BWW Interviews: 6 Questions & a Plug with MUSIC MAN's Tony Vierling

You are used to seeing the leads in local and touring shows get featured in this space but not as often the "unsung" heroes of the stage - the ensemble cast who are out there hoofing it show after show. Actor Tony Vierling is someone that you likely have seen countless times on stage -- he's been at least 60 productions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, both as a lead and ensemble player and often remembered for his dancing prowess. This time, he's in the Guthrie Theater's new production of THE MUSIC MAN (info and Vierlin's bio are below). Vierling took time to share some thoughts in this edition of 6 Questions & a Plug:

Let's start with the show - tell our readers why they should come to see THE MUSIC MAN at the Guthrie this summer; what about this show is appealing to today's audiences?

THE MUSIC MAN is a classic! And the Guthrie does such an amazing job with classics! Although the show takes place in Iowa, our neighbor to the south, it's got a universal Midwestern, small-town America appeal. And the music is fantastic! Every song is a gem.

You're in the ensemble, but as we all know, that means you probably have more to do than some of the named characters on stage! Do you have a persona for yourself as you move through the show?

I am in the ensemble, but I am also the dance captain. This means that I am helping the choreographer in rehearsals, and in charge of keeping the show clean once we are open. I also have to fix any changes as the run progresses, as well as work with the understudies. As for my stage persona, I am a salesman in the opening train scene, then I become one of the folks in River City. I have a daughter and a son in the show, and we have decided that I have a men's shop in the town. That sort of back story helps with character development and continuity, and adds depth to the ensemble.

What's your favorite number in THE MUSIC MAN, and in this production in particular?

I love the train number that opens the show. There is no music, only the rhythmic speaking of the salesman on the train and their movement which simulates a train. It's a brilliant theatrical device and was so ahead of it's time in the 50s when it first opened on Broadway. My second favorite is "Shipoopi!" It's so much fun and has a fantastic dance arrangement!

You're a veteran of the Guthrie and other stages in the area; in fact, this is your 10th production at the Guthrie! How have you made a career of local theatre for yourself, and what motivates you show to show?

Yes, this is my 10th production here at the Guthrie! I have also done about 40 productions at the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, as well as 10 shows at the Ordway, which were a combination of Minnesota Opera, Ordway produced and touring shows. I love the quality of life in Minneapolis and the amazing artistic community. I have really just tried to nurture a respectful relationship with the producers, directors, choreographers and actors in this market. It's important to me to be a valuable member of whatever cast I am a part of, in the hope that all involved will want to work with me again. That's really what gives any career longevity.

You've done such a range of shows over your career. What show have you NOT done yet that you would love to do, and what role do you covet?

I have been fortunate enough to play so many of the song and dance roles in musical theater. I love the big classic dance shows like SINGIN IN THE RAIN, CRAZY FOR YOU, and A CHORUS LINE, three favorite shows I have done. I have had the pleasure of playing both the Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor roles in SINGIN IN THE RAIN, which is something I covet! Musical theater is changing, expanding. There are fewer of these shows, so I feel so lucky to be working on a classic like MUSIC MAN! What I would love to do is a play!

You attended Iowa State University - does this show feel like coming home as it takes place in Iowa? And more seriously, was your training in musical theatre and dance, or where else did you train?

I did study theater and dance at Iowa State. That is the extent of my formal training, everything else has been on the job training! This show does feel like coming home! I am from Iowa, raised in Des Moines, and this is my fourth production of MUSIC MAN. River City is a wonderful world to live in as an actor. And as an Iowan, I recognize all of the characters from my childhood. Besides, everyday is the 4th of July...who doesn't love that!

Now for the plug: What's next for you on stage and where can we see you next?

As for what's next, like most actors, I have to get back out there and hustle up my next job. Nothing is set right now, but there are several things I would like to do. I just have to audition and hope for the best!

Tony Vierling bio:

Guthrie: A Midsummer Night's Dream, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, Little House on the Prairie, 1776, She Loves Me, The Pirates of Penzance, Merrily We Roll Along, Babes in Arms. Theater National tour: A Chorus Line; Actors Theater of Minnesota: How to Succeed...; Minnesota Opera: Street Scene, Show Boat, The Mikado; Ordway Center: Singin' in the Rain, The Sound of Music, The Music Man; Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Little Mermaid, 42nd Street, Easter Parade, West Side Story, Cats, Camelot, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, Crazy for You, Fiddler on the Roof; Pantages Theatre: Hair; Fitzgerald Theater: The Wild Party. Training: Iowa State University

Show info:

Directed by John Miller-Stephany, THE MUSIC MAN will play June 20 - August 23, 2015, on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Single tickets start at $34 ($15 for select previews), and are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

Photo: Tony Vierling - courtesy of Guthrie Theater.

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