BWW Interviews: ROCK OF AGES' Patrick Lewallen

Each night, actor Patrick Lewallen gets to live out his rock star fantasy. Currently traveling the country as the scene-stealing narrator Lonny in the First National Tour of ROCK OF AGES, this Kansas City native is busy putting audiences into a head-banging frenzy, as they sing along to a bevy of guilty pleasure tunes from the biggest hair bands of the 80's. His hilarious antics in this Broadway musical—a show now being prepped for its much talked about big-screen adaptation—will soon take center stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County, California after finishing up two star-struck weeks at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, just a few miles away from the Sunset Strip setting of the show itself.

Before making the one-hour trip down from L.A. to Costa Mesa for a week's worth of performances on March 1-6, the self-admitted Pepsi® addict and Jeckyll and Hyde fanatic chatted briefly with BroadwayWorld's Michael Lawrence Quintos about life on the road, rockin' like a hurricane every night, and finally meeting one of his all-time rock idols face-to-face in the City of Angels (hint: dude looks like a new judge on a popular TV singing competition).

----

BWW: So, how's the ROCK OF AGES tour been going so far?

PL: Oh, it's been amazing! I mean, they've been some of the best days of my life! [Laughs]

And how have you been enjoying Southern California?

Well, the first week we were here, it was a little bit rainy. But, really, I mean... it beats the snow! The weather's been great. The energy's been great. And it's also been nice to just walk around [the city]. You know, the show had its start in Los Angeles. It started at the King King Bar and built up this huge thing. So we've had so much nostalgia through the producers and through everyone who's ever been involved with the show just coming back to see it. It's been great!

Can you talk a little bit about your preparations for the show prior to going on the road?

You know, I just think the entire show has been just a constant work in progress. One of the coolest things about this show is when we all got started, it was all about "being big." It's got big music, big characters, big laughs, big guitars... everything. It's a jukebox musical. It has a lot of opportunities to be the typical jukebox musical... a lot of them don't succeed, some of them do. But this one is all about having fun. Through the entire rehearsal process, that's what it was all about. It's by far the best rehearsal process, I think, any of us have been through. We had the original creative team, the original director, the original book writer... everybody. And they were, like... "Have a good time! Play! And let's see what works and let's see what doesn't." So, we had a chance to experiment and get really creative. [Laughs] ... it was all about just trying different things over and over again... and here we are!

I actually reviewed the show at the Pantages a couple of weeks ago, and the one thing that really stuck out with me was how much it felt more like being at a rock concert. So how was it for you doing this kind of show versus, you know, a typical book musical?

It's exhausting! [Laughs] It's just absolutely exhausting! I mean, we feel like rock stars, though, I have to be honest. It's so cool... you know, at the end of the show, everybody stands up... they're clapping, they whistle, they whip out those fake lighters they wave in the air... Yeah, they told us, "you're gonna feel like rock stars," but I was like, yeah, right. It's a musical! We'll feel like musical stars! But, they were right! We do feel like rock stars! We've had some pretty big names come and see the show in Los Angeles, which is just awesome! But, yeah, it's a completely different experience, and I think that's why our cast—everybody included, including our crew—is just so energetic in every single show. I've never seen anything like it. We always give 100% at every performance, and I think it's the nature of the show that's making that happen. I mean, you can be in the worst mood of your life, and the second you set foot on that stage, the energy, the excitement and the joy just pours out of you. So, yeah, it's a totally different type of show.

Now, as exhausting as it is, do you have any daily rituals you put yourself through in order to perform in such a vocally-demanding, strenuous show?

I chug Gatorade! [Laughs] I mean, as soon as I get to my dressing room, I just chug Gatorade... I have to have that energy! And I always have a throat-drop in my mouth—on-stage, off-stage, all the time—because trying to sing over that [on-stage] band is just... [Pauses] And it's not even the singing for my character, I have to, like, SHOUT over the band the entire show. It took me a long time to get my voice to be able to do that, and even now, there are days when I wake up and I'm, like, ohmigod what am I going to do? [Laughs] So, it means, like, four hour showers... things like that. [Laughs] Anything to get the throat relaxed.

So, in the show you play Lonny, the show's narrator and clearly a fan favorite. With a role like that where you constantly break the fourth wall, do you get to do much improv or go off-book, so to speak, when playing your character?

I try to stick to the script as much as possible, but every now and then the audience gets a little bit rowdy, which we love! We love audience participation! When that happens, it kind of gives me an opportunity to improv—more so than the other characters—because with me, specifically, I talk to the audience aside from playing my main other character. So, I like to play off of them a little bit. You know, if they give me something, I'm going to try and play back. I try to stick to the script, but we get a little bit of leeway if necessary.

