Name: Joe Berardi
Year: Freshman
Major: History
Activities: Theater
Favorites:
Color: Green
Food: Pizza
Book: The Outsiders
Musical: The Producers
Actor: Will Ferrell
Role you’ve ever played: Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz”
What is your role in “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”? Can you talk a little bit about it?
My role is Bud Frump. Bud is the comedic villain of the show and his sole mission is to take down J. Pierrepont Finch.
What are you most excited about for opening night?
I’m mainly excited because I get to make the audience laugh, which is always a fun experience as a performer.
Have you always been interested in theater? What’s your journey been to the Cabrini stage?
I’ve been involved in theater for about four years now and I didn’t want to stop performing after high school, which is what led me to audition for Cabrini’s show.
What’s the most challenging part of being involved in theater?
The most challenging part about theater for me is how time consuming it is.
And the most fun?
The most enjoyable part of theater for me is just the experience of going on stage and being able to entertain an audience.
Personally, what’s the best part about being an actor, especially one that performs live?
The best part about being a live performer is that the pressure is on because, unlike actors seen in film or on TV, there is no second chance or a redo option in case you screw up. If it happens, you just have to keep going.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influence is Will Ferrell because he is a comedic performer.
If you could play any role in musical history, who would it be? Why?
Franz Liebkind from “The Producers” or Fester Addams from “The Addams Family.”
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to become involved in theater?
My advice is to just do it and make the best out of a truly rewarding experience.
Photo taken by Theresa Paesani