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by Justin Boltz
Filed under: Theatre, Local (Chicago)
Wed. December 21, 2005
On a bittersweet note the curtains close and the pants come up for the Bailiwick staple, "Naked Boys Singing." I had a chance to reminisce with original cast member Scott Thomas one last time before the show does its finally butt baring bow New Years Eve. (Event Details)
JB: What was it like to be part of something that was such a "new, boundary breaking" concept?
ST: I've always felt that I am more of a free spirit and to me this show was considered a harmless exploration but even more so an opportunity to be a part of a show with such wonderful material. The musical pieces in this show are really top notch.
JB: What was it like trying out for show, not knowing the ultimate future of it?
ST: I think that with any show you do you will not necessarily be able to determine whether or not it will be a success. There are so many factors that affect how a show is received, ranging from the direction, staging, choreography, demographic, actors. I always go in with the most optimistic of attitudes and hope for the best! You never know if a show will go for 4 weeks or 4 years, I think there is always that gamble.
JB: Has your stage fright completely diminished now that you've mastered being completely exposed metaphorically and quite literally?
ST: Haha, no.
I have been performing since I was about 7 years old and still have 'stage fright' sometimes. I wouldn't call it fright necessarily, that seems pretty extreme, it's more of an 'extra' energy that you learn to control or channel. :)
JB: What are you feelings as you wrap up this part of your life and close the book on the show?
ST: I feel really good about the run of this show. It was a great learning experience for me. It is something that I am proud to have been a part of.
JB: What is the core of Naked Boys Singing in your eyes?
ST: The core or essence, to me, is innocence.
JB: Has it hurt or enhanced your dating spectrum showing the world what your packing?
ST: I wouldn't even begin to know how to take a metric on that?!? I had just moved from Madison WI to Chicago IL when I started the show. So, right there my dating spectrum was significantly enhanced! It has never been an issue with the guys that I have dated. In fact most of them usually end up coming to the show several times with friends in tow, because it's just so much darn fun.
JB: Have you or any of the boys gotten visibly turned on during the show?
ST: This is the question we are asked most often. The answer is no.
JB: Haha, had to ask. How do you avoid that?
ST: There is nothing sexually exciting about this show. That's a preconceived notion that I think many people have about the show when they here the name. That it is something sexual because it involves nudity. God Bless America. Truth is that we are performing a musical. We are singing, dancing and acting in the nude. Crafts/Talents that many of us have for worked on for years to develop. I can say for myself that I have never been in a sexual situation that involved those elements.
JB: What’s Next? What kind of role are you looking for after this?
ST: I'm currently working on a Cabaret. That, in my minds eye, will be most fulfilling.
JB: Have your parents gotten to see the show?
ST: My parents have not seen the show. They are happy that it has done so well and have been nothing but supportive from day 1. I have two older sisters. They have both seen the show and absolutely loved it.
JB: Most embarrassing moment to date?
ST: Nothing there really. We have a song in the show where we are in costume and one night the zipper on my pants was down, unbeknownst to me. I'm not quite sure why that got a laugh, the audience had already seen what was underneath. I guess some things are just always funny *smile*
JB: Most rewarding?
ST: Working every weekend for 4 and half years, with tremendously talented individuals, doing a show which allowed our audience to experience nudity in a form that was innocent at heart and delightfully playful in spirit.
