He’s a two-time Kevin Kline Award-winner, and a well-known star of the Muny’s “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" and numerous Stages St. Louis shows including “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.” Plus, he has years of New York and regional experience.
But actor Ben Nordstrom doesn’t hesitate to play second fiddle. Or third. Or a mere chorus guy named “Mike” in the The Muny’s current production of “Oklahoma,” which is also his home state.
Nordstrom came to St. Louis to attend Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts. After graduation, he went to New York, did regional theater and came back — twice, this time for good, he says — to St. Louis where he lives with his wife and son.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear from Nordstrom in the podcast:
- One reason he went from more serious roles to musical comedy, after moving here: “St. Louis loves musicals. I think audiences do and all the theaters do.” Tweet #cutpastestl
- What happened when the lights went out at Stages’ “Footloose”: “And it was like, ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ and we had to stop the show.” Tweet #cutpastestl
- On the newer, more reality-based Susan Stroman-choreographed “Oklahoma”: “So it’s not necessarily going to be big ‘yuk-yuk’ cheesy, old-fashioned musical comedy.” Tweet #cutpastestl
Look for new "Cut & Paste" (#cutpastestl) podcasts every few weeks on our website. You can also view all previous podcasts, which focus on a diverse collection of visual and performing artists, and subscribe to “Cut & Paste” through this link.
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