By Mary Ann Bourbeau
RED BANK – Michael Urie never expected to have a thriving Broadway and television career. It was only by chance that he even ended up on a high school stage.
“I was pretty shy back then,” he said. “I was in the marching band.”
Back in his hometown of Plano, Texas, Urie’s goal was to be assistant director of the school’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“They said there weren’t enough boys in the cast and I had to be in the show,” he said.
It was a bit part, but Urie found he loved being onstage, especially later on when he had roles where he could solicit laughs from the audience.
“I thought, ‘I could get used to this,’ ” he said.
After high school, Urie decided to become a drama teacher, but his grades were underwhelming. He attended Collin County Community College in Plano, where he felt the drama department was strong. A college professor thought his talent was meant for something bigger and later persuaded Urie to audition for the Juilliard School in New York City. To Urie’s surprise, he was admitted.
“I would have been content to direct or perform in local plays in Dallas,” he said.
Urie moved to New York and hasn’t looked back. The actor, who is best known for playing Mark St. James in the television series, “Ugly Betty,” can currently be seen on CBS’s “The Good Wife,” TV Land’s “Younger,” and hosting the film series, “Cocktails & Classics” on Logo TV. He has appeared on Broadway in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and has starred in many off-Broadway shows, including “Buyer and Cellar,” “The Cherry Orchard” and “Angels in America.” He also has two Drama Desk Awards under his belt.
Beginning this week, Urie will take to the stage in the Two River Theater’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which runs from Nov. 14 – Dec. 13. The musical farce, which is set in ancient Rome, is the story of a Roman slave named Pseudolus who will do anything to win his freedom. Urie plays the role of a neurotic slave named Hysterium.
“He’s naïve but also cocky and hilarious,” said Urie. “I love playing a character that can turn on a dime.”
“Forum” is inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, whom many credit as the first real comic playwright. It first opened on Broadway in 1962 starring Zero Mostel, where it won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was staged again in 1972 with Phil Silvers, and again in 1996, helmed by Nathan Lane. This time around, Pseudolus is played by Christopher Fitzgerald, who has starred on Broadway in “Chicago,” “Wicked” and “Young Frankenstein,” and will be featured in the upcoming Broadway musical, “Waitress.”
“I knew of Chris’ work and I think he’s a genius,” Urie said. “I always wanted to play Hysterium, so I jumped at the chance to do this. I’ve heard good things about the Two River Theater, so I knew it would be a really great production.”
“Forum” was written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, and features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. This production boasts a cast of 12, many of whom are Broadway veterans, and all of whom are male – even in the previously-female roles. The show also features a live orchestra and an elaborate set. “Forum” is directed by Jessica Stone, who previously helmed “Absurd Person Singular” at the Two River Theater, and is married to Fitzgerald. Choreography is by Denis Jones.
“It’s a great group of people and a joy to do fun material like this,” Urie said. “People will have a perfectly lovely and delightful night in the theater. It’s the funniest musical ever written, and what Jessica has done with it is so incredible. The comedy in it is completely timeless, and the all-male production makes it even funnier. We’re having a stupid good time.”
Tickets are $37 – $65. For more information, visit www.tworivertheater.org.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnBourbeau.
