A-LISTS theatre by tony reverditto
IN THE LONG RUN, TELLY LEUNG MAKES RENT!
TELLY LEUNG is portraying Angel in the Broadway Touring Company production of Rent at the Hollywood Bowl. He was born and raised
in New York City and grew up in a traditional Chinese home in Brooklyn. He attended the 100-year-old prestigious, all boy, Stuyvesant High School in New York where he studied math and science. As a means to get a break from physics and calculus, he started performing in productions of Pippin, Guys & Dolls and West Side Story; he was a natural!
After this high school epiphany, Telly convinced his skeptical parents that the per-
forming arts were his destiny. He was accepted to Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama where he received formal training in acting, singing, and dance. It was during the summer breaks that Telly earned his Equity card. He has worked with some of the nation’s top directors and choreographers. During the past few years he has built an im- pressive, extensive resume by appearing in the likes of “Company”, “Flower Drum Song”, “Pacific Overtures” and “Wicked”. It wasn’t long before he achieved one of his dreams; a place in the Broadway Company of Rent. On top of that, this final company had the privilege to immortalize the stage version on film in “Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway” now on DVD and Blue Ray. Rent is an interpretation of Puccini’s La Boheme set in the late 20th century in New
York. The gritty subject matter and powerful songs transform the classic tragic opera into a modern rock musical. In the updated version the story follows the lives of young artists living in the East Village; too poor to pay the rent, some members of the group are also HIV positive. All refuse to live a “traditional” lifestyle, rather embracing Bohemian concepts while surviving through tough times as best they can. With a twelve-year run on Broadway, a Tony Award for Best Musical, and a Pulitzer Prize, Rent is one of the most popular musicals in theater history.
Rage: Hi Telly, thanks for taking the time to talk to me today. TL: Oh sure, absolutely.
Rage: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a performer? TL: When I was in Stuyvesant High School, my parents were thrilled because I was
going to become a doctor, lawyer or an engineer one day; something “respectable”. Instead I was hating this area of study and loving the school shows at the end of the day. I would save my money so I could go watch Broadway shows; luckily, it was practically in my back yard. That is when I first started thinking maybe I would like to do this for a living and make it my life.
Rage: What was the biggest hurdle for a Chinese-American kid from Brooklyn to making it as a main stream star on the Broadway tour of Rent? TL: My parents are immigrants and they had never been to a Broadway show. When
they thought of actors, they thought of starving actors and were nervous about the uncertainty that comes with the territory. Once they saw that I was making a consistent living at it; they definitely calmed down and have been happy about it ever since.
Rage: What is your most memorable role and why? TL: It is most definitely was this, being in the final cast of Rent on Broadway. It was
truly an honor to close that show and be there for the final performance. After my his- tory, standing in line doing the lottery for a ticket . . . I saw it 20 times and loved for the show. I eventually got cast as an understudy and ten years later my connection with the show came full circle. Being part of the show that closing night is a moment I will never forget.
Rage: Was there a role that you were cast in that broke racial stereotypes? TL: Yeah, I was lucky enough to be the first person of color to be cast in the role of Boq,
(normally Caucasian) from Wicked in the Chicago Shiz Company. I really must applaud them for thinking outside the box and the trend followed.
Rage: How did you hear about the audition for Rent? TL: I was in rehearsals for Godspell at the Papermill Playhouse with my friend Robin
de Jesus (Tony Nominee for In The Heights and La Cage). Robin actually had left Rent to do Godspell and then went onto In The Heights. A temporary fill-in was placed in the role of Steve in Rent and they were auditioning for a permanent replacement. That’s when they called me and I was cast in the role that Robin had originally left. It was quite a coincidence and meant to be!
Rage: I know that Neil Patrick Harris is your director for the Hollywood Bowl production and that he also performed in Rent in 1997 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and a national tour. What is it like to work with him? TL: I haven’t worked with him yet; we are starting rehearsals a couple of weeks before
the opening. But, there are several members of the Rent family, both cast and crew who are involved in the production, so that is exciting. I think it is going to be a very interest- ing experience working outside at this large venue. I’m looking forward to working with Neil Patrick Harris to see what he does with it.
Rage: Can you sum up in one sentence the message of Rent? TL: Rent is about compassion, community and love in the face of adversity!
Rage: Well put. What is next for you? TL: Actually, while I am in town I will be doing a one-man show at the Magic Castle
called Who Loves Ya Baby? It’s a like a love letter to my parents with songs by Barry White, The Bee Gees, Journey and Simon and Garfunkel, etc. When they came to this country they did not speak very much English, so Kojak was one of their favorite shows back in those days that helped them learn the language. By the way, they named me after Telly Savalas! Anyway, I have a great group of people that have helped me shape the show and it went over very well in New York. The show is on August 12th and it is dear to my heart.
Rage: What is one of your ultimate dream or goal in regards to the industry? TL: That’s a loaded question. I would love to create a role from scratch and take it to its
premiere on Broadway. Actually, I am currently involved in making that dream happen; I have been involved from the beginning on a show called Allegiance and it is currently in the workshop phase. I have very high hopes that one day we are going to take it all the way!
Rent Rruns: August 6 & 7 at 8:30 PM and August 8 at 7:30 PM at Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood. Tickets at 323.850.2000 or
Hollywoodbowl.com
Cabaret at the Castle presents Who Loves Ya Baby? starring Telly Leung on August 12 only. Doors open 6:30, show 8:00 p.m. Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin, Hollywood. Tickets: 323.851.3313 or
magiccastle.com/event tickets.
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RAGE monthly | AUGUST 2010
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