GREGORY JBARA, Westland (Michigan) 1961

His professional debut was as Frankenstein´s Monster in the Off-Broadway musical spoof of the Bride of Frankenstein, HAVE I GOT A GIRL FOR YOU! (Which played at the Second Avenue Theatre, formerly the Yiddish Arts Theatre).

Other theatre credits include the roles of Sohovik in DAMN YANKEES (1994), Squash (Mr. Bernstein) in VICTOR / VICTORIA (1995), Billy Flynn in CHICAGO and André Thibault in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. He originated the role of Jackie Elliot (known as Dad) in the Broadway production of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, which opened on November 13, 2008. For his portrayal of Dad, Jbara received the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Tony awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical during the 2008-2009 Broadway awards season.
His television credits include ‘Nurse Jackie’, ‘Law & Order’, ‘The Unit’, ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and he has appeared in films as ‘Remember Me’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘In & Out’.

Currently he keeps playing the role of Dad in the Broadway production of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. He will do his final performance on the 4th September 2011.

 - The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: I can remember as a junior high student attending the high school performance of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and hoping one day to be a part of those high school productions. The First Broadway show I ever saw was DREAM GIRLS at The Imperial Theatre in 1982 (which happens to be where I am currently performing and where I performed my last Broadway show, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS).

- You would like to make a duet with: I am already thrilled to have recorded the wonderful David Yazbek duet “Like Zis, Like Zat” with the legendary Joanna Gleason.

- Webber o Sondheim? Sondheim.

- London or New York? New York.

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? Only until I run out of space then I throw them away. I will always keep at least one Playbill from the shows I have performed in.

-The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was (as a performer and/or as a spectator): It has happened in more than one show...it´s the moment when you open your mouth and you have no idea what is suppose to be coming out. I do not live in fear of this event happening (because I have learned that there is no controlling it). But it has happened to me and I have always lived thru it. Not ideal... but certainly survivable.

-An unforgettable moment (as a performer and/or as a spectator): Actually, it happened when I was an acting student at The Juilliard School. During my third year acting class with the incomparable John Stix, I discovered that I was able to access what was then defined as "The Actor´s Imagination". The ability to tap into an imaginary reality based solely on fiction. Was revelatory for me as an acting student.

-Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? No opening night superstitions but I always make sure I sign my own initials on the daily callsheet. NEVER allow someone else to sign in for me!

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): I´m afraid I am not well versed enough to make that decision.

- What do you like best/least about your work? I love that every night you get to share the story with 1400 new people.

- What is your favorite musical movie? FIDDLER ON THE ROOF/SOUND OF MUSIC/WEST SIDE STORY.

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: SPIDERMAN, for my sons.

- What is your favorite line from a musical: “It´s a LITTLE funny!” (Will leave it up to your readers to figure out where it´s from).

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars (as ‘Over The Raibow’ or ‘I’d Do Anything’): I cannot argue with creative marketing that perpetuates the American musical theatre audience. However, I am not a fan of casting anyone but the best person suited for any particular role.

- You feel proud of: That I make a living as a stage and screen actor.

- Of this moment you’re living as a performer, the most important thing to you is: Providing for my family.

- Other projects you are working on: I am currently recurring as DCPI Garrett Moore on the hit CBS police drama, ‘Blue Bloods’.