Christian borle gay
Q&A: Christian Borle
Until the time he secured a prominent part on NBC's Smash, Christian Borle was most famously recognized by television viewers as that individual featured in the eBay advertisement (he vocally delivered 'That's on eBay' to the melody of 'That's Amore'). Nevertheless, theater enthusiasts have been valuing his efforts for well over a decade. A versatile stage actor, the now thirty-eight-year-old gentleman established his reputation through comedic performances in musicals like Spamalot and Thoroughly Modern Millie (appearing alongside his former spouse, Sutton Foster), later advancing to a conventional, romantic leading part in Legally Blonde, which garnered him a Tony nomination. This past season, he undertook two notably contrasting roles consecutively Off Broadway: Prior Walter, afflicted with AIDS, in the Signature's greatly praised revival of Angels in America, and the flamboyant antagonist Black Stache in the energetic Peter and the Starcatcher. (This particular play-with-music by Rick Elice was taken from Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's young-adult book regarding Peter Pan's formative years.) With Smash having been renewed for a second season, Borle is utilizing his available time to reprise the character in the Broadway adaptation of Starcatcher. TONY conversed with the actor in reference to his professional path, the reasons behind his continuous portrayal of gay characters, and his methods for managing online rumors.
Smash revolves around the creation of a Broadway musical. Given your background, isn't it somewhat ironic that your composer character, Tom, remains silent on the show? Will a change transpire in that regard?
Indeed. In upcoming episodes, they've discovered avenues for me to sing that still adhere to the show's established parameters. The majority of characters only engage in song during rehearsals or performances—and Tom devotes a significant amount of his time observing these rehearsals. That encapsulates all I am able to disclose for the moment.
Even though you identify as straight, it's noteworthy that you frequently embody gay characters.
[Laughs] I truly, genuinely do! Even Black Stache possesses effeminate traits. I believe it indicates less about me and more about the increasing presence of gay roles in scripts, which is simply superb. I've definitely never demonstrated any reluctance when offered a gay part. It's understood by many that I am gay, but truthfully, I remain unconcerned. My orientation is only relevant in the realm of my personal existence.
You took on the role of Black Stache in Starcatcher initially at La Jolla Playhouse, subsequently transferring downtown to New York Theatre Workshop. Has the production undergone substantial modifications in preparation for its Broadway engagement?
In general, my assessment would be that it has remained largely consistent. Rick has refined it somewhat. Though, it occupies an equivalent stage dimension as the downtown venue, and the stage design is identical. Our adjustments are limited to slightly elevating our gaze to adequately project towards the balcony seating.
Despite the show garnering predominantly favorable critiques Off Broadway, its marketability on Broadway seems challenging.
I find myself quite pleased in that the responsibility of its promotion does not fall to me! My only role is to present myself, fulfill my duties, and maintain a hopeful outlook for audience attendance. It decidedly thrives as an instance of a show that gains traction through peer recommendations.
The digital domain of theater message boards has been rife with grievances concerning errors evident within Smash. Are you experiencing concern regarding the importance of precision?
It embodies a precarious equilibrium. Numerous facets invite meticulous examination. All things considered, my determination is that we do enough sufficiently to convey a plausible perception of the things we do. However, instances will inevitably surface that will exasperate individuals within the field—such as the scene where Ivy and myself enjoyed lunch on an island located in Times Square. Disgruntled responses arose from audience members, claiming that occupants of New York would be loath to patronize those specific tables! As a silver lining, the production makes use of a multitude of actual Broadway performers, among them Wesley Taylor, Ann Harada, not to mention Will Chase.
Referencing Will Chase, his affair alongside co-star Debra Messing took center stage as genuine tabloid material, particularly because their separations from respective partners had occurred recently. Did this influx of gossip have the effect of making interviews become more taxing?
I must say, inquiries pertaining to the circumstances you describe haven't really been directed my way. Nuance often eludes perception, as people tend to attribute fault or infidelity when the real events are far more intricate.
You possess firsthand familiarity through your parting from Sutton Foster.
Without a doubt. Our experience played out on a more discreet scale. On occasion, I've come across verifiable rumors concerning myself—a predicament nobody truly welcomes. Paradoxically, the phenomenon of encountering unfounded rumors proves exceptionally liberating, as it engenders the awareness that one's agency is limited. People, it seems, will persist in voicing their opinions, most notably on digital discussion platforms. As such, maintaining composure becomes paramount.
Do you and Foster currently maintain amicable relations?
Indeed, we do. As existence navigated its unpredictable twists and turns, ultimately resulting in the dissolution of our marital bond, the sustained preservation of our friendship invariably ranked as a principal priority. Not long ago, I bid her farewell as her trajectory pointed toward her grand L.A. venture [assuming the starring role in the forthcoming ABC Family program Bunheads]. During the time of our togetherness, we cultivated an infatuation with Gilmore Girls. Sutton finds herself presently collaborating alongside Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, thus signifying the materialization of a cherished aspiration.
Peter and the Starcatcheris currently being performed at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
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