Television viewers met Constantine Maroulis when he appeared on “American Idol,” but the versatile artist had already spent many years prior grooming for stardom. Direct from his Broadway run as Drew in “Rock of Ages,” the Tony nominee has been reprising the role in the national tour since last September. He begins rocking National Theatre on Tuesday.
“It’s a thrill performing every single night,” he said. “I love the touring life because we get to meet new people, feed off their energies and have nice dinners in different cities. Kris (director Kristin Hanggi, a Tony Award nominee) crafted the show and my character very well and the songs are so enjoyable to sing. I have an affinity for each one, from Twisted Sister to Whitesnake. This all-new cast definitely has great chemistry, just as our Broadway cast had.”
Maroulis, whose grandparents were immigrants from Greece, grew up in New Jersey. He began trumpet lesson in middle school and sang with high school garage bands. Upon entering Boston Conservatory, he focused on in musical theater.
| Onstage |
| ‘Rock of Ages’ |
| Where: National Theatre |
| When: Tuesday to July 24 |
| Info: $56.50 to $151.50 at National Box Office, 800-447-7400 or Telecharge.com |
“My goal was to hone my craft to become better as a singer, dancer, and actor,” he said. “I always wanted to be on Broadway, and was lucky to perform off-Broadway and in some independent films before graduation. Then I spent a summer as an apprentice at Williamstown Theatre and was cast as Roger, the lead in the touring company of ‘Rent.’ Right after that, I met the ‘Rock of Ages’ producers and they kept in touch.”
Maroulis auditioned for Season 4 of “Idol,” sliding in under the age limit when the top contestant age range was raised from 26 to 28. As one of the finalists, he headlined the Idol’s Live Summer Tour with the winner, Carrie Underwood. After making his Broadway debut in “The Wedding Singer,” he moved to off-Broadway in “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.”
A role in “The Bold and the Beautiful” created especially for him featured songs from his self-titled debut album. With appearances on top television shows like ‘The Today Show, “The Tonight Show,” “Regis and Kelly” and more, and stints as co-host on several others, he boasts a r?sum? that reads like a stairway to stardom. Everything he has tried led to something even better. He credits his success to his love of challenge and family support.
At the close of the Washington run, Maroulis will take a well deserved vacation in Greece, but he will not leave the limelight for long. He envisions a future filled with Broadway shows both new creations and revivals, producing and performing before many audiences.
“I know how to sell a show and raise a buck and I have a small record company, so I plan to stay busy doing what I love for years to come,” he said.
