Broadway BUZZ

Meet Kean, one of the regular theatergoers that was chosen to be a part of the Broadway.com Word of Mouth panel for the 2011-2012 theater season!

How far do you live from Broadway?
I live in New Jersey, about 20 to 25 minutes from Broadway.

What do you do for a living?
I am an account manager for a job search website.

Who first exposed you to Broadway?
My last year in high school, I studied Theater History and our teacher required our class to see a musical and write about our experience. Needless to say, since being required to see that show, I have continued to see more shows, voluntarily!

Any special childhood theater memories?
My first experience performing on stage in our 3rd grade production of The Stork and the Balloon always sat in me as one of my most embarrassing moments (due to a line flub). However, it was also one of my most challenging memories that made me realize the hard work, discipline, and talent performers in theater must have, especially to execute at as high a level as Broadway stars do.

What do you love about Broadway?
I love that every time I see a show, I am watching actual people pull off amazing feats of voice, acting and dance that all the technology of today cannot capture in the same way. Since I create and love music, I compare the stage to movies, the same way you compare a synthesized and digitally created beat to a live rhythmic band. Even though all the computerization can make everything perfect and on time, there is just something so human and raw about hearing live drums and instruments. It his the bones and touches the soul in a different way. Broadway does that for me in the realm of stage performance.

Have you ever acted? Had aspirations of being on Broadway yourself?
I have acted and did once hold aspirations of being a handsome lead actor in Broadway plays.

Who do you like to go to the theater with and why?
I enjoy going to the theater with my father because he grew up a pretty stiff military guy and does not have the same exposure to the arts as I do. He always ends up fascinated with not only the show, but with himself for even enjoying it! It's always hilarious.

What are some of your all-time favorite Broadway shows?
Avenue Q, Cyrano de Bergerac, Urinetown, Death of a Salesman, A Doll's House... and the list goes on!

Why should Broadway.com viewers listen to your opinion?
I am very observant when it comes to stage productions as I have experience performing and creating choreography and performances too. I express myself well and am not a trained critic. I am just a social, life loving 24 year old who wants to have a good time absorbing some Broadway!

What was your reaction when you found out you'd been chosen for the panel?
I was ecstatic and immediately pumped my fist in excitement!