Kelvin Moon Loh Discusses Beetlejuice, Fun Facts, and Advice For Aspiring Performers
Kelvin Moon Loh (Photo: Matthew Murphy, 2022)
by Jenna Clark
Follow on Instagram @jennaelizclark
I am thrilled to introduce Kelvin Moon Loh. Kelvin is currently playing the role of Otho in the Broadway show Beetlejuice at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.
Prior to Beetlejuice, Kelvin has also been a part of several other Broadway productions including Spongebob Squarepants, The Broadway Musical, The King and I, and Side Show.
Kelvin is a wonderful performer and great person, and I am honored he took the time to chat with us for OnStage Blog.
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
The first time I hit the stage was when I was five years old, and I got to sing a solo with the rest of my Kindergarten class. “That’s Amore”…and truly, that’s what it was.
Do you remember the moment you found out you booked ‘Beetlejuice’? Where were you? How were you feeling?
I absolutely remember where I was! I was in the deepest pit of depression/anxiety because SpongeBob had just announced that we were closing. This is always a tough time for everyone to process their feelings, but somehow I managed to send an audition video to Alex Timbers. Alex and I had worked on “Here Lies Love” down at the Public Theater, and I feel like he rescued me from that sadness. “The biz”…they say you hit the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In this instance, I’m so grateful I was on the upswing of the pendulum.
I recently saw ‘Beetlejuice’ and really enjoyed the show. What has your experience been like working on this incredible production?
“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life”. That’s what they say but let me add to that… Love WHO you work with and you’ll never work a day in your life. I truly enjoy all the people in the building at Beetlejuice. Doing eight shows a week is tough but when everyone is genuinely hilarious onstage and off - you just look forward to going to work. I swear, behind every corner is someone just wanting to tell you some funny anecdote or a joke they’ve heard or just talk about the marvels of pumpkin spice lattes. I often joke that everyone in the building would give up their firstborn for a laugh…I stick by that.
Do you have a favorite number from the show?
Beautiful Sound. The audience loves it. I love that the audience loves it. I love that it’s the height of Beetlejuice and Lydia’s connection and friendship. It’s celebratory. And watching Alex Brightman and Elizabeth Teeter together…there is real joy shared between them. I’ve rarely seen such a happy duo and their love and respect for one another is pure MAGIC! Also, I get to play a tap-dancing-scream-queen pizza delivery guy while everyone laughs at my misery…DREAMS.
Shoutout to all the Beetlejuice Clones, our incredible ensemble, who absolutely SLAYYYYYYYY nightly.
What have you learned about yourself from working on the show and/or portraying the role of Otho?
What I have learned is that you have to be able to laugh at yourself. There are multiple layers of absurdity that you can tap into and must tap into in creating comedic characters. Otho is the most confident, fabulous, outrageous character I’ve been able to create. He’s so opposite of who I am in real life…truly, I can be very shy. But Otho is also a part of me, and he sometimes creeps into my public persona…mostly for the better. Hah!
What does a typical show day look like for you?
I get up super late. NOON! I just can’t sleep right after an evening show so I’m up all night. I’m on a new workout regimen, so I try to do my physical routine, make a light lunch, and then stare at the wall until showtime.
Honestly, I don’t know what a typical show day is. Every day there’s something new, but that’s why I love show biz. It’s always keeping me on my toes, whether I like it or not.
What is your favorite part about playing Otho?
Do I play Otho or does my wig play Otho? My favorite thing about coming back to the show is that during rehearsals, we really got to play and find new things. That comes with great leadership. So, I grew my hair out in the time that Broadway shut down and in the rehearsal room, I was playing with it like I was my own Barbie doll. Alex Timbers was gracious enough to see this had become a big part of my identity (truth is my hair has always been a big part of how I express myself!) and he asked if I wanted the character to have this new long guru-like hair. Obviously, it’s my new favorite thing. I was going to say that my favorite part of playing Otho is that I get to be as flamboyant as possible, but really Otho’s wig is GAY RIGHTS!
Are there any fun facts you could share with us about the show, your character, or the set?
Leslie Kritzer’s character, Delia, alludes to the fact that Otho is kind of a cult leader. In Washington DC, Otho arrived with a full cult in tow. We wore white pajama matching outfits. On the wheel of death, I wore only underwear and a tank top. This has all changed for Broadway, but the underwear was still proudly displayed in the wardrobe room hanging on the wall.
What has it been like being a part of the Broadway family?
It’s like coming home. If you’re lucky enough to be on Broadway, you have to remember to be grateful. So, I don’t take for granted that we get to do this very special thing for a limited amount of time together. You have to actively cherish the time you have with your Broadway family. It doesn’t last forever, so I try to love on them as much as they’ll allow me!
How is this role different from others you’ve held previously?
GAY RIGHTS. I think that sums it up.
Do you have any memorable fan moments / what has the fan reaction been like to your character and/or the show?
Ohhhhhh Resurrection Day! On our first day back on Broadway, I snuck out to be with the fans. Without our fans, Beetlejuice wouldn’t have been able to come back. I really wanted to be by them, in the crowd of excitement. I, too am a huge Broadway fan. These are my people and my tribe. When Otho made his entrance through the door, the applause was huge….so much that I felt like a rock star. I want the fans to know I want to shout my love for them the same way!!!
What advice do you have for aspiring performers?
If you want to sing…sing today.
If you want to act… act today.
If you want to dance…dance today.
Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. Don’t wait for the perfect time or place or blah blah blah. Don’t wait. Get up off your butt and do it. Do it for yourself and the people who love you will love it. And the people who don’t matter. Don’t wait. Life is too short and time is too precious. Also, “buy more crystals.”