This past Saturday was opening night of Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors! We are lucky to have New York City based actor John Treacy Egan portraying Tito Merelli and Beppo the Bellhop in this comedy. Take a moment to get to know him a bit!
Tell us a little about yourself and how you started working in theatre?
I was lucky enough to grow up very close to NYC, so I was exposed to Broadway when I was young. I would recreate productions in our garage with friends and family members, and was very active in performing through high school and college.
I would just go to auditions in NY for anything I was allowed to attend. Learning by doing, lots of Community Theater, and I stumbled into voice lessons with an amazing teacher who I credit with all of my success today.
How many times have you played the role of Tito Merelli (and where)?
This will be my 5th time playing Tito. Once in Lend Me a Tenor at Papermill Playhouse, and again there in Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors. I did a reading of Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors at the McCarter, before Papermill, and this past summer I played the role at The Arrowrock Lyceum in Missouri.
What do you enjoy about this role? What has been special or challenging about working on this production at OTC?
I love Tito. He's passionate and larger than life. This is a new and exciting version of the show for me. Jason King Jones, our director, has offered up new and really great challenges for me to take this role to a different place. I am really getting a chance to see the character with new eyes.
When you aren't performing, how do you like to spend your time?
I love seeing theater or being home with my husband and dog. I have taken to writing recently and have some exciting opportunities in writing and directing coming up in the near future. I also review toys for a company online called TTPM.
Who are your theatrical icons and why do you admire them?
I love the playwright and director Martin McDonaugh. His ability to horrify and entertain at the same time is amazing.
I've been fortunate to work with Nathan Lane twice and I am and I have always been a fan of his talent. Recently I saw Elaine May in The Waverly Gallery and was blown away by her tremendous performance in that play.
