This week we are joined by veteran of stage and screen Adam Heller, current and original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Some Like It Hot, now in performances at the Shubert Theatre in New York City. Heller reflects on his journey with the show, from early readings to its soon-to-be year-long run on Broadway, delves into his theater-going parents that introduced him to theater as a born and raised New Yorker, and how the industry has changed, for worse or for better, since he started his career.
“Teachers always told us, ‘if there’s anything else you can do, please do it.’ YOu’re gong to experience so many peaks and valleys and always be looking for work, but this is something that’s chronic in our business and it never ends. But those hills and valleys are something you become accustomed to and you have to surround yourself with a support team of friends and family,” he shared. “The pandemic was interesting because we all had to unplug. Civilization was forced to sit back and it was peculiar to know that the acting profession was what was the most aggressive way of transmitting this virus. What an irony!”
Heller also spoke about the importance of maintaining friendships and relationships amongst colleagues, how they are necessary for support and community, and how in some cases, like his 30+ year friendship with Some Like It Hot director/choreographer Casey Nicolaw led to his casting in the show. “If you hang out long enough, you reconnect with buddies along the way,” he laughed.
Watch our full interview above and be sure to catch Some Like It Hot, in performances at the Shubert Theatre now through December 30th.
