5 Questions with WICKED's DJ Plunkett!
Kevin Ray Johnson
I would like you to meet DJ Plunkett! This CCM alum is currently performing the role of Boq in the North American Tour of Wicked. Before hitting the road, DJ has performed regionally with well-respected companies such as North Shore Music Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Human Race Theatre Company, Greater Boston Theatre Company, Unquowa Repertory Theatre. Wicked will forever be in my top 5 favorite musicals of all time. It is truly wonderful to have the chance to interview Mr. Plunkett!
1. How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I was nine years old when I knew I would do this forever. I was in a community theatre production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the children’s choir. My aunt had sent my mom an audition notice from the local newspaper. I was a really shy kid publicly so I don’t think anyone thought I’d actually do it. That being said, I was building stages and sets with my blocks and putting on shows since I was a toddler. It’s always been in my blood.
2. Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
I studied at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and received a BFA in musical theatre. I also give a lot of credit to growing up in the greater Boston area. There were incredible arts education programs through the regional theaters there that shaped who I am as a professional. There are so many mentors. Professors at CCM who taught me the tools I use today and refined the skills I already had and my voice teacher from New England Conservatory hands down taught me how to sing as a kid. But in life, which I believe shapes who you are as an artist and professional, my mom and dad.
3.Congratulations on Wicked! One of my favorite musicals of all time. How has your time been on the road in such an awesome show?
A dream in every way. It’s one of my favorites as well and it’s an honor to tell this story. My journey to wicked was long so I have an unlimited (pun intended?) amount of respect for this job. The show is a massive spectacle, the story is powerful and the company is so caring. Touring brings its own set of challenges that I have found to be really exciting to figure out. Brand new cities and sites, hotels, airports, new people and experiences, it's all absolutely incredible. And I still get chills every single performance doing the opening number.
4. Are there any other shows that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
Yes actually! I played Flounder in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and that show has a very special place in my heart. It was my first job out of school and it got me my equity card. More importantly, it was magically creative and the brilliant team somehow perfectly cast a company of people that all LOVED each other. Every performance was a celebration filled with so much joy. I’m also a Disney nerd so I had a lot of fun creating my interpretation of Flounder. The other show that has popped up multiple times in my career is Big River. The story is important, the music is a blast, and I love the challenge of bringing an iconic character from literature like Huckleberry Finn to life.
5. What advice would you give young performers who want a career in this business?
Stick with it. I know there are always a lot of frustrating common sense answers to this question that are all equally important...but I say if you want it; like truly want it, it will happen. I believe anything you want to happen for yourself WILL happen because you’ll MAKE it happen for yourself. That’s where all the classes and coachings and studying and auditioning come into play. But most importantly, stick with it. Everyone has a different journey and timeline for success and I certainly had to figure out how to respect my own.
If you would like to learn more about DJ make sure you visit his official website at - www.djplunkett.org and to learn more about the North American Tour of Wicked and a list of upcoming cities please visit - https://wickedthemusical.com