Ask a Star: Joey McIntyre
Sure you know Wicked star Joey McIntyre. You know him from the poster of him you had on your wall back when he was with New Kids on the Block. You know him from his theatrical credits like tick, tick...BOOM! and Babes in Arms at Reprise! in Los Angeles. You know him from the film version of The Fantasticks, his stint on TV's Boston Public and his four solo albums Stay the Same, Meet Joe Mac, One Too Many and 8:09. But do you really know him? Did you know that he stars in the upcoming film version of Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding which recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival? We bet there are other things you don't know about Joe Mac. Find out! Read his answers to your questions!
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From Paige: I saw you in Wicked in August. You were amazing! What's it like being up on stage every night with Idina Menzel and Jennifer Laura Thompson?
Joey responds: It's like sparring every night with two heavyweights. You have to be on your game and you are always learning and discovering and getting better. And hopefully, you don't get knocked out.
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From Kate: Do you have any funny stories or bloopers that happened during Wicked?
Joey responds: Well, I probably shouldn't bring this up, but a couple of weeks ago, I missed a cue by about two minutes. It was during a Sunday matinee, and it was the first time. I just didn't know where we were in the show. I realize now it was creeping up on me the Saturday before--.I had the thought during the second show of that day, "Did we already do this scene, or am I about to do that scene now?" After two months in the show, those thoughts come to you no matter how centered or professional you are. Question is, can you catch them before they catch you? Unfortunately, they caught me this one Sunday. Basically, I had thought I had done the scene already, so I thought I was done for Act One and proceeded to unbutton my shirt and loosen my tie, etc. I was in the crew room watching Sunday football and suddenly, one of the crew guys runs in and says, "You're late. You're REALLY late!" And instantly, I realized I hadn't done that scene, yet. I enter stage right, but up on a small balcony about 10 steps up, so therefore I had to run up 10 steps backstage to get to the balcony. Lord knows what Idina and Jennifer were doing for two minutes, but I finally got to "the train station" and said something like, "Oh, I'm so glad your train hasn't left yet." The crowd was thoroughly entertained as they were in on the joke and that is live theater, folks. Our stage manager was merciful with me...stern, but merciful. .
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From Tyler: How did you land your role in Wicked and how did you first get started in show business? I really want to be on Broadway and am a theater major and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Just wanted to know how you got started. Thanks!
Joey responds: I got started in community theater when I was six. My family has been involved, since I was born, with The Footlight Club, the oldest community theater in America. I was also a member of the Neighborhood Children's Theatre of Boston. I always did it for fun. I never thought of it as a career. Of course, I was so young, but then again, that hasn't stopped a lot of parents and kids from going for it. The thing that made a profession out of what I do was the New Kids. But even the New Kids started out as an after school thing and then suddenly you get a break and BAM! I have used my resources from the New Kids to continue to do what I love to do. Essentially, that is find out who I am and what I want through music and acting. I've been really lucky, but I've put in the work as well. The best part about it is getting to work with so many talented, funny, passionate people and sharing the experience with them. I don't think there is a better place for that than Broadway. So I say to you, you know what you want, you know what it takes. Just have faith.
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From Ashley Regina: Joey, Wicked is one of my favorite new shows, and when I heard you were going to play Fiyero, my mind flashed back to your days of New Kids on the Block. I was quite a youngster when you guys were doing your thing I'm only 18 and a half now, but I had the coolest hot pink digital watch that had a little flip cover featuring you guys. What's it like making the transition from boy bander to Broadway star?
Joey responds: In many ways, the New Kids was like a long run in a Broadway show. People talk about "transitions" and how that works. I can't relate to that because I started in the theater as a kid. I grew up around the "roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd." It's in my blood. I have an ingrained respect for the theater and I feel comfortable in it. Some people might see me as a pop star "trying out Broadway," but anybody who knows me isn't surprised to see me doing what I'm doing now. And hopefully those who see me in Wicked will feel the same.
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From Catherine: Joey, what was it like playing Jonathan in tick, tick...BOOM!?
Joey responds: I could go on and on about this one, but let's just say it changed my life. What a role! What an amazing way to get in the New York ring and rock and roll. It's just one of those things along the way that will always stick out as really important for me. And its WAY BETTER than Rent. Sorry, Rentheads.
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From Arielle: Hey Joey, I am a huge fan of yours. I have most of your albums as part of the New Kids on the Block and both of your solo albums. You're absolutely amazing. I also thought you were great in Boston Public. Do you have any Idea why it went of the air? Anyway I just recently saw you in Wicked, you play a great Fiyero. Do you have any specific rituals that you do before you go on stage?
Joey responds: Thank you! I don't have any hardcore rituals really. I don't have to get ready until they call places. I shave, I stretch not enough, I do a vocal warm up...I will say this, though. I do have a bit of OCD when it comes to my dressing room. It has to be neat and everything has to be in its place. Like all my make-up brushes are arranged a certain way...basically, everything on my table has a permanent place. And my dresser, Jack, is very understanding of this, he knows I only like ONE bottle of water on the table at a time. It can only be replaced after the previous one is finished and in the trash. PRETTY CRAZY, huh?
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From Amber: What's it like playing the love interest of Idina Menzel? Her voice is extremely powerful, do did you find it intimidating to sing the duet "As Long As You're Mine" the first time?
Joey responds: YES! I could REALLY go on and on about Idina, but I'll just say a few things. First, thank God she's wearing green make up, because I would probably be too nervous to kiss her. Secondly, to be able to sing with all that talent just inches in front of you every night is such a gift and opportunity. Thirdly, she is so sweet and really caring, but she could also kick my ass. And, lastly, I hope she doesn't read this, because I'm supposed to be the dashing prince, who saves her every night!
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From Laura Moore: When you first began on Broadway, did you find people had a bias towards your ability as a theater actor due to your background with New Kids on the Block, or did you find the Broadway community very supportive?
Joey responds: First of all, the cast has been very supportive. I'm sure everyone had their own opinion of what I might be like, but like I said before, this isn't the first cast I've joined, so it wasn't an unfamiliar experience for me. Everyone has talent in this show, but it's about what you bring to the table for Wicked. That's what matters and we all work hard to do that. No matter what your past, YOU EITHER HAVE IT, OR YOU'VE HAD IT!
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From Lea: First, I would like to say you did an amazing job as Fiyero. The song "As Long as Your Mine" is one of my personal favorites as well as "Dancing Through Life." My question however, is how does Broadway to you differ from a singing performance or an acting job? And which one do you prefer the most? Personally, I think Broadway fits you because you have a great acting ability and a wonderful voice.
Joey responds Thank you. I would have to agree with you there. Musical theater is a craft all its own, but you still have to go about it in the same way as any other art. That is find out what it is and what you think it's saying and try to sing it, say it and act it out as truthfully as you can. Musical theater is the one place that you get the most ways to express what you are trying to say.
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From Layla Janoff:Just for fun, what's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Joey responds: I've recently discovered Tasti D-Lite! So, basically any flavor.
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JOEY MCINTYRE IS NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!