Evita Star Max von Essen Shares His Obsession with Steve Kazee, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and TV's Housewives

Broadway stars know what’s hot in entertainment, fashion and pop culture, so Broadway.com decided it was high time to tap in to the after-hours obsessions of our favorite stage actors. Evita star Max von Essen, who will move from his regular role as Magaldi to rock out as Che from July 2 to July 7 (while Ricky Martin is on vacation), is always on the pulse of today’s coolest trends, and he shared with us his passion for Girls, TV Housewives, Brooks Brothers and his fellow Broadway stars.

TV SHOW: Girls
“The amazing thing is I'm not a girl (did you know that?) and I'm not even part of the generation Girls explores and yet I love it! Lena Dunham's writing and performance are spot-on, naturalistic, humorous and effortless. She's an unbelievable talent.” 

STAGE SHOW (OTHER THAN MY OWN): Once
“I first saw Once down at NYTW [New York Theatre Workshop] to support my buddy, Steve Kazee, and I was instantly blown away. It entertained me and moved me so deeply. I was reminded what theater can and should be. Absolutely beautiful.”

SONG OR SINGER: Mixtapes from Andrew Keenan-Bolger
“I hate to be general, but I rely on Andrew Keenan-Bolger for all things music. Every season, he releases a mixtape on his blog of the most incredible and current music. I download it instantly and it gets me through the season and keeps me educated musically. I love it. Check it out! www.thisisandrewsblog.com.” 

ATHLETE: Ryan Steele
“Ryan Steele [of Newsies]. No joke, have you seen this boy dance??? One of the finest athletes you'll ever see, and you can see him on the Broadway stage eight times a week.”

  VACATION SPOT: The Hamptons
“Ahhhhhh...the Hamptons. And the only bummer about the Broadway schedule is I only get to escape there for a day once in a while. But I like going off season, too, when it's not so crazy."

APP: Instagram
“My favorite app is without a doubt Instagram. It's such a fun way to share photos and life's captured moments with friends, family and fans."

RANDOM OBSESSION: Gluten-Free Goodies
“Well, since I'm gluten intolerant, I'm always searching for the newest gluten free offering in the city. Other than eating at Nizza on Ninth Avenue every chance I get, I recently discovered that Georgetown Cupcakes in Soho makes one gluten free cupcake called Lava Fudge. Oh. My. God. It. Is. Unreal!!!”

CELEBRITY: James Franco
"My obsession with James Franco borders on the unhealthy."

FASHION DESIGNER: Brooks Brothers’ Black Fleece
"Lately I can't get enough of the Brooks Brothers line called Black Fleece, designed by Thom Browne. They dressed me for the Evita opening night and the Tonys and made me feel like a million bucks. For casual wear, I'm obsessed with Onassis in Soho. Hip-preppy and well priced."

BEAUTY PRODUCT: Mac Studio Fix
"Mac Studio Fix. Gets the shine out every time. Seriously, if I didn't use it, you could probably see your reflection in my forehead. "

MOVIE: La Vie en Rose
“Marion Cotillard's performance in this film continues to take my breath away when I see it. Stunning performance, brilliant film.”

REALITY SHOW: Real Housewives of…
“I cannot get enough of Real Housewives of (insert ANY city here). These programs are such a guilty pleasure for me and I absolutely LOVE to HATE these women. Curse you, Andy Cohen, for coming up with such addictive Bravo programming.”

BOOK:
“If it's more than 142 characters, I won't read it.”