Cool. So, let's switch gears for a bit and talk about your background. As a kid growing up in Kansas City, did you know you wanted to be a musical theater actor?

I didn't, actually. Growing up I thought I was going to be an athlete. I still love sports... I still love to play and watch sports. It wasn't until I got to high school when my choir teacher encouraged me to go up for a musical... and I did! And I absolutely fell in love with it. I did a lot of shows in high school. Then I went off to college originally as a Musical Theater major. I wanted to have an amazing time in college, and so... let's just say it, I wanted to party more. I wanted to be around all my friends who went to the University of Kansas and just party more and be close to my family and just try everything a little differently. And so, I did not graduate with a Musical Theater Degree. [Eventually] I did finish with a Communications Studies degree and did a lot of community theater back home in Kansas City.

So that started you on your path!

Yeah! [ROCK OF AGES] is my first Equity gig... and it's a good one! [Laughs]

Who were some of your idols growing up?

I actually got to meet one of them! He came to the show! My first rock CD ever was an Aerosmith CD. My dad took me out when I was eight or nine years old, and I wanted a rock music CD. He pointed to this Aerosmith band and was, like, "you know, they're really good! You should give them a shot!" So I got it! And sure enough, Steven Tyler, he came to see our show and I was like, in awe! So that was really cool. But as for others, my favorite band is Queen. I think Freddie Mercury had one of the most creative musical minds of all time. As far as acting goes, Jim Carrey is my favorite actor. I'm sure a lot of people will be critical of that, but I think he's got fantastic comedic timing and he knows when to be sensitive on screen. Those are my main idols. And, of course, you know, I always look up to my parents.

As far as musical theater shows, any particular ones that really resonated with you growing up?

My favorite show, besides ROCK OF AGES, of course, is Jeckyll and Hyde. When I heard the music to Jeckyll and Hyde I just instantly fell in love with it. And I've played that role twice, and I hope to play it again... and again... and again for the rest of my life. [Laughs] For some reason, that show just speaks to me. I love everything about it.

Can you describe for me how it felt for you the very first time you were on stage?

Yes! I can! [Laughs] It was in Damn Yankees and my very first time on stage, I was in the quartet that sings the song "Heart" and I had, like, two lines. My first line was, sitting with the whole baseball team... and I forgot it! I forgot one of my lines! [Laughs] So somebody picked up my line... I don't remember who it was. Before that happened, I was so nervous. But then someone picked up my line and the worries just went away. I was just, like, "you know what? They got it!" We all got it together. This is a group and I don't have to worry about it. Everything's going to be fine. Accidents happen! So I was terrified then... but now, it's just all about having a good time! If you mess up—even if the audience knows it—we're all human, you know? Everybody messes up at their job, it happens!

Have you ever had that kind of moment in ROCK OF AGES?

Um, no. But there have been times when I've... [Laughs]... forgotten a dance move. And, yeah, that's always fun. Or when I've forgotten a prop and so I'll have to just... make something up! [Laughs]

Besides reprising Jeckyll and Hyde, do you have any other dream roles in other shows you hope to take on someday?

Someday? Well, I heard there's a new Bonnie and Clyde musical. Now, I don't know anything about it and I haven't heard any of the music... but that movie? That's one of the greatest movies of all time! And it's by, you know, Frank Wildhorn who also did the music for Jeckyll and Hyde, so I'm assuming that it would be something that I would absolutely love. So... let's put that out there! But, someday, I'd love to do Valjean in Les Misérables. That would be incredible! And, of course, I'm always down to do Jeckyll and Hyde again! [Laughs]

Great. Okay, before I end our interview, we've come to my favorite part: THE LIGHTNING ROUND! I'll ask you some quick, short questions and just give me the first thing that pops into your head. Ready?

Okay!

What's your favorite hair band of all time?

Let's go with... Journey! [Pauses] Um... no, no, no. I gotta go with Guns N' Roses! Put me down for Guns N' Roses! Gotta change that.

I think you've answered this already, but what's your favorite musical of all time?

Jeckyll and Hyde. And ROCK OF AGES, of course! You have to be put that in there! [Laughs]

What song do you like to belt in the shower or when you're all alone in the car?

Oh! That's a good one! I like belting "Somebody To Love."

Cool! Who is the person or person(s) you admire the most?

My parents.

If you could trade lives with someone for one day, who would that be and why?

