Q & A with Cory McCloskey, Star of ‘The Pajama Game’
Presented by Scottsdale Musical Theater Company, The Pajama Game is coming to town July 11-21 at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
Beloved Valley news and weatherman Cory McCloskey leads the cast, and Frontdoors Media had a chance to talk with him about his upcoming performance.
How did you get involved in musical theater?
I always wanted to be the center of attention. From childhood on I never minded going first for the oral report or singing in front of people or any of those kinds of things. It was sort of a natural thing for me.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming show The Pajama Game?
The music is so fun and we’re performing with a live pit orchestra. It’s a classic show where everyone falls in love. You’ll walk out having enjoyed the happy ending.
How are you preparing for this role?
I’m dropping 25 pounds because I go topless at the end of the show.
What is going to surprise people who see you in this show?
They will be blinded by me going topless. And they may be surprised that I sing and dance. I think it’s always fun to see another side of people that we know in a particular way. It’s always great to see a twist and see someone display some unknown or little-known talent.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
It’s a great date show, whether you just met on Match.com or you’ve been together for 43 years. It’s a good first musical. If you’re a woman whose man would never want to go to a musical, this is a fun one to go to. The music is fun. It’s an energetic sort of show.
What advice would you give to an aspiring actor?
Be first in line. There are things that we’re all asked to do when we’re young and that we’re going to have to do anyway so just be first. Throw your hand up and start with a joke and you know, get people on your side. You’re going to have hundreds of chances to do things like that throughout your life. So you might as well get started early. I tell kids to do whatever they can to get in front of people, whether it’s the debate team or the marching band or the drama club or going after the musical. You always volunteer and audition as much as you can. If you’re passionate about it, the roles will always come and there are tons of opportunities to perform so don’t give up.
How do you think the arts have grown in the valley?
I think we’re on a terrific upward trajectory. There are more and more youth theaters forming and so we’re turning out a lot of young actors who want to perform and who want to go to shows as well.
I read you wake up at 2:30 a.m. — what do you eat for breakfast?
Two Diet Cokes and then I make myself breakfast on the kitchen set at the studio. I make myself a three or four egg omelet with cheese and sausage links.
What is your current favorite current TV show and podcast?
I was a little late to the party, but Making a Murderer. That and Jeopardy. The newest podcast I am listening to is My Funeral Home Stories by JohnJay and Rich.
What is your favorite Valley lunch spot?
Phoenix Public Market — everything on the menu is good. If it looks good to you, order it because it’s going to be good
Tickets are now on sale ranging from $42 to $58, with Senior and Student discounts available, and can be purchased at www.ScottsdaleMusicalTheater.com or by calling (602) 909-4215.
