“The bottom line is that you still have to put out an amazing product, and you must have cooperation from the in-circle people whom you are working with.”
Constantine, it’s a pleasure to talk with you today. I enjoyed watching your journey on Idol in 2005—now here we are in 2011 and you’re starring in the touring company of Rock of Ages! Congratulations! Thanks!
Let’s jump back. What was the best part of singing in front of millions of viewers each week on Idol? You know, I grew up working as a performer and dreamed of finding a career in the
field. I think getting that opportunity after working so hard; going to school, training with the best and all of that, then being thrust into that situation was thrilling and rewarding. At the time it was hard to appreciate it all because it was happening so fast. All I can think about is how lucky I was to get that opportunity.
No doubt. What was the challenging aspect or downside of that experience? I think any time you are a part of something so big, so massive like American Idol there is going to be some sort of negative stigma attached to it by some people. Some people think you got lucky, that you got thrust on to some show and then it’s some reality show or that it associated with a negative outlook by cynics. But when you think about how many people the show inspires each year and the opportunities that it gives those who just want to compete—I think of very positive things. I think at times that I had to work extra hard to get past the notion of being a finalist on season four of American Idol. I feel I had to prove myself with my work and I have done that.
You were a tough-ass contender and climbed to sixth place in the competition which ironically became the inspiration for your production company: 6th Place Records. In what ways would you consider not winning to be a blessing in disguise? Back in the fourth season—which in my opinion was the peak of the show—Carrie
Underwood was the winner and they were trying to get behind artists who didn’t win. But, when you are the winner the formula is already laid out for you; there are no guarantees of course. Bottom line is that you still have to put out an amazing product, and you must have cooperation from the in-circle people whom you are working with. As to your question: for me there was less pressure in making the amazing record right out of the gate. I was able to do my own thing, do some acting, do some writing; some touring, TV. . . it gave me some wiggle room, but it is different for everyone!
My father’s middle name happens to be Constantine; he is 92 and going strong. Your parents are Greek and you, like my father and myself, are baptized Greek Orthodox. I’m curious as to how your ancestry and family tradition affect your life. It has been the ultimate influence in my life, more than anything really. My fam- ily is just everything I
know...the way I was
raised...that structure and the tradition of growing up Greek Orthodox. I am the youngest of three and I grew in a strong, blue collar family. Both of my parents worked full-time. I had to work as a kid and it really paid off in regard to my work ethic and the strength of family. I think a lot it of haunts me though—being an alter boy as a kid and the drama of the Greek Orthodox divine liturgy on Sundays. It was huge, so dramatic and it was all I knew! I haven’t always been the ideal role model or ideal Greek Orthodox Christian, but I do my best.
When and where was your first public performance? Oh my gosh, school probably, I did all the plays and courses at school growing up.
When I was young I was very nervous and had terrible stage fright. I think all of my teachers recognized that I had an instrument early on. But it was a matter of whether or not I could get in command of it. It was clear that I had a big voice back when I was younger.
How did you initially get involved in Rock of Ages? Through one of my exit meetings from American Idol. I had a lot of interested people
who wanted to work with me when I was eliminated from the show. There was an al- lotted period of time when we got to meet all of these industry people and I met Matt Weaver and Carl Levin. They told me about Rock of Ages. At the time, six years ago, they were starting a workshop in a bar in L.A., then like a club. It was sort of a dirty production in comparison to what we now know as a big Broadway show. I had so much interest in the project, but at the time I was not available and it just didn’t work out. In the mean- time, they created a buzz in L.A. It’s not the show you see today, but back then they certainly built the footing.
So they offered you the role again? Yes, they eventually brought it to off-Broadway and I gave up another gig to take it on
and recreate the role. I knew if we could work it out, we’d hved a hit on our hands. Sure enough, after a few months off-Broadway with packed houses and the buzz around town, people were bugging out and came to party. It was like nothing anyone had seen before because it was just a big rock ‘n’ roll, sexy comedy party with an amazing story filled with heart.
How did it feel to get a Tony nomination for the role? It was bananas . . . my dream! So, it was really cool.
Can you describe the character of Drew in a nutshell? He is just a midwest kid with a dream. He’s talented, moves west and leaves his fam- ily behind. He grew up watching MTV, wanted to be a rock star. He gets a job at the cool club on the strip. Basically he mops up after all of the rock stars after they destroy themselves nightly. It’s cool for him and he really just wants a shot! There is also a boy- meets-girl storyline in the mix.
What is the most outrageous thing that has happened during a performance? Dating back to off-Broadway, crazy things have happened—people have “lit up” in the theatre, definitely some flashing and naked sorts of things. People can be decked out and act crazy. Once it got to Broadway it was still a raucous, crazy party...but more refined.
Interesting. On December 23, 2010, you and former Rock of Ages co-star Angel Reed welcomed the arrival of your daughter, Malena. How has that changed your life? It’s been amazing! Of course, because I am on the road, it’s been difficult. But I am going to see them soon and everyone is happy and healthy.
I recently checked out your website:
constantinemaroulis.com and saw that you have been touring since June of last year and will complete a full year this coming June. What is your next project? I don’t know. There has been talk of Rock of Ages continuing the tour all over the
world. I am interested in a few new projects that are coming up and am also working on putting out some new music this year. I have a TV special I am putting together—a one-man show called The Night at the Rock Show. I definitely want to do more film and television
projects...and as much as I can on Broadway, because I love it.
Why should readers make a point of seeing Rock of Ages? It’s just a freakin’ blast and it takes you back to an awesome time in life. It’s a celebra- tion of great music, sex, drugs and rock ‘n’
roll...and it is done with a lot of heart!
The L.A. production of Rock of Ages runs February 15 - 27 at The Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Tickets: 323.468.1770 or
broadwayLA.org.
O.C. productions runs: March 1 through March 6 at the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: 714.556.2787 or
scfta.org.
FEBRUARY 2011 | RAGE monthly 21
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