Anyone know other actor-musicians?

[jasobres]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 8:52am

We all know that in Sweeney Patti LuPone shows her tuba chops and in Cabaret, Denis O'Hare acts and blows a clarinet, but does anyone know of any other actor-musicians besides the ones in Cabaret and Sweeney Todd? It could be either if they play the instruments in the show or outside of the show. For example, we all know that Adam Pascal and those who have succeeded him play guitar in Rent and David Hyde Pierce plays piano in Spamalot but what about others?

Updated On: 12/5/05 at 08:52 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 8:57am

There are a bunch of actors who just happen to play intruments, I'm sure. ie, I just found out that Raul plays guitar and piano, which is why I must see Company.

I think that some of the actors who have played guitar in Rent learned a couple of chords *for* the show. Adam played before that, and still does.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 8:57am

I know several actors who have been in Broadway shows and on national tours. I can't think of one who isn't also a musician. That's pretty much a given for theatre actors, especially ones who do musical theatre.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 12:20pm

I don't think that's necessarily true. I know several accomplished performers who have beautiful voices and can't play a note on an instrument, other than to pluck out a few notes on a piano to learn a piece of music. Definitely not well enough to accompany anyone, nor themselves.

My voice teacher, growing up, her biggest pet peeve was when people referred to "singers and musicians"... she plays the guitar and piano and she still believes that anyone who "just sings" is still a musician. You're producing music, you're still creating a sound with a melody/harmony.

I don't know though, hearing some "singers" in theatre, I would never go as far as calling them "musicians". However, I think it's far enough to say most musical theatre performers ARE actor/musicians, whether or not they play an instrument (other than their voice).


To name a few whom I've seen play instruments at different venues: Alice Ripley (guitar), Gavin Creel (guitar), Laura Benanti (piano and guitar)

I think most either play the guitar or piano... it would be more interesting to know who can play the harp or bassoon.

[Gingersnap]

Posted: 12/5/05 at 12:43pm

Hugh Panaro was a piano minor at Temple University and played the piano in "The Red Shoes."