How this 'Les Misérables' actor keeps from being miserable on the road
Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras and Company in Les Misérables.
(Photo by Matthew Murphy)
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Actor Jeremiah Alsop (he/him) is in the middle of his first-ever national tour with Les Misérables. And while he's enjoying the sights and sounds of traveling the country, being on the road does have its challenges. On top of that, touring with a monumental show that is also heavy and intense can weigh on anyone.
But this Les Misérables actor certainly isn't miserable with such a big gig, and he is definitely finding joy along the way.
"When we do have time, I try to find the [local] queer bars," the 28-year-old actor said. "Local drag feeds my soul."
Alsop I will hopefully have time to discover some North Texas drag and queer nightlife when Les Misérables returns to Fort Worth on Tuesday, March 18, continuing through March 23 at Bass Performance Hall.
If he doesn't have time for that, Alsop at least makes time for his Thursday night FaceTime dates with his boyfriend to talk about their favorite shows.
"We love Severance. It's so interesting and such great acting," Alsop said.
In Les Misérables, Alsop brings his acting game to the role of the Constable and Montparnasse while also understudying the principal role of Marius. As it turns out, the latter was one of his bucket list roles. And landing the role role has a certain amount of profundity for him.
"In high school, I was told I wouldn't be the leading man or the romantic lead. I was a chubby kid," he explained. "I'm mixed, and so to go on as Marius is surreal. I am on this national tour, and it's a real thing.
"I love when I can go onstage as him," he added.
Growing up in North Carolina, Alsop's introduction to theater was a VHS copy of Cats. Living in Charlotte at that time, it was all he knew at 5 years old. His access to theater came via national tours stopping by.
"It was always so special to go. I remember learning that these actors would tour the country, and I knew I wanted to be an actor. Travel the country and be onstage -- that became my dream as a kid," Alsop said.
"I think as an adult, you get in your groove, but when I got this job, I was reminded of that first dream," he continued.
He dreamed a dream indeed.
Alsop's career has been blossoming of late. Just prior to this show, he debuted on Broadway in The Who's Tommy. However, he and his boyfriend live together in Chicago, and the downside of being away so much isn't lost on Alsop.
"It's a double-edged sword and takes some adjusting," he said. "So, we wrapped up Tommy, and I was excited to go back home. But the day after, I got this job and had to leave again. I think what I'm learning is how to pick up my life and move on to the next job, but I do my best with the stability I have at the moment."
Alsop's boyfriend, Allen, is also an entertainer, so the common ground helps.
"It is so nice. And we work to maintain our happiness as a couple. He understands the nature of being an actor," Alsop said. "He's a drag queen and one of the top queens in Chicago -- Kara Mel D'Ville!
"With Allan it's great, because he's a performer, too. But there's no competition between us.
We just love and support each other."
In short, ain't nothing miserable about life right now for Alsop.
Life is good, he declared, adding, "It has to be. The world is so depressing right now, so I have to lead with gratitude and be a positive force.
"That's what the show is about -- the redemption and tenacity of the human spirit and love overcomes by not giving into hard times."