Karl Miller in the Sunset Spotlight. Karl is currently directing and choreographing our Holiday production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and was the choreographer for the summer smash HELLO, DOLLY!
- When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
The day after I graduated from High School in 1979 I auditioned for THE BOYFRIEND and was cast as Marcel by Alan Furlan. The following summer I was in the Ensemble of THE MUSIC MAN and in 1981 I got a flat tire on my way to auditions for GUYS AND DOLLS. I made it back home, called Alan and told him about my car problems. I asked him if I could play one of my dream roles, Benny Southstreet and he graciously said “yes”! Those three summers as a young actor were absolutely the best summers anyone could ask for just starting out in the business. After many years away from Sunset, I returned this past summer to choreograph HELLO, DOLLY!
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
I am currently directing and choreographing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! The cast is amazing and we are all having a grand time at rehearsals!
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role?
I am an actor. Here at Sunset those three summers were all equally as fun. My most current dream role is to play Roger De Bris in THE PRODUCERS. Hint Hint 😉
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
I enjoy the whole idea of Sunset. Returning after so many years, it’s nice to be working in a very relaxed, stress free atmosphere. There are plenty of people to help out in all areas of putting together a show. The team work is amazing!
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
I am a freelance Choreographer, Director, Teacher, Actor etc. This season I am working at Oconomowoc High School (CABARET November 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18 2017 at the Oconomowoc Arts Center), Whitnall High School (THE ADDAMS FAMILY March 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17 2018) and Greendale High School (OKLAHOMA! March 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17 2018) Disney Musicals in Schools in Madison, St. Robert Middle School (THE LION KING Jr. May 10, 11 and 12 2018) THE AWESOMM ’80’S PROM at Oconomowoc (May 3, 4 and 5 2018) and 9 TO 5 at UWM. That takes me to May of next year! Then my summer is busy working with kids at the Whitnall Summer Theater Program where I will be directing WINNIE THE POOH Kids, hopefully doing some acting and more to follow that is still unannounced. I like to keep busy!
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
My favorite color is Orange! Most people know that ????
I like food. Lots of food. I could eat all day and night!
I love Disaster and Horror movies, my favorite TV show is DAYS OF OUR LIVE (I have been hooked for decades!) My DVR is always full! I watch way too much TV!
I read a lot too. I don’t have a favorite. I look at the title and If it sounds interesting, I read it!
I am a theater junkie. I have so many shows in my head that I would love to work on in one way or another. If I would have to choose a favorite, it would be NINE.
7. What is your favorite quote?
Way too many to list! But if I had to pick one, it would be one that I coined…
“Wide stance equals Karl Miller, Karl Miller equals wide stance”
Or, as a choreographer…
“Okay! Let’s do that one more time” Which is a big lie!
- Any other comments?
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is going to be amazing! Please join us! Please support Sunset and the Arts!
I am honored to be back at Sunset and I hope to stay as long as I can!