Chris Peluso: Surrounded by Women at Mamma Mia!
What’s it like to play the young hero in Broadway’s most female-centric musical? That’s what we asked Chris Peluso, who’s currently featured as groom-to-be Sky in the long-running hit Mamma Mia!. Peluso has played starring roles in many regional productions (Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, Tony in West Side Story and Chad in All Shook Up, to name three), but this is his biggest Broadway part to date, and he’s loving getting the chance to “lay all his love” on Brandi Burkhardt as Sophie. Here, Pelosi gives us a glimpse at backstage life among the ladies of Mamma Mia!
Performing a lead in a Broadway musical has been my dream since I was in middle school, and I’m enjoying every moment of playing Sky in Mamma Mia!. Hey, for most of the show, I get to dance, crack jokes, get drunk and kiss a beautiful girl! The women in Mamma Mia!, however, are the true stars of the show. I love going to work each day to help further the story of a single mother with a young daughter searching for her father.
What can I say about Carolee Carmello, who stars as Donna Sheridan? Sky doesn’t get to interact with Donna and the Dynamos very much, but I had the pleasure of working with Carolee in Lestat prior to entering Mamma Mia!, and she is one of the most dedicated, professional and talented people I have ever worked with. In fact, my favorite moment in the show is when Carolee sings “The Winner Takes It All.” Hearing her flawlessly hit the high notes at the end of the song with such emotional vigor gave me chills when I watched it from the house for the first time, and I still feel that way.
I am so grateful to be one of the only young romantic leads on Broadway. This has been my first opportunity to be in a show for a substantial length of time and play opposite two different leading ladies. I’m lucky to have been paired with two extremely talented Sophies, Allison Case (who’s now in Hair) and Brandi Burkhardt. Their energy is very different, but it’s been a welcome challenge to find that onstage relationship with two smart and beautiful ladies.
The role of Sky is so much fun to perform. He lives life to the fullest and is also a big risk-taker. After all, this is a guy who leaves a secure life on Wall Street to pursue his newfound love, Sophie. I can identify: I started college at the University of Michigan as a double major in chemistry and musical theater. When I realized I needed to make a choice between the two, I had to follow my heart and not my wallet. Risks can be hard to take, but Sky made the right decision, and I feel I did too.
My favorite thing about playing Sky is exploring his sense of humor and desire to enjoy every moment. But there’s also a scene in the second act in which Sky shows his budding maturity and sense of self. I really enjoy playing that scene because the audience is caught off guard, thinking, “When did he get so serious?” It’s nice to be able to surprise them during this journey I take onstage eight times a week.
Not surprisingly, my mother has come to see me in this ultimate “girl-power” show. She had no idea that I was going to be shirtless for such a long stretch! The majority of her comments were typical of a supportive mother: “I wish I could have seen more of you up there.” She understands the uncertainly of an actor’s life—you never really know when you’re going to have a stable job and stable income—and she’s been very supportive. I am very thankful to have her in my life.
Now that our show is about to become the 15th longest-running Broadway musical, I’ve been thinking about what sets it apart. And the answer is simple: The appeal of Mamma Mia! is the familiar songs of ABBA set to a heartfelt story that is truly universal in its message and humor. It continues to be such a pleasure to perform this amazingly uplifting show with such talented and kind people. Come see us this summer at the Winter Garden Theatre!
