BWW Interviews: ANYTHING GOES National Tour's Lord Evelyn Oakleigh: Richard Lindenfelzer
By: Ellen Burns Feb. 16, 2015
Anything Goes, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival of 2011, is touring the country, and now brings its light-hearted fun, and classic Cole Porter tunes, to audiences in Washington, on February 25 & 26 [7:30pm each evening] at The Warner Theatre. One of the tour's cast members, Richard Lindenfelzer (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh) shared some of his thoughts with me on why it's "de-lovely" to be part of this tour, and about his journey as an actor. A Massachusetts native, Richard is a 2013 graduate of Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and is an avid Stephen Sondheim fan!
What are you most enjoying about this tour of Anything Goes?
I'm in love with my cast, but the show is also a really fun one to run. I'm always surprised at how quickly it zips by, it's like a roller coaster ride each night.
What is your favorite "Lord Evelyn moment" in the show?
Towards the end of the second act Evelyn shows some, heh, spicier colors in a number with Reno and it's so fun to play.
Who is your favorite character, other than your own, in the show?
It's a tie between Erma and Moonface Martin! They both get themselves into some stellar situations-often together-and it's a blast watching them maneuver their respective ways out. Plus, Moonie sings "Be Like a Bluebird," and you can't really beat that.
Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel
What is your earliest theater memory?
I remember watching my middle school do "Into the Woods" [by Stephen Sondheim]-I had been too nervous to audition-and leaving completely stunned that theatre could be like that. There was counterpoint, there was humor, there was magic. I was totally hooked.
What has been your favorite theater experience to date as a professional?
Well, "Anything Goes" was my first show I ever did in middle school! I've come full circle!
Do you have a "dream role" you'd like to play?
Yes! In ten years or so, George [Seurat, the painter] from Sunday [in the Park with George].
What are some of your favorite shows as an audience member?
I'm the biggest Sondheim nerd. Anything with strong lyricism-I think that's why I love Porter so much. He's so witty, it's hysterical.
Did you have someone special who inspired you to become a performer?
My grandparents were barbershop performers, so my parents and entire family, really, have always been extremely supportive of me. Also, my middle school director, Laurie Donlan-the one who took me under her wing with Anything Goes-changed my life and I owe so much to her I can't even say.
You're also a songwriter I believe; do you have a current project in the works? How would you describe your musical style?
My writing partner and I have a few things brewing but I don't want to give anything away!
Have you performed in the DC area before?
I have only visited DC before but I've loved every second of it.
Thanks Richard!
Find out more about the show and tour at anythinggoesontour.com; and purchase tickets for performances at The Warner Theatre here: http://www.warnertheatredc.com.
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