Robert Cuccioli earned a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Tony nomination and a permanant place in many theatergoer's hearts with his unforgettable portrayal of the dual personalities of Jekyll & Hyde. Although its hard to think of him as anything else, astute theatergoers will remember Cuccioli from earlier work in shows like And The World Goes Round, Camelot, The Rothschilds and Les Miserables. Currently, he can be seen off-Broadway in the new musical Enter the Guardsman, playing an over-the-top actor. Here he answers questions from Broadway.com users.
From Emmy1610: Which female musical theater performers do you admire? Robert responds: Bernadette Peters… Karen Ziemba… I admire them both because they’re both, aside from talented, hard-working individuals who pay close attention to their craft.
From Tweety863: What was the first Broadway show you ever saw? What is your favorite musical? Robert responds: The first was Irene with Debbie Reynolds. Favorites? Jesus Christ Superstar is a big favorite. Of course Jekyll and Hyde… Man of La Mancha, Carousel…
From gmk: What’s it like to have fans? For people to travel to see you in whatever you do? It seems that it would be flattering but maybe a little embarrassing. Robert responds: I would never say it’s embarrassing. It’s hardly embarrassing. I’m incredibly flattered and honored that people travel around to see me. They’re incredibly supportive fans and although it took me a little while to get used to it in the beginning, it’s something that I’m totally comfortable with right now.
From Gigi: I recently saw your cabaret act at Arci’s Place and it was truly wonderful. Do you plan on doing cabaret again in the future? Robert responds: I will do it again when I feel I have something to say in that venue. Right now I have no immediate plans but that can turn on a dime.
From coochfan: It’s great that you appreciate your fans but don’t you think your accessibility and availability creates a false sense of intimacy with them? I’ve actually heard middle-aged women, who see you 3-4 times a week, refer to you as “my guy” or “my boyfriend.” It’s too weird, isn’t it? Robert responds: If they refer to me like that, that’s their own issue. I’m not “their guy” or “their boyfriend.” Of course since I have my own website, the people do know certain things about me, but that’s part of the deal. I suppose there is some sort of intimacy there because I allow these people knowledge of myself to some extent but I’m not too sure.
From haidlmy: With your background as an accountant, do you do your own taxes? Robert responds: Well, I wasn’t an accountant, so no I don’t do my own taxes anymore. I don’t have the time. And don’t ask me for any financial advice!
From dork2099: How on earth did you hit and sustain the G at the end of “The Way Back” in Jekyll and Hyde night after night? On the recording, it doesn’t sound “covered” and singing it straight out takes SO much oxygen! A hint, please? Robert responds: Proper singing actually takes less oxygen than you may think. It’s all about efficiency and economy. If you sing it correctly, you can hold a note “until the cows come home.”
From heartandmusic: Of course you are one of the Gods of Broadway, so I don’t even have to go into that J Does the enormity of the Jekkie fan base still amaze you? I made one of my best friends during my first week of high school because she heard me mention that I was comtemplating a J&H song. It was an incredible show that touched the hearts of so many people. Robert responds: Being a part of the Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon, I was I the middle of the fray so to speak. I understand the attraction to the show and the music. I think Frank Wildhorn writes music that touches the public deeply. And I think the story is something everyone can relate to, even though it’s a gothic story. People find something of themselves in the show.
From queenieblonde: Would you do Jekyll and Hyde again? Robert responds: I never say never.
From Yvonne: Are you a sports fan? Mets or Yankees? Giants or Jets? Islanders or Rangers? Robert responds: Yankees, Jets…but I’m not really a hockey fan. Oh, and the Knicks.
From Jimmynel1: What advice would you give to young singers? Robert responds: I would say study as much as you can, even when you begin to work in this business. Don’t ever stop studying. You can never learn too much. Study everything. If singing is your fortee, invest in your acting abilities as well, as well as movement. Also make sure you don’t get tunnel-visioned with just “the business.” There’s a world out there that you need to explore. That only helps your craft as well. And if this is in your heart and your soul and it’s the only thing you feel you can do, then do it with all your heart and soul and don’t let anyone deter you. And don’t give up!
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