5 Questions with THE LION KING's Ben Roseberry!
Kevin Ray Johnson
It is my honor to introduce you to the hardworking and talented Ben Roseberry. On Friday, March 6th after 20 years in the business, Mr. Roseberry made his Onstage Broadway debut playing the role of Ed in The Lion King at The Minskoff Theatre. Ben has also performed in the National Tours of The Gentlemen's Guide To Love and Murder, The Lion King, and RENT; Off-Broadway in Hercules, Einstein's Dreams, The Apple Boys, Fugitive Songs, and Emma. Ben has also performed on two cast albums along with many workshops and readings.
Ben along with Chip Klose are also the songwriting team behind musicals such as Picture Perfect, and From the Ground Up. They were also 2016 Finalist for The Jonathan Larson Grant and winners of MAC Wallowitch Award. I am very much drawn to Ben's story because I honestly believe that everyone has the potential to make it in the industry the reason why a lot of people don't is because that can't stick it out and they give up. Ben never gave up and I like a lot of people can be very inspired by his perseverance, patience and positive attitude. I am so beyond happy to have had the chance to interview Ben Roseberry!
1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I’ve been singing since before I could speak, but I would say at around age 11 I realized I loved being on stage.
2.) Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
I have a BFA from Webster Conservatory in St. Louis, MO. I owe much of my career to the training I received in that program. My dialect and Shakespeare professor, Bruce Longworth, made a HUGE impression on me. Also, a more recent mentor in my adult life would be Michael McElroy. I learn SO much from him during my time in Broadway Inspirational Voices. Not just about singing, but about life. He is a true hero to me.
3.) Congratulations on The Lion King! How does this amazing moment feel for you?
Surreal. I’m literally speechless. In all the ways I imagined this moment this was definitely not one of them. It’s been a whirlwind of a week. I’m so incredibly happy and honored to join this company, though. I’ll remember this moment for the rest of my life.
4.) Are there any other shows that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
Being a part of Hercules in Central Park last summer was a game-changer for me. I will never see theater or community the same. Also, I did a beautiful little show up at Barrington Stage company 12 years ago called “The Mysteries of Harris Burdick” by Miller and Tysen (Tuck Everlasting, The Burnt Part Boys) and with Joe Calarco (R&J) as the book writer and director. It is one of the most magical shows I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of. There are moments from that show that I will carry with me forever.
5.) What advice would you give young performers who want a career in this business?
I would say this. You need to both embrace AND forget the fact that this is a business. All of the things that the casting directors and producers are telling you to do to up your game are SUPER important. But at the end of the day what they say doesn’t define you. They are people also. With opinions just like you. If you start to get too bogged down in the business side of things (type, social media followers, who booked and who didn’t) shake things up and find the joy again. Remember why you started this in the first place. That will help you run your own race and no one else’s.
To learn more about Ben's writing please visit - http://www.roseberryandklose.com; and for tickets and more information about The Lion King please visit - https://www.lionking.com