Interview mit Mark Fries

 

1)How did you end up in this job?

I’ve always been very interested in acting, always thought I was gonna be an actor. Later on came the dancing and singing as well. There is something fantastic about the fact that I get to dive into all kinds of characters that don’t necessarily resemble me, and I love making people feel something when I’m on stage, wether it being happy, sad, scared etc. 

2)What was your first role?

my first professional role, was a minor role in a production of “Dead Man Walking” at The Royal Danish Theater, but my first role in a musical, or ensemble I should say, was in the musical Cabaret at Gothenburg Operahouse in Sweden. I loved that show and worked with some amazing people.

3) Which role would you like to play one day at all costs?

Evan Hansen in the musical Dear Evan Hansen. That character is so interesting and has so much depth, and I can relate to that character in many ways. And not only would it be interesting acting wise, but the songs are also unbelievably good.

4)How do you prepare yourself for a role? 

it depends on what role it is, and it’s different from a play to a musical. I work in musicals these days, and there goes a lot of work into listening to the piece and getting familiar with it. Then learning the music and the choreography as well as doing the character work. And some musicals are more demanding than others, in the current production I’m rehearsing for, Starlight Express, I have to be on roller skates, so I have to learn that first, which is a long process. 

5)You currently play in the musical Starlight Express with. Do you have a favourite scene in the musical?

I’m currently rehearsing for Starlight Express. And I’m gonna be a swing, doing different tracks and roles. I’m quite excited about playing the part of Flat top, just because he is a quirky character with chance of doing some great comedic inputs. 

6) What are you especially proud of?

I’m actually really proud of being part of the new cast of Starlight Express. I knew that a lot of hard work goes into this show, and after starting skate school and rehearsals for the show, I’ve become even more aware of how much work it is.

7)What are your plans for 2023?

my plans for 2023 is to rock the stage in Bochum with the rest of the cast of Starlight Express!