Meet the Stars :: Roy Bean

Roy Bean starred in Chicago as Mary Sunshine on Broadway and in the national tour.


Question:   What do you do to take care of your voice for the role of Mary Sunshine?

I actually don't speak for 12 hours a day. I drink a lot of water and a can of Coke before every show. The big thing is the vocal rest. It is so imperative to give the vocal chords time to recover.

Question:   Do you have any funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Chicago that you can share with us?  

One time during the number "We Both Reached for the Gun" we were doing the troll turns and Mamie's fingernail caught one of the curls and ripped my wig off. I just grabbed my hair from her fingernail and ran offstage, couldn't stop laughing and then realized I had to sing in about 10 seconds so I threw my wig back on and just ran back onstage and started singing. We couldn't stop giggling.

Question:   How did you get the role of Mary Sunshine?

I had my first audition through an open call. And a short year later, and 5 or 6 callbacks, I can't remember anymore, I got the job.

Question:   What other roles would you be interested in doing in the future?

I would love to play the Padre in Man of La Mancha again. Mr. Snow in Carousel is another of my favorites. I really just want to do good work. Things that I am proud of. I will just see what the future brings.

Question:   What is your training and background? Did you major in theatre in college?

I have an undergraduate degree in Music Education, and I have a Masters degree in Opera Performance. Where I went to graduate school, Oklahoma City University, they had a great theater and musical theater dept. I took extra dance classes and acting classes. I knew that musical theater would be where I would end up. It is much more me than opera. I finished my degree in opera because of the training. My teacher was and still is amazing.

Question:   What inpired you to decide to make a career in "show business"?

It is just what I love. Once I discovered it I could not imagine doing anything else. The stage is where I am home. It is the one place I truly feel safe.

Question:   Do you see other shows on your days off? If so, which one(s) did you particularly enjoy?

Every now and then. I spend 6 days a week in the theater and on my day off, I tend to stay away. I do try to see almost everything though. I have to go and support my wonderful friends.

Question:   Would you please tell us a little about yourself besides what is in your Playbill bio?

I love art. It is one of my passions. I just love Diego Rivera. Spanish artist are some of my favorites. I collect pottery. I am really into Native American pottery. My latest adventure was going to the Navaho Reservation in Arizona and picking up some beautiful pieces.

©2002 OnstageWebWorks

site launch 01August2002