Pre-Show Ponders: Interview With Bud Weber

Bud Weber is currently traveling the country as Trent in the national touring production of "The Prom." His previous experience includes several Broadway productions, including "Wicked," "The Book of Mormon," "Something Rotten!" and "Aladdin." In this return of Intermission's Pre-Show Ponders series, Weber discusses what it's like playing Trent, his time in "The Prom," and the experiences that got him here today. Check out the full interview and read my review of "The Prom" here.

Tell me about yourself.

I am an actor, I live in New York. I went to school at a Boston conservatory for musical theater and then I’ve been fortunate enough – this is actually my third tour. I’ve toured with “Wicked” and “Book of Mormon” previously, I’ve done a couple shows in New York, and I’m excited to be back out on tour.

It seems like “The Book of Mormon” has played a pretty significant role in your career.

Yeah! I did the tour, and then I did Broadway, and then I actually went to New Zealand to do the production, and I was actually there when the world shut down, so it was sort of a unique experience. But it was pretty cool. So yeah, I did “Book of Mormon” for a couple years. I was the standby for Elder Price.

Can you walk me through a timeline of your professional career?

L-R: Chandra Lee Schwartz, Weber, Jackie Burns in "Wicked" on Broadway

I did the tour of “Wicked” 2010-2012, then did the Broadway production of “Wicked” during 2012. I was in the ensemble and I covered Fiyero on the tour and on Broadway, and then I left that to do the “Book of Mormon” tour where I covered Edler Price. Then 2013, I left the tour to do “Aladdin” on Broadway. I was part of the original company – I was in the ensemble and I covered Aladdin. And then 2014, 2015, somewhere in there, I did “Something Rotten!” on Broadway and I was in the ensemble. In 2016 or 2017, I did “Mormon” on Broadway. I guess I was there for about three years, and then I left the Broadway production to go do the New Zealand company. I ended up getting one performance in, but at least I got to do it. I was standing by for Elder Price again.

Did you have a “This is what I want to do” moment? Was there a particular show or performance that changed your life?

I always grew up singing and I used to have my siblings put on musicals and stuff with me in our living room, which I’m sure they loved. I grew up outside of Philadelphia, and then when we moved to Virginia in about fifth grade, a family friend was like “Oh, you should sign him up for this musical theater program,” and then I just was hooked. I did theater and show choir and took dance and all through middle school and high school, and then went to school for it. I’ve always had the bug. My dad had introduced me to “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” pretty early on in my life, and those were always a big part of growing up. The seed was planted pretty early.

First day of tech for the out-of-town tryout of "Aladdin"

What made you decide to pursue this as a professional career?

I think it just never seemed like an option to do anything else, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. I just knew that’s what I wanted to do and what I wanted to pursue. It was sort of terrifying, but you sort of have to take a leap of faith and trust that’s what I’ve been doing my whole life and that’s what I wanted to do. When I visited the Boston conservatory campus, I just remember walking onto it and being like “This is it. This is where I have to go.” I visited a couple other schools, but something about it just clicked and I knew that’s where I wanted to be.

Can you discuss your time working on Broadway and what you've taken away from those experiences?

The moment I think of when you say that is I remember when “Wicked” came out and I was obsessed, probably like many people. I just remember my first show on the tour, the ensemble starts standing around where the witch has melted, staring down these lights, there’s fog, the music was playing, and I fully just burst into tears. It was one of those moments like “Man! I cannot believe I’m getting to do this.” After years of singing “Defying Gravity” in my bedroom and in my car and all this stuff, getting to be part of it, I kind of have that moment weekly, if not daily of just like “Man, I get to do this” and how grateful I am, especially after this year, how grateful I am to be on stage and to be performing with this great company and getting to tell this story right now. I think if anything, my experience makes me very grateful for where I am and everyone who’s helped me get here. If anything, that’s what I’ve taken away from all of these experiences – how grateful I am.

Many of the characters you’ve played have a similar sort of over the top energy. How do you find the line between being dynamic and taking it too far?

I think the best way to come at any role, especially a role that feels a little over the top, is finding the genuine honesty behind it. Every character believes that what they’re doing is exactly what they’re supposed to be doing and how they’re supposed to be behaving. You could go onstage and run around and make crazy choices just to make them, but I think finding the character and why they’re making those choices or why they’re so eccentric is what keeps the audience on your side. I think just finding the honesty and finding a way to be grounded while also being able to be eccentric and energetic.

Weber as Fiyero in "Wicked" on Broadway

Do you have a particular process for this or does it come naturally as you learn the script and the character?

