Behind the Scenes with Ben Sears: The Show Must Go On
Behind the Scenes with Ben Sears: The Show Must Go On
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive Q&A with the incredibly talented Ben Sears, who has recently stepped into the spotlight to cover the role of Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me. Amidst his already impressive cast roles, Ben has embraced the challenge with humility and grace. Learn all about his journey to prepare, the challenges he’s faced, memorable moments, and more:
Congratulations on covering Steven Kodaly (in addition to your cast roles) in She Loves Me, Ben! How does it feel to take on this challenge?
Thank you so much!! It feels humbling to be trusted with the responsibility of covering Kodaly and Georg. Its tedious to take on two roles that are often opposite each other, but its a joy to work on this gorgeous book and score, and a delight to get to work alongside this talented company of actors and artists!
How did you prepare to be an understudy? When did you feel like you were comfortable to go on as Kodaly?
There’s a lot of repetition in understudy prep. We don’t often get rehearsal until after the show is open, so it’s a lot of rehearsing on your own and drilling the lines on your own time. I don’t ever think comfortable is achievable. Maybe it is for some people, but I’m always a little bit apprehensive to go on. I think that adrenaline keeps me sharp and keeps me honest.
Switching between several characters must be quite the feat. How do you do it? What are the biggest challenges?
The trickiest part of the show is a song called “Sounds While Selling,” which features six different characters singing snippets and sentence fragments of conversations. It is the biggest challenge for me in this show while trying to cover both roles. I have flash cards for all of my lines, but for this song especially.
“Ilona” is a standout musical number in the show and your performance has been exceptional. How do you bring Kodaly’s character to life with this song and what do you enjoy most about it?
The best part about “Ilona” is Kate Marilley (who stars as Ilona). She is pure magic!! When you’re falling in love on stage, you have to make it all about the other person, and it’s not hard when Kate is so radiant and glorious in her performance as Ilona. I just have to make sure she looks good – which isn’t that hard – and the number sparkles!
As the waiter in She Loves Me, you get to showcase your dance skills during the show-stopping “Romantic Atmosphere” number. Tell us, what do you enjoy most about this choreography?
I enjoy how athletic, fun, and story-driven Dann Dunn’s choreography is. He’s a fantastic leader and collaborator. This choreography allows me to be silly and spritely while still giving room for technique and story.
What has been the most rewarding or your favorite part of working on She Loves Me at Gulfshore Playhouse?
I’m always so floored by theatre people. We got word that I was going on for Kodaly, and all the departments sprung into action. The creative team and stage management lead an efficient and calm put-in rehearsal. The Costume department whipped up a gorgeous suit for me, seemingly out of nowhere, and I feel like a million bucks in it! Everyone came together to help me go into the show and seeing all of the hard work and knowing that there are so many people behind me and with me has been incredibly humbling and amazing to watch. I am surrounded by the most talented and kind people on stage and off, and the working relationships have far and away been my favorite part about working at Gulfshore Playhouse.
Do you have any special or memorable moments or experiences from rehearsals or performances that you’d like to share?
It’s a little theatre-gone-wrong moment, but one of our props has a sand bag to weight it down, and one day, during “12 Days of Christmas,” the prop was being handed to me and the sandbag went flying out and hit me square in the face during the show. It was hilarious! I don’t think anyone in the audience noticed, but Jack and I had a good laugh about it! Those silly little moments always keep it fun and fresh. There’s nothing like live theatre!
What do you hope audiences take away from your performances in She Loves Me?
I think She Loves Me is a beautifully optimistic show. The world around us is a scary place, but taking some of that optimism and kindness with us is always a good reminder. I know this show has definitely lifted my spirits, and I hope it does the same for our audiences!
Lastly, do you have any upcoming projects or roles that you’re excited about? Where are you based and where can audiences see you next?
There’s nothing theatrical on the horizon as of yet, but you can catch me doing floral arrangements at the Ritz Carlton and the Park Hyatt where I’m based in New York City.
A huge thank you to Ben Sears for sharing his insights and experiences with us. His dedication and passion truly does shine through on stage. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this outrageously talented actor!