Constantine Maroulis on His 'Fun' Rock of Ages Cameo and Reinventing Jekyll & Hyde

On June 15 the Rock of Ages film adapatation hits the big screen starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough, and…wait, is that Constantine Maroulis? The American Idol alum, who snagged a Tony nomination for his portrayal of rock-star-wannabe Drew Boley, makes a surprising cameo in the movie as a record executive, complete with slicked-back hair and a cheesy '80s suit. On the 2012 Tony Awards red carpet, Broadway.com chatted with Maroulis about his involvement with the film, as well as his preparation for the Broadway-bound revival of Jekyll & Hyde.

“It wasn’t me, I swear!” Maroulis joked. “It was great. [Director] Adam Shankman called me and said, ‘Listen Constantine, we wouldn’t have a movie without you.’ It was the ultimate compliment.” The actor had a blast on set in Miami filming his “insider, fun cameo” alongside Diego Boneta as Drew and Paul Giamatti as show biz agent Paul Gill. “It was a nice way to cap off the run with the show after so many years,” Maroulis said.

The actor is now gearing up to headline a 25-week national tour of Jekyll & Hyde, which is aiming for a Broadway run in the spring of 2013. The production is sure to be “a challenge,” said Maroulis. “We’re completely reinventing this iconic piece of musical theater, and I relish the opportunity.” The Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden musical will be helmed by Jeff Calhoun (Newsies), and Maroulis is thrilled to work with the acclaimed director. “Jeff Calhoun is the hottest director on Broadway by far,” he said. “His aesthetic is just so beautiful.” The revival also stars Deborah Cox and “an amazing ensemble of actors,” according to Maroulis. “[I want to] show everyone what we can do and put on a great show.”