I think it’s a little bit of both. You gotta start with figuring out who this person is, and a lot of that is in the script. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some really awesome playwrights and scripts and directors, so a lot of it is built in already. But then when you’re onstage or you’re in a rehearsal room, working with people and working with the cast and relating with people, I think you’re able to find the groundedness. I think relationships are also a huge part of the show, and how they relate to other people instructs how the character behaves and why they’re making the choices they’re making.

Do you have a favorite show to either watch or listen to?

Oh boy. Sentimental reasons, I love “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Personally, I love “Chess.” I think it’s so fun. Sorta jumping around all over the place, but like I said, I think I always have had and always will have, a soft spot and special place in my heart for “Wicked.” It was my first big show, my first Broadway show, and I think that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Is “Defying Gravity” still your belt-out-when-you’re-alone-song?

You know, I think that will always be that one for me, as it is for so many people. I think “The Prom” has a couple of those too. I spent a lot of the pandemic listening to the cast album, so I was pretty excited to get to actually be a part of it. But there are several songs like that here, and I’m lucky enough to get to belt out one of them, “Love Thy Neighbor.”

I heard you performed for Michelle Obama. Can you talk about that?

Yeah! I met her when we were doing “Something Rotten!” and we did Broadway at the White House. Just being in the White House was such an incredible experience, and it’s sort of similar to being at The Kennedy Center where you’re just like “Wow, the history here and people that have been here.” And then getting to meet Michelle, and she was just, excuse me, Michelle Obama, First Lady – yeah, we’re on a first name basis – she was so kind and gracious. There was a long line of actors that were so excited to meet her and be in the White House, and she was just so gracious and kind and stunning. She’s even more beautiful in person than in pictures. It was truly an honor. It was an incredible experience, and it was one of those ones that when you’re doing it, you’re like “Oh, this is cool, this is cool.” You’re just kind of rolling with it, and then all of a sudden you leave and you’re just like “What just happened? Did I just do that?” I have a picture to prove it!

The cast of "Something Rotten!" at the White House with former First Lady Michelle Obama

What about performing at the Tony Awards?

Yeah, I’ve gotten to do that twice. Both times, it’s a similar experience where you’re just having this out of body experience. I’ve gotten to do the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which sort of felt the same way. It was this thing I grew up watching and was like “This is so cool,” and then to be doing it. For “Something Rotten!” we did a kick line in the number we did, and I was like “Oh, I’m doing a kick line at Radio City Music Hall” on the Tony Awards. This just feels so right.” It’s such a celebration, and being there with so many people that I respect and admire and getting to share the stage with them, it sort of feels unreal. I’m very fortunate to have gotten to do it twice.

Weber at the Tony awards for "Aladdin," filming a segment with Hugh Jackman (left)

Have you ever been starstruck by someone you’ve gotten to work with?

Brian d’Arcy James in “Something Rotten!” I grew up listening to him on several cast albums, and then meeting him in person, he is one of the kindest, hardest working people I’ve ever met. But there’s so many people. James Monroe Iglehart in “Aladdin” was one of those people you watched on stage and just – and I find this with Patrick and Courtney and Emily and the cast of “The Prom” too – I sit backstage and I watch these people and I’m just like “God, the talent they have.” That they’re sharing it onstage is just truly a gift, and I’m constantly amazed at what they do and share eight times a week. But yes, Brian d’Arcy James was one that I grew up listening to on several cast albums, and then meeting him in person, you’re just like “Oh wow, this is happening.”

What has been your favorite part of being a part of "The Prom?"

I think my favorite part of this so far is one, getting to see the cities. I’ve been on a mission to find the best donut and pizza in every city, which has been a blast. But I think it’s just been doing the show and getting to bring it to different audiences. I think the fun thing about the show is that it’s fast, it’s funny, and every audience finds something different to enjoy and laugh at or respond to. I think that’s what been fun about taking it on tour. Every night feels like a completely different show, which I think is fun for us and the audience.

Mini golfing in Kentucky

What are the biggest differences between being on Broadway and on tour, other than the actual act of traveling?

I guess that is the biggest difference. Changing venues, backstage is always completely different. You have your onstage show, but you also have your backstage show, but your backstage show switches every week. But as far as the people you’re working with and the professionalism and everything, it’s exactly the same. You’re just going home to a different bed at night. I think that's the biggest difference, other than that I get to try pizza, donuts, and mini golf in every place. I’ve already done that in New York.

