughs] Yes, Dame Judi Dench. Why? She's captivating! Her career is amazing! She can fall in and out of Shakespeare then go right into playing M in a Bond movie. She has worked with amazing people and her history and profile are just unbelievable. Hmmm... and why not switch places with a girl and step into her shoes once in a while? [Laughs][Laughs] Hope that works out for you! Okay, if you weren't an actor, what other career do you picture yourself doing?Oh. Wow. Um... a doctor or surgeon! I've always wanted to be a surgeon.You can be a singing surgeon!I can be in the musical version of Grey's Anatomy! Oh, wait, they did that already. [Laughs]What is the one thing you learned about yourself being a member of the Broadway community?To be able to share things and to be a part of an ensemble together is fantastic.As you probably know, many of our readers on BroadwayWorld are young theater students hoping to someday do exactly what you're doing. What advice would you like to share with them about going into this line of work?I think that if you breathe it... if you wake up in the morning thinking about it, and it's the last thing you think about at the end of each night—and you really have a passion for it—I say, go for it! Learn everything you can, be the best that you can be, and know that you're going to be good in the field. And be nice to everybody! I mean, really... be a team player, because when an ensemble works on stage, it's magic. That's the star of the show! So, yeah, work hard and if this is what you want to do, then go into it 100%! It's really rewarding to do it.Great advice! One last question... what has been your absolute favorite moment of the MAMMA MIA tour so far?Um... when... [Pauses] What city was it? Perhaps it was in Duluth, one of the first stops on the tour. The stage crew—who've been watching us rehearse—dared me for my last show to squeeze in 14 jumps in the show! Pepper has to do these split jumps. On average, I can do about eight or ten. So they were, like, "We dare you to do 14... and if you do, we will give you a stage crew shirt," which only the stage crew union are allowed to have. So, I was, like, "okay, let me take on that challenge!" I think that was one of my best moments because I got respect from the stage crew! [Laughs]So, I take it you made all 14 jumps!Yeah, I pulled it off! Have I been able to repeat that? Uh, no, not yet. [Laughs]I love that one of your shots from the show features you mid-air making that split jump! Oh, yeah, that photoshoot day was amazing! I think I did over 50 jumps just to get that one shot! That's me... No lip-syncing, no Photoshop... all live, baby! [Laughs]Follow Michael Lawrence Quintos on Twitter: @cre8ivemlqPhotos from the 2nd National Tour of MAMMA MIA by Joan Marcus. Bottom Photo: Ethan Le Phong with co-star Alison Ewing.-----Performances of the 2nd National Tour of MAMMA MIA! at The Segerstrom Center of the Arts continue through June 26, 2011 and are scheduled Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm. Ticket prices start at $23.75 and can be purchased online at www.SCFTA.org, by phone at 714-556-2787 or in person at the SCFTA box office (open daily at 10 am). A limited amount of $20 Student/Senior Rush tickets are available for certain performances. Please call box office for availability.Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.For more information, please visit SCFTA.org.
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