DREW SARICH, St. Louis (Missouri) 1975

Professional debut in musical theatre: Professional? Six Flags Over Mid America is an amusement park outside of St. Louis. They had a “Western Show” called “Miss Kitty’s Saloon”, and I played the town’s evil banker/undertaker, Dirk Devlin. Wore a cape, had a twirly mustache, and was pelted with popcorn 6 shows per day. I was 16, and loved making money by putting on costumes and jumping around in front of people!

Other theatre credits include TONY N´TINA´S WEDDING (Off-Broadway debut), Armand in LESTAT (Broadway debut, 2006), LES MISERABLES (2006 Broadway revival, first as Grantaire and from July 2007 assuming the lead role of Jean Valjean, until October 2007 when he went to star the role in the West End production), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Concerts in Germany and Austria), HAIR (Austria, 2000), THE WHO´S TOMMY (Austria, 2002), HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Austria, 2002), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Germany, 2003), among others.


- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: It had to have been LES MISÉRABLES. It came through St. Louis on tour. I was 11. I didn’t want to go. I was into playing basketball and Nintendo, and deemed the theater about as interesting and enjoyable as dental work. Needless to say, I was crying uncontrollably at the end. I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.

- You would like to make a duet with? Duet? I don’t really know. I know I would consider myself happy if I could share the stage with George Hearn, Ben Vereen, John Cullum or Mandy Patinkin.

- Webber o Sondheim? I’ve sung stuff from both of them. I wouldn’t be the singer I am today, if I hadn’t heard JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. At the same time, Sondheim composes like a playwright, and that is proof that what we do is art. We should always remember that.

- London or New York? They’re both great! I’ve lived in both cities. Home is now in Vienna with my family. Also a great town! Got voted best quality of life in Europe. Also the highest suicide rate. Go figure. If I had to pick one, I’d go with NYC. It just has a vibe. I like to see living in NYC like having a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL girlfriend who cheats on you constantly. You complain about her every day, but you will never, ever leave. She’s just that good.

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? I don’t. I should. My wife does. We have stacks, and my kids have discovered them. They LOVE looking through them trying t learn the stories from the pictures.

- The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was (as a performer and/or as a spectator): I’ve had so many bloopers in my life, that I can’t count them. I never see them as bad or embarrassing though! I love those moments. Moments where you say “This is live, people!!! Things happen!!!” I always find those moments make the best shows. You are so much more awake, and the crowds LOVE them!!

- An unforgettable moment (as a performer and/or as a spectator): I sang at the Kremlin, backing up Liza Minnelli. Pretty unforgettable. My Broadway debut in “LESTAT was also pretty mindblowing. I’ve been blessed with some good stories!

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? I had a drama teacher in High School, who taught me the best way to get over opening night nerves. You stand as close to the curtain as possible, before the show starts. Then, in a voice only loud enough that you can hear yourself, you say “F@#% ALL OF YOU!!!” Works every time! Ha!

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): Guido Contini from NINE.

- A character of your opposite sex that you would like to perform: Carla from NINE.

- What do you like best/least about your work? I love the freedom. I love the challenge. I love the friendships. I love making people laugh and cry. I hate the distance it takes you from the ones you love. I hate the insecurity. I hate the injustice that there are SO many talented performers you will NEVER see, because someone thought they were the wrong type. I hate that Musical Theater performers often get seen as non artists.

- What is your favorite musical movie? BRIGADOON.

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’ and Duncan Sheik’s THE WHISPER HOUSE. ‘The Black Parade’ isn’t a show. Yet. Should be. Soon. A great punk opera. Could possibly kick Green Day’s ass! THE WHISPER HOUSE is beautiful, understated pop songwriting for the theater.

- What is your favorite line from a musical: “Know that you’re whole!” From HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH.

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars: I like to flatter myself, and most of the people I have worked with, by saying “Not everybody can do what we do. We shouldn’t let just anybody do it.

- You feel proud of: Having been given the opportunity to perform in so many different places, and meet so many wonderful people! I am proud that people have felt comfortable casting me in roles for which, I was never really the right “type”. Thank you to them for the challenges, victories, and failures I have been presented with!

- Of this moment you’re living as an actor, the most important thing to you is: Being believable.

- Other projects you are working on: I just finished Frank Wildhorn’s RUDOLF - THE LAST KISS here in Vienna, and am currently writing a show called “The Sinner’s Lounge”.