Whew! Well, I'd like to go back in time a little bit and just see what it was like being Freddie Mercury live on stage in front of millions of people. But, of course, obviously I wouldn't want to trade lives with him now... that wouldn't be so fun. But, back in the day? Definitely Freddie Mercury.

Great choice! What scares you the most?

Spiders. [Laughs] I don't want to have anything to do with spiders!

What is your one guilty pleasure?

Pepsi! [Laughs] Ohmigod! Someday, I have to be in a Pepsi commercial! I have to be! I'm going to be the Pepsi spokesperson someday! I tell you, I drink that stuff religiously and I preach it to everybody!

Now, why Pepsi specifically over Coke?

When I was a kid, I was at a Kansas City Royals game, and I took the Pepsi Challenge. I used to be a Coca-Cola drinker, but I took the challenge and I was so proud of myself. I was like, "I'm gonna show them!" And, so, I tasted Pepsi and I didn't know it. It was... incredible. [Laughs] It changed my life! It was perfect for me! And so I've been a Pepsi drinker ever since. I will always be drinking a Pepsi before the show and I'll always have one after the show. I have belt buckles, tee-shirts... everything you could imagine!

I think you just wrote your own commercial!

Exactly, right? I think I did! [Laughs]

Alright, next question. What do you like to do on your day off?

Watch sports. I just love sitting in a room watching college basketball, football, baseball, whatever.

What or Who irritates You the most?

Hmmm... this is a tough one. [Laughs] I hate people who don't think for themselves.

What instantly puts a smile on your face?

Laughter. I think it's the most contagious thing in the world. That's what so great about ROCK OF AGES, you know, people keep laughing. That's why I was saying you can never be in a bad mood when you watch this show. It's impossible!

If you weren't an actor, what other career do you see yourself doing?

Maybe.... a sports statistician? I love math!

A lot of our younger readers on BroadwayWorld include many who dream of a career in musical theater. What is the one piece of advice you'd like to share with these young performing arts students who want to someday do what you're doing now?

No guts, no glory! I saw [a posting] about auditions for this show online, like, a day or two before it was supposed to happen. So, I took a chance and bought a plane ticket and flew to Chicago. I was thinking, gosh, I hope I even get seen... I'm not Equity, I don't really have much experience. But I saw the show and loved it and thought, I have to go for it! Next thing you know, five million callbacks later, it actually happened! It's just because I took a chance. You just always have to go for it! Always trust yourself.

Sounds great! So, what's the one thing you've learned or discovered about yourself as a member of this touring ensemble?

Um.... [Pause] I'm an actor! [Laughs] I think that's the biggest thing I've learned. I've always done this as a hobby, and then looking for all these jobs. But... I fit in here. I'm having a great time here.

And lastly, what's been your absolute favorite moment of the tour so far?

Oh... meeting Steven Tyler. Knowing Steven Tyler was in audience... and that he came to see me perform. [Laughs] I mean, I've got all his albums and the next thing I know he's sitting there seeing our show! That's an out-of-body experience.

Did someone let you guys know back stage that he was sitting in the audience?

We were getting ready to start, and our band was getting ready to walk out on stage... and then we hear this huge applause from the crowd. And we turned to each other and thought, "somebody's here!" So I asked our production stage manager who it was. He was like, "oh, just a little guy named Steven Tyler." And my heart rate just... tripled. It was incredible! It was just... [Sighs] ... oh!

That is so cool! What a great memory!

I have a picture with him [and me] on my phone! Now, I just turn on my phone every once in a while—it's the background [wallpaper] image—and, sometimes, I just sit there and stare at it. [Laughs]

Read the BWW Review of ROCK OF AGES from the Pantages Theatre -- HERE.

Photo of Patrick Lewallen by Dan Lippitt.

-----

Performances of ROCK OF AGES featuring Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis (American Idol) from the Original Broadway cast continue through March 6, 2011 at The Segerstrom Center of the Arts (formerly the Orange County Performing Arts Center). Shows are scheduled Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 6:30pm.

ROCK OF AGES is directed by Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi (Bare, Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys – associate choreographer). The book is by Chris D'Arienzo (writer and director of the film Barry Munday), the original arrangements are by David Gibbs (Counting Crows, film: That Thing You Do) and the music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations are by Ethan Popp (Tarzan; Europe: We Will Rock You; Mamma Mia).

Ticket prices start at $20 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 Student/Senior Rush tickets are available for certain performances.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

For more information, please visit SCFTA.org or ROCK OF AGES' official site at www.RockOfAgesMusical.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.