With all of your pizza and donut tastings, have there been any that’s stood out above the rest?

We went to a place this past week – it was in Petworth – Timber Pizza, so that pops out in my head right now because that was killer. And, I know I live in New York, but I cannot wait to get to Chicago and have deep dish. But yeah, I really enjoyed Timber – of course, now they’re all running together. But best donut? I haven’t had any DC donuts yet, so that has to happen this weekend. But we had a donut in Paducha at this place called Red’s where they cook them all in lard, and Oh. My. Goodness. That was a good donut. I love a good old fashioned or a cake donut or just a basic glaze. Sign me up. Sorry- I feel like I’ve talked a lot about food during this. Must be close to dinner time.

How did you get involved with “The Prom” and what was that process like?

I’ve been really fortunate to work with Casey – this is my fourth show with Casey Nicholaw, who is the director/choreographer. We had done “Mormon,” “Aladdin,” “Something Rotten!” together, so I sent in a tape – we’re doing a lot of virtual auditions these days – so I sent in a self tape and got the callback and that was sort of it.

Press for “The Prom”

What was the timeline for auditions and rehearsal?

I had about a week’s notice before rehearsal, so it was sort of fast and furious. But you know, it was a welcome change and I was so excited about it that it was one of those “It happened, let’s do this, bring it on.” I packed the car – I’m actually driving the tour, so I’m just going for it.

When did rehearsals for the production start?

We started the last week of September. I think I auditioned like a month before, callbacks were two weeks before, and then I found out a week before. Fast and furious.

Wow, you’re driving the whole tour?

I don’t know, after a year of sitting around, I was like “Let’s just make a trip out of it,” you know?

What has been your longest drive so far?

They haven’t been too bad. We will have Baltimore to St. Louis coming up, which is about 13 hours. So that’ll be a good one. But when we went from Paducha to Cleveland, I found a lovely place to mini golf in Indiana – oh, because I’m also trying to mini golf in every place I go. I have a goal of trying to mini golf in all 50 states, plus DC. I’ve knocked out 10 so far, and we’ll be doing DC on Sunday.

How long did you have to rehearse and put the show together before bringing it on the road?

We had, I believe, three weeks in the studio and then a week and a half of tech. Tech in the theater when we start adding the costumes and set and lights and sound elements to the show. So we had a little over four weeks to put it all up and get it running. We started in New York, so we were there for three weeks, and then we teched in Paducha, Kentucky.

Weber and the cast of "Something Rotten!"

Do you have a favorite costume you’ve gotten to wear? "Something Rotten!," "The Prom," and "Aladdin" are all such bold, statement making pieces. Particularly that leather suit…

Ooh. When I put on that leather suit for “Something Rotten!” – because Gregg Barnes is a genius – and when I put that on, I was like “Oh, I am stealing this.” Funnily enough, they did not allow that to happen. But the costumes in “Aladdin” are amazing, and even in this show, I get a giant jacket with Juilliard written on the back, and it’s just, I love that thing so much. Wearing all those costumes in Oz are all pretty funny too. I had a fantastic green jacket that when you spun, it flared out and it was rainbow. That was pretty great.

Do you have one thing you can’t live without backstage?

Um, yes. Snacks. I love a chip or a cashew. I love a salty snack, which probably leads to why I drink so much water during the show too. But those, and a mint before I go onstage. Probably all leads back to the snacks. Those are the big things. What else do I have backstage? I have a humidifier, you know, the boring stuff, comfy slippers, you know, stuff like that.

Well now I have to ask. What would you say is the best kind of chip?

Ooh ok. Well see, now we’re going to get into a whole discussion. I think the Deep River Rosemary and Olive Oil chip is the best. But you also can’t go wrong with a regular, classic Lay's chip. It’s just the perfect amount of crispy and salty. Also, peanut butter pretzels, I think, are the best. Fight me on this, but I think it is the best snack known to man. There is salt, it’s sweet, it’s got a little bit of protein. I eat a lot of peanut butter pretzels. But back to the potato chip, sour cream and onion. Can’t beat that either.

Other than serving as the resident potato chip connoisseur, can you walk me through a day in your life on tour for “The Prom?”

Most of our days are usually pretty free. Sometimes we’ll have rehearsals to clean up, make sure the show is in good shape for everyone. When we get to a new city, we’ll go through soundcheck and space through stuff, see what backstage is like, all of that. Typical day, I like to get to the theater an hour before the show. Get there, start my warm up – I always do a good vocal warm up and try to get a good physical warm up in there. I’ll start a little bit of the makeup and hair process, you know, just a little bit. Then we all come out on stage at places, right before they start making the announcement and everything, and then we all check in with each other and dance to the overture. And then those of us who don’t start on stage make sure we get off stage in time. But yeah, that’s sort of a day in the life. And again, throwing in donuts, pizza, and mini golf.

