BWW Interviews: Actor Chad Borden Talks About Havok Theatre's New Season

Actor/producing director of Havok Theatre Company Chad Borden has been treading the boards in LA theatre for many years, this year being Ovation nominated for his portrayal of Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman, which won Production of a Musical in an Intimate Space at the Ovations last night. Borden recently sat down with BroadwayWorld to talk about all things Havok and theater.

Tell me about Havok's new season and your opening production.

THE STORY OF MY LIFE opens our new 2010 Havok Theatre Company season at the Lillian Theatre in Hollywood with previews beginning on February 25. Two years ago when our inaugural production of THRILL ME was running at the Hudson, several people said we should look at this new musical called THE STORY OF MY LIFE which was part of the NAMT Festival. Nick DeGruccio (our Havok Artistic Director) and I have multiple shows which are constantly swirling around our brains as potential production material. After producing something as ambitious as KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN to close our first season, we felt something small and simple would be best for our next show. We chose STORY because of no other reason than...the story. Nick and I always gravitate towards material with a moving core story. Written by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill and nominated for 4 2009 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, it is a beautifully distilled treatment of two best friends who grow apart over the years for seemingly unknown reasons.

How did you enjoy F*cking Men?

I really enjoyed my first experience at the Celebration Theatre in F*CKING MEN. It was a great part, and a very different part for me. As an actor, I always relish the chance to dive into new material and new characters.

Is your commitment to Havok the reason for your not being in the extension of it?

Yes. I just finished playing the Grinch in the GRINCHMAS shows directed by Dan Mojica at Universal Studios while doing pre-production on THE STORY OF MY LIFE. Our Havok production and rehearsal schedule in January and February will require all of my time and focus.

How was Fiddler at the Rubicon?

I loved working at the Rubicon! James O'Neil and Karyl Lynn Burns create a wonderful family with each show up there in Ventura. FIDDLER is simply iconic, and I was so lucky to play Motel in a great production with lots of friends, new and old.

Is Molina in Kiss your favorite role? If not, what is?

Yes. Molina in SPIDER WOMAN is my favorite role. Also close to the top of the list are my roles in THE LARAMIE PROJECT and the Emcee in CABARET.

Who is your favorite actor? actress? Film or stage!

It's hard to name just one, but when I think of one actor who has affected me over the years in film, on television, AND on stage, I would definitely say Glenn Close. She always makes the unexpected choice, and that's thrilling to me.

Do you have a favorite play or musical of all time?

For musicals...anything Kander & Ebb...SPIDER WOMAN, CHICAGO, CABARET. I also love BIG RIVER, and I'm still a sucker for OKLAHOMA! As for plays, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is rooted in my recent memory, but I would still say ANGELS IN AMERICA is my favorite play of all time. I will never forget scoring a last-minute cancellation ticket on Broadway, and seeing that play front row center mezzanine with the original cast.

Do you yearn to play a certain part?

Albin in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES....someday....when I grow up!

For more information visit http://www.havoktheatre.com/.

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