After becoming the youngest solo actor in history to win a Tony Award in 2022 for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical,” DMV native Myles Frost has returned home, starring in Arena Stage’s “Chez Joey,” running until March 15.
Raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, and a graduate of Thomas Wootton High School, Frost is currently fine tuning his skills and expanding his horizons as he tackles the lead role in a vibrant, reimagined musical, inspired by John O’Hara’s “Pal Joey” (1940). Paying homage to the original music and lyrics by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, “Chez Joey,” co-directed by Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn, features exciting new tunes and arrangements, amazing dance numbers and an outstanding cast.
“I love the fact that it pulses with a Black vibe and takes place in a jazz club in 1940’s Chicago, which allows me to spread my wings and to pay tribute to some of the singing-dancing superstars from the past,” Frost told The Informer.
The play, “Chez Joey,” allows Frost to do things which he said he never imagined while also giving him the freedom to create a new persona in his role as Joey Evans, a slick-talking, velvet-voiced singer and dancer.
Myles Frost and Awa Sal Secka star as Joey Evans and Linda English in Arena Stage’s “Chez Joey,” a reimagining of John O’Hara’s “Pal Joey.” (Courtesy of Arena Stage/Ambe J. Williams)
While he has already assembled an impressive list of achievements, including earning the Tony for Best Lead Actor in a Musical, Frost said having the chance to perform this role was something he never imagined. However, he’s relishing the opportunity.
“I was doing a performance about seven months ago at a gala honoring unseen heroes in theater — folks like vocal coaches and wardrobe professionals — and one of the producers saw me. He approached me and said I was the Joey that he’d been looking for. I auditioned for him and the other producers, and they cast me in the show,” he said. “But the best part is that Savion Glover is part of the team too, so I am learning a lot from him.”
Glover, a Tony Award-winning choreographer Glover known for “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk,” and actor, director, and producer Goldwyn of ABC’s “Scandal,” combine forces to make the show something that Frost said he’s sure audiences will savor, one scene at a time.
“To build ‘Chez Joey’ with this phenomenal creative team is to create a work that pulses with energy, innovation, and the heartbeat of possibility,” said Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif.
She also noted that Glover not only infuses the play with stunning choreography but also shares his talents in creating new arrangements of the timeless Rodgers and Hart score.
“Together, we’re breathing new life into a classic, layering in the vibrancy of jazz to create a production that feels both timeless and electric,” Sharif continued.
Creating a Character
For Frost, tackling the character of Joey was a welcome opportunity, after having played a well-known historic figure and cultural icon.
“I’m best known for my portrayal of Michael Jackson, which was both amazing and limiting,” Frost said. “MJ came with a playbook which we had to follow but as Joey Evans in this new play, I get to build his character because he isn’t real — that’s exciting.”
Further, the multi-talented Frost is getting a chance to push himself as a performer, all the while being inspired by his artistic ancestors in bringing the character to life.
“Even more, I’ve been given the freedom to express myself in dance and even employ some acrobatics. It’s like following in the footsteps of the Nicholas Brothers and Sammy Davis Jr. at the same time,” Frost told The Informer.
The freedom Frost finds allows for outstanding, showstopping moments. During the opening night show on Friday, the audience offered Frost a standing ovation after he finished performing the number “Do it the Hard Way/Joey’s Way,” in the early part of the second act — a response normally reserved for the end of a show, but rightfully earned for his outstanding dancing and singing.
As he pushes toward excellence on stage each night, Frost is also prioritizing self-care.
“But I must admit, it’s hard on my legs,” he told The Informer. “So, when I have downtime, I am sitting down, resting and recovering.”
Frost is also enjoying the opportunity to discover new elements within his vocal range.
“MJ had a higher voice but in this production, I deliver my songs in a deeper register which is more new territory for me,” he said, before also complimenting his cast mates. “Yes, I like the songs that I perform but I really like the pieces which the women in the play sing. Make no mistake, these sisters can blow.”
Awa Sal Secka beautifully belts tunes, with a voice so powerful it echoes through the theatre in her portrayal of Linda English, and Samantha Massell, portraying the role of Vera, has a strong, crisp sound with voice control that highlights the nuanced nature of the character.
Working with the cast of “Chez Joey,” has been a didactic experience for the young artist, Frost said, coming under the tutelage of several talented and gracious professionals — especially Glover.
“Savion and the other producers have taught me how to lean into a character and make it my own,” he explained. “He has a strategy that blends improvisation with choreography that he has taught me. It allows me to dance beyond the borders and provides the freedom for me to be me. It’s amazing what you can do when you are encouraged to push yourself beyond your limits.”
Reflecting on the Journey, More to Come
As he continues to explore opportunities and grow in his career, Frost said it’s been an unbelievable journey since he first stepped on stage as Michael Jackson in December 2021.
While he’s proud of what he’s accomplished, he knows his artistry and success comes with responsibilities.
“I am reminded that ‘To whom much is given, much is required,’” he said. “We must be careful what we ask God for because sometimes our prayers are answered. For me, that meant a new way of life and a whole lot of hard work. So, I can’t complain about the workload, nor can I be anxious or fearful because people are watching me so closely now. It comes with the territory.”
While Frost is enjoying playing Joey at Arena Stage until March 15, he is also looking forward to his next performance opportunity, and dreaming big in the meantime.
“I’ve always wanted to portray a superhero – Spiderman,” he told The Informer. “So, when they’re ready for a Black Spiderman, I’m ready for action.”
For more information on “Chez Joey,” go to arenastage.org.
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Source: Washington Informer
