Nathan Lucas is our Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street. A recent high school graduate, Nathan tells us about his favorite musical, what he enjoys about his character, and his strangest experience in the theatre.

Are you a Madison native?

I'm a born Wisconsinite that spent most of my early childhood in Florida, and I moved back to Madison when I was eight. I've been here ever since.

Have you done any shows with Middleton Players Theatre before? What made you audition for us this season?

This is my first production with MPT, and I was dying to get my tap shoes back on my feet.

What is your favorite Broadway musical?

Dear Evan Hansen. No more words.

What is your favorite theatre memory?

My first ever sitzprobe. I was ten years old, having never done a production of any kind, and I walk into a huge room with a 32-piece orchestra bellowing "Buenos Aires" from Evita. It was magical.

What is your strangest experience in theatre?

I was in a production of Into the Woods, and during one performance my friend scattered pictures of David Hasselhoff throughout the stage in places only I could see them. It was a tough night.

What do you enjoy the most about the role of Billy Lawlor?

Billy is such a fun character. There's a lot about him on the surface that is easy to portray, but I've had a fun time searching for who Billy really is underneath all his confidence and poise.

What would you like the audience to get out of 42nd Street?

To look past some of the stereotypes portrayed in the show. The point of this show is to honor the style of productions they put on almost 100 years ago, and to show how ensembles make musicals what they are.

BONUS: Give us a fun fact about yourself!

I got a callback for the role of Michael in Billy Elliot in Chicago, but didn't make the cut because I was two inches too tall.

Don’t miss your chance to come see Nathan in our upcoming production of 42nd Street! Performances are June 29-July 2 at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased here.