Marvin on Marvin: Michael Rupert Catches Christian Borle at Falsettos Opening

On opening night of the first-ever Broadway revival of William Finn and James Lapine’s Falsettos, there was one member of the audience who was perhaps more nervous than the stars on stage. Michael Rupert, who originated the role of Marvin, said entering the Walter Kerr Theater to see the new production brought up a lot of emotions.

“I had a variety of feelings coming into the theater,” Rupert told Broadway.com. “I wondered if I was going to be judgmental or feel uncomfortable or possessive. Ultimately, all I felt was pride. It's a great cast, and it felt very fresh. It's about family and relationships and that plays in 2016 or 1992.”

Rupert has a long history with the show from the off-Broadway incarnations of March of the Falsettos in 1981 and Falsettoland in 1991 as well as the original Broadway production in 1992. In addition to his history with Falsettos, Rupert has co-starred with the revival's Marvin, two-time Tony winner Christian Borle, in both Elegies and Legally Blonde.

"When Christian was cast in the show, I thought that's a good choice," Rupert said. "He did a great job. He actually did some things tonight, where I sat there and thought, ‘Why didn't I think of that way back in the day?’”

As for Falsettos original cast members reuniting at the opening, Rupert said, “We're all thrilled to see each other again. It's a show that's stayed with me more than any show I've ever done. It sounds so corny, but I have a special place in my heart for this show. There is something about Falsettos that means a lot to the people who were involved with it."