5 Questions with THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG's Todd Buonopane!
Kevin Ray Johnson
I would like you to meet the wonderful Todd Buonopane. This very talented man is currently on the road performing in the National Tour of The Play That Goes Wrong performing the role of Dennis. On Broadway Todd has performed in Cinderella (Jean-Michel), Chicago (Amos), Grease (Roger) and was an understudy in the original cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. You may have also remembered appearing on Television in shows such as Gabe in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Grey's Anatomy, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, 30 Rock and Braindead just to name a few.
I had the privilege of working with Todd a couple of years ago in a production of Guys and Dolls at The Asolo Repertory Theatre where he played Nicely-Nicely Johnson and his performance of “Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat” was truly a joy to watch and perform in every night. I am really happy to have the opportunity to interview Todd!
1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I was 11 years old when my mom took me to an audition for a local children's performing troupe called The Confetti Kids. I was hooked immediately. I did a community theater show soon after that and then had my first summer (of SEVEN) at Stagedoor Manor!
2.) Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
I majored in Musical Theatre at the great University of Michigan! I had so many mentors that have helped me. I truly believe that any artist that achieves any level of success has a string of mentors that helped them get there. I'll focus on two: Josie Walker, who was the artistic director of the Confetti Kids and the Merrimack Junior Theatre ignited a love for theatre in me. Michael Larsen, the artistic director of Stagedoor, inspired me, challenged me, scared me, and lifted me up like no one else had. I feel bad leaving anyone out, so here's a list of first names of my greatest mentors: Carl, Elsie, Jeff, Tina, Dana, Brent, Linda, Gary, Melody, Philip, Janet, and more.
3.) Congratulations on The Play That Goes Wrong! By far the funniest show I have ever seen. How has your time been on the road?
I did not see myself touring again at this point in my life. But as actors, we rarely get to choose the directions of our careers. And this opportunity has turned out to be such a blessing in my life. I usually do musicals. I was excited to do a play and (stupidly) thought it would be easier on my voice and my body. I could not have been more wrong. This is one of the most challenging shows I have ever done. But it's so rewarding. We bring such joy to people with this show!
4.) Are there any other shows that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
I made my Broadway debut as an understudy in the original company of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I covered 4 roles in that show. I'd never understudied before. It was truly terrifying. But that show made me brave. I could jump in and play so many different parts in that show. If I can do that, I can do almost anything. My favorite shows tend to be new shows. I love to be in on the creative process. Of course, the writers write the show, but when I create a role, I leave a little piece of my artistry in that show forever.
5.) What advice would you give young performers who want a career in this business?
In terms of art, I always remind my students that "we are all still cooking". We pull ourselves out of the oven to do shows, but then we get back in and cook. By that I mean, we are ALL still learning. Allow yourself to grow. Seek out growth. Seek out people that challenge you as much as they praise you. Alec Baldwin was once asked why he keeps returning to the theatre. His response was "Cause I haven't done it right yet". I love that. None of us will ever do it right. But it's the trying that matters. And as for the business, a successful career is a combination of talent, tenacity, kindness, and luck. You can't control the last one, so work on your art, show up for your career, and be a good person!
To learn more about Todd make sure you visit his website at -http://www.toddbuonopane.com and to learn more about The Play That Goes Wrong make sure you visit - www.broadwaygoeswrong.com