I vividly remember meeting Caleb at the Kinky Boots auditions. I was so excited to see friends after the holidays that I stayed long after my audition to catch up and meet other auditioners. We were on the steps of the atrium in the Anderson Arts Center; he was gregarious and incredibly complimentary of Market Theatre’s Rent last fall.
Then, weeks later came the first read-through. I was sitting directly across the room from Caleb, hounded by my thoughts of everything on my to-do list. His interactions with others in the room were calming compared to the cacophony in my brain. As I tried to stay focused throughout the read-through, I stopped everything I was doing to listen to “Not My Father’s Son," a bonding duet between Charlie (portrayed by Aaron Pennington) and Lola about parental disappointment. The song is stunning by itself, but I knew we had someone special playing Lola when Caleb sang those lyrics.
Throughout the last few months, it has been a pleasure getting to know the effervescent actor behind Lola and his surprising story of his return to the theatre.
Read Caleb’s Interview Below
Photo by Escobar Photography
Hi Caleb, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm originally from North Carolina. But I moved down here back in November. I graduated from Galileo Magnet High School in Danville, Virginia. I loved that school. It was a smaller school but it was such a great environment. And the teachers, staff and administration were AMAZING! Currently, I am a driver for Amazon.
How and when did you begin performing?
I began performing around 8 or 9. I was Michael Jackson in The Jackson 5 in an anniversary show. And I have continued to sing and perform in concerts throughout the years. I also began theatre at the age of 17.
Photo by Escobar Photography
How did you discover theatre?
I discovered theatre when I was [in] elementary school. My class went to a production of Ramona Quimby, I believe. Just the feeling of the theatre and seeing the stage and the lights and even the curtains and props just really made me excited and inspired to do that one day. And then several years later seeing The Wiz movie truly changed my life profoundly. I started doing research about the Broadway show and the rest is history.
Who was or is your influence for performing?
Definitely Fantasia Barrino. She is such a dynamic performer. And is diverse when it comes to music style and she can sing for any audience and really pull them in with emotion. I love raw performances where you leave it all on the stage and truly give a different experience every show.
What does your process look like when preparing a character?
I think I first look at our similarities and connect with that. And then I look at our differences and work hard not to judge the character but UNDERSTAND them. Another thing I do is research other actors who played the same role and see how they resonated with the character. I observe some of the choices they made and then I stop and don't look back. I allow myself to be open to how MY character will develop.
What inspired you to audition for Market Theatre? Why Kinky Boots?
Market Theatre is a beautiful collective. I attended their production of Rent TWICE. It felt like the theatre environment and experience I was accustomed [to]. Kinky Boots was fairly new to me, but I was familiar with the story. It had been a while since I was in the theatre arena and I wanted the opportunity to challenge myself and go out my comfort zone with aiming to play the character of Lola. Plus, Harvey [Fierstein] is amazingly hilarious and Cyndi [Lauper] is a BEAST and icon. And [original Lola actor] Billy Porter....need I say more?
Photo by Escobar Photography
Something surprising about you is that you haven't been in a play in ten years. Why and how does it feel to be back?
Yes! It's bananas to me that it took a whole decade to get back to theatre but it was necessary. Life and growth needed to happen to mold me into the person and performer I am today. I was a very guarded performer back then, which didn't allow for growth. Now I have taken what I've learned over the years and am able to just give all I have to the overall experience on and off the stage.
What made you want to play Lola?
Lola is such a beautiful and strong (yet vulnerable) person. Lola isn't one dimensional and their presence is strong and almost demanding, there is more than meets the eye. Lola isn't afraid of growth and leads with empathy and that resonates with me on a DEEP level.
You and I talked about your inspirations for Lola during the rehearsal process; would you mind sharing with our readers who and/or what inspired your Lola?
With my Lola, I really wanted to be able to flex my comedic chops. I didn't want to copy Billy, Wayne, Todrick, J Harrison, Matt, or even Chiwetel for that matter. I wanted to find the balance between heart, soul, strength, and humor. So my biggest inspiration was Jackeé Harry. She's phenomenal at what she does and embodies so much in my eyes. I watched a lot of RuPaul’s Drag Race in preparation, so I took to BeBe [Zahara Benet]'s class and sophistication, Jujubee's wit and sass, and Shea Couleé's confidence and sex appeal.
If you could play any other character in Kinky Boots, who would it be and why?
It would probably be Don. So much growth happened and self work. Don isn't dumb. He's just ignorant. I loved to see him channel his passion in a different way. It allowed him to unlock in himself characteristics and attributes he didn't know he already had deep down.
What are your dream roles or plays to be in?
My BIGGEST role is to play The Tin Man in The Wiz. Also, I would love to play Sweeney Todd. And lastly, James (Jimmy) "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls!
Do you have any pre- or post-show rituals?
Photo by Escobar Photography
Pre…
1. REST
2. HYDRATE
3. DREAMGIRLS
Post…
1. LAUGH
2. SHOWER
3. EAT
4. SLEEP
Strut on down to the Land of Lola for the final weekend of Kinky Boots, May 11 - May 15, 2023. Visit markettheatre.org/tickets to reserve your tickets!
