Name: Johnny Myers
Year: Freshman
Major: English/Theatre
Activities: Theatre, Choir, Chorale, Student Ambassadors
Favorites
Color: Burgundy
Food: Steak
Book: The Stranger
Musical: The Producers
Actor: Hands down, Marlon Brando
Role you’ve ever played: Lord Farquaad in “Shrek: The Musical!”
What is your role in “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”? Can you talk a little bit about it?
I am playing Bert Bratt. He is J.B. Biggley’s right hand man. Bratt is the manager of the personnel department, and later gets promoted to vice president in charge of employee morale. He is a “by the book” kind of guy, and he sings a song warning the other executives not to flirt with their secretaries.
What are you most excited about for opening night?
I’m excited to get out there and feel the rush of a live audience. It’s a feeling like no other.
Have you always been interested in theater? What’s your journey been to the Cabrini stage?
I have been singing my entire life. My mother, father, sister and younger brother all sing too. Coming from a musical family, it kind of just led me into theatre. I got involved with Cabrini theatre after I saw their production of “Lucky Stiff” last year. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and knew Cabrini was a good fit for me.
What’s the most challenging part of being involved in theater?
The most challenging part is the time commitment. It takes a lot of time and dedication to put on a show, but it is worth it in the end.
And the most fun?
I would have to say the part that is the most fun is getting to portray someone who is not yourself. Every character an actor portrays is different, so there’s never a dull moment.
Personally, what’s the best part about being an actor, especially one that performs live?
The best part of being a live actor is the live audience. They really contribute to the show. Their laughs, smiles and tears energize the actors on stage. If my character was telling a joke and it fell flat, I wouldn’t feel as good about my performance.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are my dad and my sister. They are the people who inspired me to sing in the first place. They are also supportive of my theatrical endeavors, and for that I truly thank them.
If you could play any role in musical history, who would it be? Why?
Right now, I would have to say Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The music from that show is amazing. I’m still upset it’s not going to be on Broadway.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to become involved in theater?
The theatre is something that everyone should experience at some point in their lives. Acting has helped me grow immensely, but if that’s not your cup of tea there are other ways to get involved. You could do stage crew, tech, costuming, pit, etc. We are a very welcoming bunch at Cabrini, so if you’d like to get involved, do so. We would love to have you!