Cheyenne Jackson – Opening Night

By starrymag | June 16, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What is it about the film and role that drew you to wanting to be a part of it?

 

A) I love theatre.  I love Anthony Rapp.  I wanted to play a sloppy drunk a-hole.

 

Q) Did the role evolve at all from how he was originally written and described to you?

 

A) A bit.  I was given some flexibility in how greasy I portrayed him.  It’s fine line.

 

Q) What continues to fuel your love for acting?

 

A) I love to challenge myself and scare myself. Life is short and sweet and i love new experiences

 

Q) How was working with director Jack Henry Robbins and what advice/guidance did he give you?

 

A) Jack was hilarious and even keel.  He was very collaborative and prepared.

 

Q) What was the most challenging aspect of filming? 

 

A) Indies are challenging by nature because of budgetary limitations. You don’t ever get a ton of takes to get stuff perfect, so you have to make a choice and move on.  You can’t belabor things.

 

Q) You worked with Anthony Rapp in the film, had you two worked together before or was this the first time? Was there instant chemistry?

 

A) We had worked together before and we have a mutual respect as friends so that was fun and easy to work in to the subtext.

 

Q) Were you a member of your high school drama, and what have you carried with you in your career from your high school theater days?

 

A) I did two plays in high school. What I’ve carried is that love of the audience-performer rapport. There is nothing else like it.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite behind the scenes moments from filming?

 

A) I had broken my foot prior to shooting so I had to use crutches in between and any scene where I’m in the theatre watching I have my foot propped up inconspicuously.  It made for interesting walking choices.

 

Q) What do you think it is that movie will strike a cord with film viewers?

 

A) We can all relate to young love, facing your fears and dashed expectations of one’s self and what they saw for their lives.

 

Q) What have you taken away from your experiences being a part of the film?

 

A) That Shakespeare is timeless and that I look funny with a mustache.