Hello Beautiful People,
To say that I am excited to introduce you all to our next actor in the Actors & Actresses Q&A Series is an understatement. On Broadway alone, he has been Apostle/Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Prouvaire/ u.s. Marius, AND Enjolras in Les Misérables, Alfred in Dance of the Vampires, and now Magaldi (and Che) in Evita. And that’s just the Broadway section of his resume. He has been unbelievably generous with his time and participation in this Q&A series, and there are not enough words in the English language to express my gratitude.
Friends, meet Max von Essen…
TWT: First things first, growing up in Rockville Centre, Long Island, did you always have dreams of Broadway and Hollywood?
MVE: Without a doubt, the first dream I can ever recall having was to make it on Broadway. Every time my parents would allow me to go into the city to see a show, I found myself completely mesmerized, and I longed so much to be a part of that community.
TWT: If you were not an actor and a singer, what career do you think you would have? Do you think that music and theatre would still be a significant part of your life, even if your profession were different?
MVE: Well, believe it or not, I was an economics major in college, and even though I had big dreams of being a Broadway star, I wasn’t quite sure I had the nerve or the confidence. A few months before graduating school, I asked my parents if I could at least give theater a shot, and if I didn’t have any success after about 2 years, I’d go back to school or apply to investment banks. Well, luckily, I started working right away and never turned back. But yes, of course, regardless, the arts would be a huge part of my life. Singing, acting, playing piano, all of these interests remain such a fundamental part of who I am, and whether my outlet was community theater, or simply playing piano in my living room, I know that music and theater would remain a huge part of my life.
TWT: You’re currently starring Magaldi and understudying for Che in Evita on Broadway. We know it’s difficult, but could you describe to our readers what’s it like to be part of such a huge revival?
MVE: Goodness, it’s hard to pinpoint. This show is so large on so many levels, and each one is a thrill. I’m working with a Tony Award winning creative team, the Tony Winning Michael Cerveris, Olivier Award winning Elena Roger, and Grammy Award winning, international superstar, Ricky Martin. And you want to know the awesome thing? Each of them is wonderful, down to earth, and have taught me so much. Plus, this is the first Broadway revival of Evita since the original production, so there has been much anticipation and excitement around the project. It also has been produced beautifully, and without compromise. In that, I mean the set, the lighting, the costumes, everything is correct and well designed and they haven’t cut corners. Quite simply, it’s just beautifully done.
TWT: What advice would you give to students in high school who wish to pursue a career in theatre?
MVE: Never stop studying and remain competitive. I find myself so blown away by the talent that the big theater programs produce year after year. Also, the amount of rejection you experience must simply become a part of your life. It never really gets easy, so you must develop a thick skin and realize that if you are doing your best, then that is all you can do. Often it comes down to things beyond your control.
TWT: Of all the roles that you have played, is there one in particular that is closest to your heart?
MVE: Probably Tony in West Side Story. I played it several times, both on tour and regionally, and since I’m older now and won’t play it again, it holds a very special place in my heart. Each time I played the role in a different production, I had lived a bit more, and was able to layer the character more fully. I never tired of it.
TWT: In the future, what role would you most love to play?
MVE: Truthfully, a new role. One that hasn’t been written. I love working on new projects, and I would love to premier a large role in a new Broadway show.
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?
MVE: How much time do you have for me to explain? No, seriously, I cannot stress enough how important of a role the arts played in my upbringing and development. Without the wonderful programs my school district offered, I would be lost. Without ever seeing my elementary school teacher playing piano and being completely transfixed, I would have never begged my parents for a piano and lessons. Without the middle school drama teacher, who, after seeing me play piano asked if I could sing, I may have never opened my mouth and started performing in the school musicals. Each step led to a new experience, a new project, a new instrument, a new song to learn, or a new script to memorize. Each show introduced me to new challenges, to new groups of people I had to work well with, new disciplines I had to master. I learned the meaning of teamwork. I learned when to learn, when to lead, and how to live my life with confidence and joy. I loved what I was experiencing, and wanted to work hard. Every discipline I learned translated to every area of my life. It is essential for young people to have that outlet.
TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), we believe that art drives life, and theatre transforms lives. Would you agree or disagree with those statements? Why?
MVE: I think my previous answer covers this. I agree 100%. Even if I hadn’t chosen a career in the arts, I am who I am because of them; and what I learned and the talents I developed, remain with me and help in everything I do in life.
TWT: Just for fun, what’s your favorite movie and play?
MVE: I have so many favorite shows, it’s impossible to pinpoint. Although, I could probably see a production of Gypsy anywhere, because I just love it! And for the past few years, my favorite movie has been La Vie En Rose. The story of Edith Piaf’s life is not only heartbreaking and fascinating, but Marion Cotillard’s performance remains one of the best I’ve ever seen on film.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
MVE: Also impossible to answer. I have been blessed with several that changed my life. If I had to choose, I would probably have to say my piano teacher, MaryAnne Johnson, because I studied with her for so many years; from about 4th grade all the way through senior year of high school, and we are still very much in touch today. She was not simply my teacher; she was my friend, my confidante, and my therapist. It was my hour a week where everything stopped and all I needed was a piano and someone to guide me.
Thank you, Max!
Live, Love, Learn,