By Denny Patterson
August 3 – September 3, 2023
Island City Stage | www.IslandCityStage.org
South Florida actor Kevin Veloz, who was most recently seen in Island City Stage’s production of Pageant as Miss Industrial Northeast, will be returning to the popular queer theater venue for its upcoming performances of Thrill Me, playing August 3 – September 3, 2023.
A dark and thrilling musical by Stephen Dolginoff, Thrill Me has become a modern classic. Set in 1924 Chicago, it is based on the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, the so-called “thrill killers” who murdered a young boy in order to commit “the perfect crime.” Loeb is obsessed with crime, but Leopold is obsessed with Loeb.
Stepping into the shoes of Leopold, Veloz took some time to talk about the production, his character, and passion for acting with OutClique.
Denny Patterson: How excited are you to return to Island City Stage and perform in Thrill Me?
Kevin Veloz: Pretty ecstatic! Pageant was such a great experience, and I feel thrilled to work with Andy and the team once again. Island City Stage has such a beautiful history of giving a platform to queer voices, as well as providing an example of some of the excellent stories that South Florida has to offer.
Denny Patterson: Why did you want to be involved with this production?
Kevin Veloz: Beyond the interest to dig my teeth into something new and riveting, I’m especially interested in Thrill Me because it feels like an intimate affair. Nathan Leopold is a tragic character that wants nothing more than to love and be loved in return. Always presenting, always calculating. This musical gives a deep and nuanced look into his life from the beginning of his affair with Richard to the end. The space at Island City Stage lends itself to that up close and personal feel that I believe the author intended the play to have.
Denny Patterson: You are playing Nathan, who was a real-life person. How do you want to approach this character?
Kevin Veloz: Above all, with sensitivity. These are real events that occurred in which a young boy lost his life. As with all works based on real events, there will be liberties taken and there will be some filling in the blanks, but as an artist, the best thing I can do is to be honest with the character. Try to figure out the ‘why’ behind his actions, taking into account the time period and what the police revealed, and just go from there!
Denny Patterson: Is this your first time portraying a real-life person?
Kevin Veloz: This is my first time portraying a real-life person. Fictional characters leave a bit more room for interpretation. At the end of the day, there’s a shared understanding between the writer, the actor, and the audience that what you see might or might not have happened. Suspend some disbelief. Who’s to say it didn’t happen exactly like this? Minus the singing.
Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from Thrill Me?
Kevin Veloz: Hopefully, the audience is able to see our show and get some insight into their own lives. I think that’s the goal for a lot of artists. To collaborate on a piece that really affects the people watching it, and with Thrill Me, evaluate their limits when communicating with people they love. Maybe identify signs of toxic behavior within some of their relationships. I also, obviously, hope they enjoy it and laugh in moments of levity.
Denny Patterson: Is there a certain scene or musical number you are most excited to do?
Kevin Veloz: Honestly, the song titled “Thrill Me!” It’s the classic shift of power. Nathan’s first time really putting his foot down and acknowledging that he has leverage in the relationship. Even obsession has a limit and Nathan’s boiling point bubbles like mercury. Wonderfully volatile and refreshingly honest.
Denny Patterson: We have seen a significant increase over the last couple years in theater productions, TV shows, and docuseries revolving around true crime. Why do you think this is such a popular genre?
Kevin Veloz: I personally love a good crime doc. It’s just interesting to see how far a person can go to get the things they want. What’s the motive? How did it happen? Who was in on it? As humans, we’re wired to seek the unknown. True crime is a perfect gateway into that.
Denny Patterson: Have you always had a passion for acting?
Kevin Veloz: Ever since I sang “I Will Survive” on grandparents day in the fourth grade to thunderous applause, I always had a passion for attention (laughs). Embarrassing to admit, but relatable. It wasn’t until I did a school production of A Few Good Men in high school that I started to understand the importance of storytelling and the art of acting. Throughout times in my life when I’ve dealt with self-doubt and general stress, acting has been a friend to me. The characters I’ve met and got to portray taught me lessons that I could carry with me as I grew. Acting also comes with a lot of rejection. People won’t always believe in you. You won’t always be right for the project. The beauty for me doesn’t just come when I land a role or when someone praises me for a performance. The beauty is in knowing that I’m capable of taking that leap of faith. Capable of artistic expression that will hopefully reach someone out there that will in turn feel capable of expressing themselves. Acting is my life, and I feel lucky when I get the chance to do it.
Denny Patterson: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your acting career?
Kevin Veloz: Hopefully, I’ll get to tour! I would love to see what theater looks like around the world. I’ve always loved the thought of going to Japan, so to be able to do that and broaden my very limited American view on art would be a dream.
Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?
Kevin Veloz: Next thing I’m working on is a wonderful play called Sordid Lives, put together by my great friend Larry Buzzeo at Empire Stage starting September 22! Please come down and see it because it’s going to be one heck of a good time.
For more information and to purchase tickets for Thrill Me, visit IslandCityStage.org.