Weber's dog Susan

I have to ask. Your dog is adorable – does she get to travel with you at all on tour?

Aww, Susan? She’s the best. She doesn’t though. She’s in Virginia with my mom. It breaks my heart. I love that dog more than I probably should. She’s fine with traveling, but suitcases…the second I bring a suitcase out, she doesn’t really eat. She would be so miserable on tour, so I actually went home on Monday to see her. I mean, to see my family, and I happened to see her. If anyone asks, it was to see my mom. But yeah, I love that little dog. She’s a cutie.

What do you miss most about home while you’re away on tour?

I really miss the community and family that you create in New York. I’ve met a lot of amazing people in New York and some of my best friends from doing shows, but luckily nowaday with technology – cell phones, Instagram, all the things – you’re able to keep in touch pretty closely. I’ve already gone back to visit once and I’m sure I’ll be back again soon. I think that’s probably what I miss the most.

How, if at all, has the traveling and rehearsal process changed with the addition of masks and other covid restrictions?

We’re definitely taking the precautions we need to and following the guidelines in every city. We’re staying on top of testing, but you know, it sort of feels a bit like the new normal. Anywhere you’re going, you’re wearing the mask when you’re inside, so it’s sort of just become part of a day to day. We’re doing everything we can to keep the cast safe and audience members safe and the crews safe.

The Prom tells an important story and shares such a powerful message. What does it mean to you to be able to be a part of that? Especially when you sing a song as profound as “Love Thy Neighbor?”

I think it’s just a really special musical with a really great message. I think at the end of the day, everyone can relate to a story about wanting to be loved and accepted. No matter where you’re coming from, I think everyone wants to be able to find that in their lives and find that with each other. I think it’s a great message to share with people and remind myself of as well. So I think that’s what I really connected to with the show and what people really connect to when they see it. At the heart of it, that’s what it’s all about.

Can you talk more about "Love Thy Neighbor?" It seems like such a cute wholesome thing and then you listen to the lyrics and it almost catches you off guard.

Oh yes. It definitely points some things out. But like I said, I think just at the heart of it, it’s all about just loving each other. We all have faults, we’re all coming from different backgrounds, and who are we to judge where someone else is coming from? Why don’t you just accept them for where they’re coming from and where they’re going, as opposed to casting judgment on each other so much? I think that’s really what the song is about.

Weber and the cast of "Something Rotten!" at "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

What has been the most challenging part of playing Trent?

I don’t know – I’m really enjoying Trent. He’s a little caught up in himself, I will say, at the beginning. But I think that underneath him is just love me, love me, love me. He’s really a sweetheart underneath and I think going back to what we talked about before, finding the honesty and the truth in a character and allowing that to tell you why they’re making decisions or why he feels a need to be a little peacocky – you know, showing off his feathers so much – because underneath, he just wants to be loved so badly. I think he’s such a sweet character that I’ve truly just enjoyed it and I’ve enjoyed tapping into it. I’ve enjoyed the part of him that makes my fellow castmates’ characters roll their eyes. Unless they’re rolling their eyes at me and I just don’t know it!

Of all the roles you’ve had, which one has been your favorite?

I love Trent, and I’m continuing to love Trent and fall more in love with him and find more with him. I really enjoyed Elder Price, which I guess could sort of be a younger Trent, in a way. But again, it’s that character that’s just coming from such an honest place and truly believes where they’re coming from, but then at the end, is able to circle back and learn something new. And I think that’s what’s fun about the show. Like I was saying earlier, with being on tour and with different audiences every show, every audience has a different show, for us and for the audience. It’s sort of fun to discover new things about Trent for every show. So yeah, I’m falling in love with him a little bit more every day.

Have you ever had to learn a specific skill for a role?

So, I am not a fantastic tap dancer. So much so that I was asked not to continue with tap in college, and I have now tap danced on the Tony Awards twice. That has definitely been something I have worked on and had to learn for three shows – “Aladdin,” “Something Rotten!” and “Book of Mormon,” because I also covered McKinley, who also leads a tap number (Editor’s Note: Elder McKinley in “The Book of Mormon). So I’ve definitely had to learn that, so that has definitely been the hardest thing. I learned how to juggle for a show but then it ended up getting cut. I’ve since lost that skill, but at one point I learned how to juggle.

