The Music of
The NighT
An Interview with
DaviD Josefsberg
by tony reverditto
The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is a grand concert showcasing the Tony,
Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer’s “biggest and most memorable
hits.” It will be an evening to remember while revisiting legendary musicals such
as Cats, Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar,
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and more. A full onstage symphony
orchestra will accompany the singers which include Broadway stars Kevin Kern,
Howard McGillin, Laurie Gayle Stephenson, Kathy Voytko, Deone Zanotto and David
Josefsberg. I recently had the opportunity to interview David Josefsberg, one of the
stars. His Broadway credits include The Wedding Singer, Grease and Les Misérables.
Off-Broadway credits include Altar Boyz (Drama League nomination) and Joys of
Sex. For the past year he has toured both Europe and the United States with comedy
legend, Stephen Lynch. He has been performing his own original material, as well
as songs, at Carnegie Hall, Central Park, Las Vegas and Miami comedy festivals.
The Rage Monthly: Where are you from originally?
David Josefsberg: Originally, I am from Long Island. I went to school in New
York.
Rage: What made you decide to become an actor?
DJ: When I was younger I started singing and I am good at it. The family let me
do it and . . . I just love singing! So, I got in it through that route.
Rage: You have an impressive body of stage work, what is the favorite role that you’ve
played?
DJ: Hmmm. I would have to say my favorite role was probably in Altar Boys; an
off-Broadway production that ran for five years. It actually just closed recently.
It was really great, because we developed it for three years and it was about a
Christian Boy Band. I played the lone Jewish fellow of the band; it was a lot of fun.
thrilling to sing, not just magical, it is thrilling. And the other, all of the Jesus Christ
Rage: How did you originally hear about The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Superstar stuff, because you get to go crazy and wail.
DJ: I went to a theatre school in Long Island and always sang songs from
Rage: Are you touring?
alternative shows. But, of course I got to see Phantom, Joseph and the Amazing
DJ: Yeah, we start in Philadelphia, then we’ll be performing it there in California
Technicolor DreamCoat and Starlight Express on Broadway when I was a kid. I
and ending in Dallas.
pretty much knew all of the songs from the show. So, when I got cast I felt like it
Rage: Where would someone go to find that information out, is there a website?
was meant to be.
DJ: They could go to
JeffreyFinnProductions.com.
Rage: What was the audition process like?
Rage: Have you performed in California before?
DJ: I worked with Jeffrey Finn, the producer many, many times. This was more
DJ: I have done a lot of touring in California and look forward to going back.
like he just wanted to hear me sing the songs. You know, and he liked the way I
Rage: What are your future career goals?
sang them. It wasn’t too brutal of an audition process at all.
DJ: Well, I have a few different career paths going right now; because I’m sort of
Rage: Nice. In a nutshell, how would you describe the show?
straddling theatre and will continue do my Rock Comedy Tour that I have been
DJ: As an incredible experience in so many ways, one of the main reasons
working on. I recently played Carnegie Hall and big theatres all over the place. So,
though is getting to perform great songs with an amazing orchestra. It’s hard to
it looks like for now, more Broadway and comedy stuff.
describe that huge magical sound that all of the gifted musicians bring to it. That’s
why you have to come and see for yourself.
David was a great guy and very energetic, I highly recommend that you go
Rage: How long was the run, the first time out?
experience this night of magic.
DJ: A couple of weeks at The Kennedy Center; it was a year ago at Christmas. It’s
very fresh!
Rage: What is your favorite song to sing in the show?
The music of Andrew lloyd Webber
DJ: That’s a good one! Can I pick more then one?
February 16 – 21
Rage: Of Course!
Orange County Performing Arts Center
DJ: “If the Money Kept Rolling In” from Evita, great song. With the orchestra it is
714.556.2787 or
OCPAC.org
February 2010 | RAGE monthly 11
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