Nick Anastasia Discusses Ross in Friends! The Musical Parody, Hair, & Following Your Gut!
I would like you to meet Nick Anastasia, an awesome person on and off the stage! Nick is currently playing Ross in Friends! The Musical Parody Off-Broadway and will be reprising the role in the upcoming North American Tour. Some of his other credits include - Hair (Claude; International Tour), Voca People (Tenoro; Off-Broadway*/National/International Tours, *Lucille Lortel Award), Monster Jam (Fox Sports 1), The Love Note (Adam; Original Off-Broadway Cast), In The Heights (Sonny; Regional Premiere), Scab (featuring Alice Ripley), The Office : A Murder Mystery Parody (Michael Scott; World Premiere), Disney Cruise Line (Disney Fantasy), Bare (Jason; Licensed Premiere), and Unchained Melodies (Florida Studio Theatre), as well as his work as a solo acoustic vocalist for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises.
I honestly cannot think of a better man in this industry than Nick (aka HBK). I am so honored to have the chance to feature him in my series!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
On some level, I always knew that I wanted to do something involving singing/performing! Even at a very young age, I can remember putting on little shows for my family when we would host events or holidays. I really got bit by the musical theater bug when I was cast in my first musical ever in 6th grade, Little Shop Of Horrors, and once I was exposed to the show Rent, all bets were off. I knew I had to be in this profession.
Where did you study? Do you have any mentors that truly helped make you the wonderful performer you are today?
I studied at Rider University. I was also beyond lucky enough during high school to attend a performing arts program called FPAC which enabled me the luxury to spend half of my day taking acting, voice, and dance classes and really honing my craft at an early age. My teachers from this time in my life are irreplaceable in the impact they've had, and I would not be even a fragment of the performer I am today without the guidance of each and every one of them.
Congratulations on Friends! The Musical Parody Off-Broadway and the upcoming American Tour. How does it feel to be performing back on a New York Stage and what are you most excited about?
First off, thank you, Kevin! It's been an absolute joy putting FRIENDS together and bringing it to the audiences here in NYC. I can say with the utmost confidence that working with this outrageously talented cast and team has been beyond delightful. To dive into the role of Ross as a newbie with a cast that was already so tight (onstage and off) was definitely intimidating at first, but I'm having a blast tackling that challenge every single day, and the cast has been nothing short of amazing. I'm also very excited to see how different jokes/bits land in different areas of the country versus here in NYC. Touring is always a unique experience, but I think audiences are really going to love what we bring to their stage!
Are there any roles, shows, or performances you have done in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to you?
Definitely Claude in the International Tour of Hair. There's something about that show that really has the power to change you in ways you didn't even know were possible. Not only was it a challenge from a technical performance standpoint, but it was an emotional wallop of a challenge each and every night, and one that will stay with me forever.
What advice would you give any young aspiring artist?
Follow your gut! Chances are it's usually right. Also, look after yourself. As selfish as that may sound at first glance, the only person who can truly control your happiness in this business (and life, for that matter) is you!
Friends! The Musical Parody is currently playing Off-Broadway at The Jerry Orbach Theater and will be hitting the road shortly after! For more information please visit - https://friendsparodyontour.com