An Ode to a Broadway Actor
An Interview with David Abeles
David Abeles, currently playing the role of Eamon in the hit indie-film-turned-Broadway-musical, Once, is one of the most awesome people we have met on Broadway (DC had a lovely chat with him after Million Dollar Quartet). If the smoldering look he’s giving you in that head-shot doesn’t draw you in, his personality and answers to our questions will for sure. Although he’s taken already ladies, enjoy this interview with our new favorite Broadway redhead!
Photo credit: Melissa Hamburg
Tell us about yourself?
I’m an Actor/Singer/Musician and I come from a family of performing artists. I’ve lived in lots of different places – I was born in NYC, grew up for 10 years in Northern California, went to High School in South Florida, College in Atlanta, and Drama School in London, before completing the circle and moving back to New York. My wife, Stacey, and I live in Hell’s Kitchen.
I’m an Actor/Singer/Musician and I come from a family of performing artists. I’ve lived in lots of different places – I was born in NYC, grew up for 10 years in Northern California, went to High School in South Florida, College in Atlanta, and Drama School in London, before completing the circle and moving back to New York. My wife, Stacey, and I live in Hell’s Kitchen.
That’s an easy commute to work! What made you decide to pursue a career in musical theater?
I actually sort of fell into it. My sophomore year of college, a friend of mine was auditioning for a production of COMPANY, and she suggested I give it a shot. I did, got cast and really enjoyed it. A few years later, I did a college production of TRAVESTIES by Tom Stoppard and that’s what really made me want to become an actor and go to Drama School.
Describe your experiences studying in London. What made you decide to move there?
I spent my Junior year of college studying English Literature at King’s College, London and really fell in love with the place. The next year, when I was about to graduate from Emory University in Atlanta, I knew that I wanted to audition for drama schools. I figured London was the perfect place to train. I auditioned for LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), got in, and spent the next 3 years there. It turned out to be absolutely the right choice for me – the training was second to none and I made some of the best friends I’ve ever had.
I was fortunate enough to study abroad in London and experience their theater – amazing! Were you able to attend any shows?
London was my first introduction to going to the theater, actually. I’d seen a few shows in the states, but in London I saw SO much. I went to The Globe on the South Bank several times, saw many shows at the National Theatre, and saw lots in the West End as well. I was able to check out lots of new work at The Royal Court, The Donmar, and The Hampstead Theater and I also got to go up to Stratford-on-Avon to see some Shakespeare.
You were in the cast of Million Dollar Quartet (awesome show!) - how did you prepare for the role of Jerry Lee Lewis?
Aside from taping up my fingers, you mean? (Playing the piano like The Killer can be pretty tough on the hands…!) Before taking over the role of Jerry Lee, I had the privilege of understudying Levi Kreis who won the Tony for creating the role on Broadway. He’s honestly one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever seen, let alone worked with – and I learned so much from watching his performance. When I stepped in, I really just saw the character of Jerry Lee as an untested, cocky young firebrand who has something to prove to a room full of older, more seasoned musicians. I could definitely connect with that. Plus, Jerry Lee gets a lot of the fun, irreverent dialogue in the show. I loved every minute.
How did you get involved with Once?
I auditioned for the workshop of ONCE in February of last year, I believe. When I booked the job, I got a leave of absence from MDQ to go to Cambridge, MA for the workshop. In fact, except for one actor, all of the adult cast in the show were a part of that workshop. We have a very strong sense of ensemble, both from the amazing work that our creative team had us do together, and because of the fact that we’ve been working together on this piece for over a year now.
What is your favorite number from the show?
That’s a tough question – I go through phases. Sometimes it’s playing and dancing ‘Gold’ at the end of Act I, sometimes it’s the final ‘Falling Slowly’ because it’s sort of the show’s catharsis and we all really connect while playing. Sometimes it’s ‘If You Want Me,’ because I love Martin Lowe’s arrangement and Cristin Milioti’s vocals are fantastic, sometimes it’s ‘Say it to Me Now’ because Steve Kazee throws every bit of his soul into that song and it’s stunning, and sometimes it’s ‘When Your Mind’s Made Up’ during which I get to just stand there, as my character Eamon, and listen to everyone rock out. I actually have a pretty cool extra job, too – I’m the Music Captain on ONCE, which basically means that it’s my job to maintain the integrity of what we rehearsed together – like a Dance Captain, but for music. So I’m always actively listening to the numbers and I’m consistently amazed by how sensitively the company plays together.
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus, 2012
Give us five words to describe that first night on Broadway in Once.
Like. A. Dream. Come. True.
Perfect choices! Name three things in your dressing room.
Photos of my wife and family from our wedding last June, a comfy ONCE bathrobe (from our Producers), and Andy Taylor.
A Once bathrobe – that is adorable! You were on tour with My Fair Lady. Was touring exhausting? Exhilarating? Do you prefer a new city all the time or having a set theater to work in?
I was on tour with My Fair Lady for 10 months and it was both exhausting AND exhilarating! I loved the touring lifestyle, getting to see so much of the country and performing in such beautiful houses, but I have to say that being here in New York and getting to come home to my wife every night tops it all.
Make sure you check David out in Once and keep up-to-date with all his awesomeness by checking out his website. David is an amazing singer and songwriter and is working on an album of original songs which should be released later this year! So make sure you keep up with him!
That’s my boy!!
Great article Dave !!