Interview: Matthew Morrison Makes His CHICAGO Debut in Japan

Matthew Morrison : Originally from California. Studied theater, singing, and dancing at New York University, making his Broadway debut in "Footloose". He gained recognition with "Hairspray" and received a Tony Award nomination for "The Light in the Piazza". He starred in the Tony Award-winning "South Pacific". His portrayal of Will in the popular TV series "Glee" earned him a Golden Globe Award. He played the role of James in the Broadway musical "Finding Neverland" and has appeared in films such as "What to Expect When You're Expecting", as well as guest appearances on TV shows like "The Good Wife" and "Grey's Anatomy". He has showcased his talent across stage, film, and television.

Your CHICAGO debut will be in Japan and Japanese musical fans are overwhelmed. How do you fell about this?

This is very special for me because I'm excited for Japan to see me doing what I love to do so much

I love coming to Japan. I’m such a fan of the people here. I've done many concerts here as Matthew Morrison but now I'm excited to perform as a character in the musical I’m so excited to be a part of CHICAGO which I love so much.

What dose CHICAGO mean to you?

Chicago means legacy to me. To be a part of such a legacy of musical theater, to be in a show that is so iconic that has so many of my idols have performed in, is just really an honor to be a part of such a rich legacy.

So it is a special show for you, I believe. What is it like to be in the show and in the company?

It's amazing. I feel like this company is really embrace me. I’m the only person in the show who's not done the show before, so coming in and feeling like opening their arms and welcoming me into this family has been really special for me.

I'm so excited to actually have an audience in front of us now and to be able to give this gift to the people of Japan.

Since you were the only one person who don't have any experience in CHICAGO, what was the hardest part during the rehearsal process?

I was talking to our general manager and he was saying that Billy doesn't usually dance in the show.  But for me, I really wanted to bring dance because I love dance so much, as a part of this character in a way that represented him but also didn't take away from who he is as a person. 

Honestly there has been anything that was hard because it's such a special and perfect show. It’s so well rounded, and songs, the script, every piece of it is so cohesive that I felt like it fit like a glove.

Is there anything you look forward while you are here in Osaka?

I think being in Osaka, I automatically just want to eat all the food I can possibly consume. The people have been lovely here and I've been enjoying my time and doing excursions to cities around Osaka as well.

But this is also honing in on this beautiful piece of work and when I don't want to have too much fun because I want to be prepared and ready to put on a good show.

One question for you, if there's one thing I do in Osaka, what is it?

Eat Takoyaki.

Okay, done!

So many fans of yours are waiting and so excited to see you playing Billy. Do you have a message to those fans?

So, honestly, I've been asked to do this show on Broadway and in different places, but I haven't been called to do it there. When they said, “Can you come and do this show in Japan?” I jumped at the opportunity and left.

Because people of Japan have held me so closely for so many years and I just want to keep on performing here as long as I can. I love being here, I love the support I feel here and it's a very special place for me.

Photo Credit : [Ayaka Ozaki] 

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