BWW Interviews: Matt Nolan—ROCK OF AGES' Stacee Jaxx

In ROCK OF AGES, Matt Nolan rocks as Stacee Jaxx. Theater-lovers first saw Nolan when he was a contestant of the TV show "Grease: You're the One that I Want" and played Danny Zuko in the national tour. He's also played Fender and covered for Link Larkin the national tour of HAIRSPRAY.

Tell me about "Grease: You're the One That I Want."

My experience on the TV show changed my life forever. It was literally my first audition ever. So in the time I was a part of it, I worked as hard as I possibly could to make up for the fact that I was very green. I just wanted to make every moment that I was there count, and try as go as far as I could.

I got to work with some of the best people in the business and make connections that in years to come would only help my career and get me to where I have gotten to today. Even though I didn't win, and it may not have been the highlight of my career, I am proud of everything I accomplished not the show.

To be one of the last seven guys to have a chance to play Danny Zuko on Broadway out of thousands was a dream come true. It's crazy to think that it was only four years ago.

How did you approach Stacee Jaxx?

I knew that with Stacee the character was going to be big and over the top. And while I wanted to have that larger-than-life appeal to him come through in my performance, I wanted to make him as real as I could.

Stacee Jaxx is a mega-god. Like the show says, ladies love him and guys want to be him. And someone of that stature doesn't need to try as hard as The Common man to do that. So I try and be that, find the simplicity in him because these things just come to him. Ladies fall over him and he's barely has to do anything. Also being confident throughout is so important, he has no fear! You have to be that way to rock the makeup and wear more jewelry than most women do, own it and still be the envy of all who see him.

After playing Stacee Jaxx on stage, what would you tell Tom Cruise, who is performing the role in the movie version?

I cannot wait to see him as Stacee Jaxx. Our first bass player on tour this year was actually the bass player on screen in the film so I got to see some sneak clips, and hear some music so that has only added to my anticipation. While I'm not in the place to be giving someone like Tom Cruise advice, I would say that I hope he is fearless in it, sings his face off, and exudes the charisma that makes him and global star as Stacee.

What is your favorite part of ROCK OF AGES?

I was a huge fan of the show before I was ever a part of it. And the thing that continues to impress me about the show I attribute to its ability to use some of the best songs from that era in a smart and unique way to tell a very comedic and sweet love story. I love hearing people describe the show and sometimes not realize right away what song it is they are hearing because every song feels original to each character the story each of us is telling. Also the audience response is energetic and non-stop fun. They live for it, so we have to serve it right back to them. It's great!

Where would you like your career to take you?

My goal is to continue to work-simple as that sounds. I love doing this, and I can't imagine and don't want to do anything else. I feel the most rewarding thing in life is to do what you love no matter how hard it may be. The hardest thing in life is always the right thing to do, and I do my best to live by that motto.

I would love to be on Broadway one day, love to do it as Stacee if I'm so fortunate, and explore TV and film. But as long as I'm performing in some way shape or form and can have a family while doing it, then I will be truly living the dream.

What are your plans for the future?

See the N.Y. Jet win a Super Bowl, be in a movie, buy a house, get married and have kids, and own my own 1957 Ford Thunderbird just to name a few.

What is your dream role?

Danny Zuko and Stacee Jaxx were both on the list, and I would love to originate a role like anyone. Some shows I would love to would be Fiyero in WICKED, Berger in HAIR, the dad in NEXT TO NORMAL (when I'm older), and if they ever make a movie about John F. Kennedy Jr., I want in. I've always been told I'm his twin.

You've also been active in sports. If you had the chance, would you trade your onstage career for a life in professional sports?

I was lucky enough to accomplish many goals of mine in my athletic career. While few things in life compare the joy and pure excitement of sports, I could never trade it. I like knowing that I could hopefully do this very a very long time. Most sports careers are short, and I want to be doing this for a long time. And I will continue to drive and push myself to make that dream a reality. Like a quote from my favorite movie "A Bronx Tale," the saddest thing in life is wasted talent. I just want to make the most of it.

(ROCK OF AGES photos by Scott Suchman)

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