Hello Beautiful People,
Eric Leviton is an actor, writer, singer, cigar smoker and whiskey drinker, but really, when it comes down to it, he’s one of the nicest guys on Broadway. Currently Eric is in the cast of the Tony Award winning show, KINKY BOOTS. He’s also the host of the ever popular podcast, HOW WE TALK ABOUT SEX on iTunes. Eric was kind enough to sit down with me at Schmackary’s and talk theater, show business, and arts education.
Ladies + Gents, meet Eric Leviton…
MM: Did you always want to be an actor/singer/writer?
EL: I started acting and performing when I was very young. My mom pushed me, because I was a very shy kid. When I took my NY trip in my junior year of high school and saw 8 shows in 7 days, including the original Dreamgirls and Amadeus, that’s when I decided that this was what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life.
MM: Of all the roles you’ve played, which ones are most memorable?
EL: I have quite a few of those, but the two that stick out for me are Horton the Elephant from Seussical, the Musical and Dave from The Full Monty. Horton was special because of the joy and excitement from kids about seeing and meeting Horton in person. There is nothing quite like getting these tiny little kids coming up and hugging your leg. It’s pretty special. Dave in The Full Monty is unique in that you rarely see a leading character man in any show. I loved playing Dave.
MM: Just for fun, if you were stranded on a desert island, what movies and television shows would you want to have with you?
EL: Well, I guess the TV show LOST would be an obvious choice. I’m not much into repeating shows or movies anymore, so I would want things I had never seen before, like catching up on all of the classic movies I have never seen.
MM: Just for fun, what books are permanently on your bookshelf?
EL: When I was reading a lot, it would be autobiographies because I like to know what people were thinking and why they made the choices they did in their lives. I have a lot of plays, scores of musicals and the Harry Potter series as well.
MM: Can you describe to our readers what it’s like to be a part of the phenomenon that is Kinky Boots?
EL: It’s a surreal experience on many levels. This is my Broadway debut. So, needless to say, I’ve been very lucky to have such an amazing experience my first time out of the gate. I’m a very lucky man to be a part of such a talented and loving family and that includes our crew and everyone who works in the theatre. I have never been a part of such a HUGE family like we have at the Hirschfeld.
MM: What words of wisdom would you offer to aspiring actors/singers/writers, specifically those who are in high school and/or college?
EL: If there is something else you CAN do, do THAT. 99.9% of this job is “no.” So, if you HAVE to be in this business, you have to find a way to leave your ego at the door. Also, I like the phrase, “If you’re not creating, you’re waiting.” Always be doing something – whether it’s going to class, or creating your own show or writing something for someone, keep creating and try new things. You never know what is going to get someone’s attention.
MM: Just for fun, what sound do you hate and what sound do you love?
EL: The sound I hate? A car alarm. There is no need for a car alarm to go off forever. Shouldn’t it just be a voice that says, “Back off, you don’t own me”? The sound I love? There is nothing like a deep belly laugh from a young child.
MM: What character in musical theatre is most like your personality? Least?
EL: Dave from Full Monty is pretty close. Or at least it used to be. Least like me? Sweeney Todd? I would like to think I wouldn’t kill people and put them into meat pies.
MM: You have a very popular podcast, HOW WE TALK ABOUT SEX. Can you explain to our readers what it’s all about?
EL: The podcast, HOW WE TALK ABOUT SEX came about when I was challenged to write a book about sex. I did some research, talking to people about what they are missing from sex. I was really enjoying the conversations and while I was writing, I decided to start the podcast. Every week, I have a guest or two and we talk about how we communicate about sex. Who we learn from and how we learn. Everyone has a different story to tell. It’s so easy to have sex or watch sex in films and porn, but it still seems that people have a really hard time just sitting and talking about it. I’m hoping that this podcast will help people start conversations with each other, whether it’s sexual partners, family members or just friends being capable of sharing their sexual knowledge with each other.
MM: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts?
EL: Music is math. Dancing is sport/physical exercise. Acting/directing is basic human interaction. In school, it’s not necessarily about training young people to be in the arts, it’s really about expanding minds and helping people come out of their shells. I was a VERY shy kid in school. On some levels, I still am, but because of my participation in school musicals and plays at a very young age, I am able to participate in life and push myself to be more outgoing. As much as sports teach us about how to win and how to lose, the Arts teach us how to cope, how to express ourselves and how to see things through other people’s eyes.
MM: What’s next for Eric Leviton?
EL: Hopefully a lot more of the same. I’m not planning on leaving Kinky Boots anytime soon, but you never know what project might come up and take you on a new adventure. This year, I’m hoping to expand on what I’m doing by getting that sex book published and expanding the outreach of the podcast.
MM: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
EL: I’ve been very lucky to have many great teachers in my life. I feel like I learn something new everyday from somebody. But as far as actual teachers, there were three that truly stand out for me. In junior high and in high school, my acting and choir teacher Dan Trevino taught me a lot about self-discipline. In college, I had two teachers who taught me a lot. John Hall taught me how to channel my strength and how to approach this business, by setting up attainable goals for myself in every audition. Knowing that you are not going to get the job 99.9% of the time, you have to find a way to make each audition successful on your own terms. John helped me a lot when it came to changing my thought process. The other teacher was Gary Gardner, who passed away last year. His enthusiasm was infectious, much like his laugh. He loved his life and he loved his students. He seemed to find just the right buttons to push in order to motivate you to be better, especially in areas that weren’t my forte. I really appreciate that now more than ever.
Thank you, Eric!
Live, Love, Learn,