BWW Interviews: Christopher Sieber Talks LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Tour & More!

Christopher Sieber is currently playing the role of Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES on tour. Christopher's career has been unique and diverse. He has been on TV and Broadway and brings his own life's experiences to the role of Albin/Zaza. Christopher was also priviledged to play the role of Georges on Broadway. He is the only actor who has ever played both lead roles in LA CAGE. He shared with us his experiences and lessons he has learned over the years as a performer and details of his current role as Albin/Zaza.

You have done so much in your career in show business from TV roles to Broadway. Each role seems so different from the last. Tell us about some of the most memorable characters you played over the years. How do you prepare for each role?

Some of my favorite roles? Well, I loved being in Spamalot. That was heaven and playing Sir Dennis, Galahad, Prince Edward’s Father, the Black Knight; all of that; they were just absolutely ridiculous to be able to do that. And then of course Lord Farquaad in Shrek. I’m very proud of that one because I helped to create a lot of that part for the Broadway production. That was a lot of fun. So much of me went into those parts. The great thing now as you see it is done around the country and regional theatres, there’s a part of me that is now with those productions which is really kinda cool. As far as preparing for the part, I kind of like to see it, read it and throw out some ideas. During Spamalot, I had this opportunity to work with Mike Nichols and Eric Idle; he is of the Pythons and remember early on him saying, “Don’t tell me what’s funny, show me what’s funny.” You just throw things out there. It’s almost improv in a way but if something strikes you, just do it. If it sticks then great, but if it doesn’t work, abandon it. I like to throw things out there and see where it heads and make big mistakes. I like to fail because you can’t be brilliant unless you fail and I like to try things and stink up the place for a while and see what works and see what sticks.

Who are some of the most memorable people you have worked with?

I would have to say David Hyde Pierceis one of my favorites to work with because he is just so good in everything. Not only is he really funny on stage and screen, he is so generous and wonderful as a person and just to be with him, he is gracious to everyone he meets. He is truly an amazing person. And Hank Azariabecause he was so much fun to work with as well. He is like a twelve year old. We always had to stop him from going off somewhere. He was a lot of fun to work with. Sara Ramirezwas terrific. She was so much fun to play with. Judith Light. I loved working with Judith Light. She was so wonderful. There are so many more positive people that I’ve worked with over the years, more than negative. I think there are two negative people that I have worked with in my career that I never want to see again. The good thing about working with great people is that you get to take an essence of their performance of who they are. It’s not like you are stealing or anything, it’s that there’s something about them that you take away. Every great person I’ve worked with has contributed to where I am now because I was able to take something from them; that essence that they have and I’ve been able to use that in every part that I do even further.

You are currently playing Albin/ZaZa in the tour of La Cage…you have also played the other lead role of Georges. You are the only actor on Broadway to ever have accomplished this. Do you find one role more challenging than the other one? How does each character differ?

Kathy Strain spent most of her life outside of Philadelphia and has enjoyed Broadway shows for most of her life. Kathy moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2001 with her husband Ken and 3 children. She holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas at San Antonio and runs her own Public Relations company. She loves to contribute pieces on the arts to several outlets and enjoys writing about talent and sharing it with the world.

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