Weber (right) in the New Zealand production of "The Book of Mormon"

Well congratulations on getting the hang of tap. It’s definitely not the easiest skill.

Oh my goodness! And you’d think “Oh yeah, I just move my feet around.” The people who are great at it always make it look so easy and I’m just like “How dare you?”

You mentioned you had just started the New Zealand production of “The Book of Mormon” when covid hit?

Yeah. I went down there and it was the end of the Australian tour, so I was supposed to be there for eight weeks. I got to do one show – we got to do our first weekend, basically – so at least we got to do one. So I was over there and it was wild because it was a very different scenario over there. You’re getting texts from everybody – the border closed there – and you’re getting texts about Broadway closing, and it just seemed so far removed. Flying back to New York was a little jarring. Oh goodness- that was a fun time, huh? It was definitely a bummer, as far as the show, but I think I fared pretty well and I consider myself fortunate. At least I got to go over there and have that experience, which was really awesome. It’ll still be there; I can always go back and visit. It was a weird year, it was a tough year, but you know, got through it with the help of Susan, Tom, and people in New York. We would meet in the park and sit six feet apart and have picnics and all sorts of stuff. You find ways to make it work – Zoom games and all those things. Luckily, I’m friends with a lot of creative people who came up with all sorts of creative things to do. We did a cocktail class online, or someone had a birthday so we did a birthday fashion show online. Just all sorts of stuff. It was definitely a tough year, but luckily there are people in my life who really were like “All right, let’s make the most of this.” and we got to come up with some really cool stuff to do. Tried to find ways to stay positive and keep going.

Is this tour of “The Prom” the first production you’ve done since everything shut down?

This was my first thing back, so it’s been a fun one to come back to. Especially because it’s all about theater and the theater community and New York (at the beginning), so it’s just been fun. It’s been a fun way to get back into it.

Theater has changed so much in the last two years because of covid, from things like TikTok to open conversations about diversity and inclusivity. Can you talk about that?

I think the reset has allowed people to take a step back and really look at the industry and the values and things that were easily overlooked before. I think there’s a lot of change happening for the better, like having this year and having a reset and putting a spotlight on what you prioritize for yourself and for other people. I think that the change has been good and I hope it continues to be good, but I think that while a lot of change has happened, there’s still a lot of change that needs to happen. It’s allowed people to take a step back and look at it and really evaluate things. I just hope it continues to move in the right direction. As far as social media, theater is always evolving and changing, much like the world. Personally, I love live theater, in person, because there’s something you get from live performances and from the audience. But it’s been an awesome outlet for people to be creative and some really cool, creative works have come out of this. There are some very talented, creative people who have made the most of the situation and it’s really awesome. I think that’s what’s fun about theater- it’s always changing and there’s room to grow.

Are there any changes you hope to see in the future or a direction you’d like to see theater go?

I think that the continued conversation of inclusion, inclusivity, stuff like that, it’s sort of like the show – acceptance and loving people for who they are and where they’re coming from and allowing them to be who they want to be. I found such a safe spot in theater growing up and found such a home. I just hope everyone is able to tap into that and find that. If people aren’t feeling that way, then it should be talked about and we should discuss it and be welcoming and allow everybody to find a sanctuary and a home in theater and in this industry and this art form in the way that I was able to. I hope everyone finds that.

L-R: Weber, Susan, Tom Corbeil

How do you feel getting to perform again?

It was unreal. There’s only so much applause I was getting from my partner and my dog at home. But seriously, it’s just – god, that first show was just – that curtain came down at the end and I feel like we all were in tears. It’s such a rush and it had just been a year of uncertainty and then getting to be onstage and perform and sing and dance and do what I love to do, it felt like I had been shaking a bottle of Pepsi for a year and I finally got to open it. It was just a rush. It was a pretty cool experience.

Is there anything you want to add?

I think we’re good, other than come see “The Prom!”

Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

All photos courtesy of Bud Weber.

"The Prom" was initially scheduled to run at The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore from January 18, 2022 through January 23. However, all remaining performances of "The Prom" (January 21- 23, 2022) at the Hippodrome Theatre have been postponed due to positive COVID cases within the company of "The Prom." The theater apologizes for the disappointment and inconvenience this scheduling change has caused ticket holders. Audiences are asked to hold onto their tickets while the theater and production works to reschedule these performances. There is no other action needed at this time, and details will be sent via email to ticket holders as soon as they're available.