Out performer, David Benoit, of The Phantom of the Opera discusses life in the theater
By Mike Jeknavorian
Phantom of the Opera will be performed at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (www.BrowardCenter.org)
October 10 – 21, 2018.
MIKE JEKNAVORIAN: You’re from Somerset, MA. What do you miss about the area?
DAVID BENOIT: I had, and still have, a core group of friends back in the Somerset area. I did community theatre with them, and they were a great influence on me pursuing theatre as a career. My mom, dad, and two sisters are still there as well. Luckily, I get back there a couple times a year to visit. It really was a great place to grow up. And the Lizzy Borden museum [which is in neighboring Fall River] is a trip!
MJ: Among other things in your career, you played the male leads in Fiddler and Sweeney Todd. The difference between those characters is obvious. Do you think that there are any parallels between them? And if there are, did that common thread help you in any way with their characterizations?
DB: One would think that Tevye and Sweeney have very little in common. Ironically, they’re driven by the same force, a fierce love of family. Tevye’s love of his wife, his faith, and five daughters is equal to the love and devotion that Sweeney had for his wife and daughter. Both of their paths are dictated by this, albeit, they’re drastically different in their, pardon the pun, execution. At their core, both were devoted family men. This common thread greatly influenced my choices in humanizing these very different characters.
MJ: Much of both of those shows rests on the lead’s shoulders. Which one was more of a challenge?
DB: Both roles are pretty Herculean in my estimation, equally gratifying and exhausting in their own right. And both posed the same challenge regarding physical stamina, vocal stamina, and emotional stamina.
MJ: Besides Phantom, what’s the best show that you’ve ever been in?
DB: I would say my favorite show to date would be the musical Adding Machine. I played the lead, Mr. Zero, and the role and musical were the most challenging, and, ultimately, the most gratifying of my career. The role was very much akin to my Sweeney and Tevye experiences.
MJ: What’s your dream role?
DB: Sweeney Todd has always been my dream role. I’m extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play him.
MJ: What other theater singers inspire you?
DB: I’m pretty old school in regard to this. I was inspired at a young age by two Sweeney Todds: Len Cariou, for the vulnerability and subtlety in his vocals and acting, and George Hearn, for the bombast and intensity in his vocals and acting.
MJ: What’s your favorite musical?
DB: Not to sound redundant, but I would have to say Sweeney Todd. It’s so epic in scope, both acting and singing-wise. I really feel that it’s a modern masterpiece.
MJ: What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?
DB: Sometimes by Sunday night’s final performance of the week, you’re truly exhausted and running on fumes. I was in the national tour of Avenue Q. I played Trekkie Monster and some other roles and we were in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I had just left a scene in a zombie-like state, and I was in a rather old and slow elevator, on the way to my dressing room. I then heard the introduction for my song, “The Internet is for Porn.” You’ve never seen a chubby guy run down three flights of steps so fast, fly across a backstage area, and then fling a puppet on his arm, yet appear in the doorway for the song as if nothing ever happened. The whole episode only lasted about 20 seconds, but it felt like a horrific theatrical eternity.
MJ: What has life in the theater taught you?
DB: The theater has taught me to listen, to share, and to be generous.
MJ: You play one of the theater owners, Monsieur Firmin, in Phantom. What’s your favorite song or moment in the show?
DB: I would have to say that the scenes in the manager’s office are my favorites. They involve the entire supporting cast and are pretty dense with conflict and comedy.
MJ: Phantom is well known by many, but is there anything that took you off guard or surprised you about this production?
DB: I was taken by the approach to the material. It feels real. It still possesses the romance and grandeur, but the approach feels almost more modern and honest in its storytelling. This production opened the door to interpret Firmin as I saw him, which was truly a luxury. The artistic staff has been quite generous in that regard.
MJ: Did you ever see anyone come to Phantom in cosplay, dressed up like one of the characters?
DB: Phantom has quite the devoted fan base. I’ve seen many, ranging in all age brackets, come dressed in masquerade garb, dressed as The Phantom and as Christine. You name it. I think it’s a hoot.
MJ: And finally, will you do anything fun while you’re in South Florida?
DB: I’m looking forward to some great seafood, the beautiful beaches, and having summer extended for two fantastic weeks. I can’t wait to get there!
