Zachary Dean is currently playing William Barfee in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Audiences will remember him from his portrayal of Uncle Fester in our fall production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY.
- When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
I was very fortunate to have been cast, as Uncle Fester, this past fall in The Addams Family Musical. Since then, I have returned to the Sunset stage with hopes that I’ll have many more opportunities in years to come.
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
Currently on the mainstage, I’m playing William Morris Barfee, the awkwardly verbose speller with a magic foot in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. You should seriously come on out and see us before we close, this cast is jam-packed with talent!
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role?
These are hard ones!!! I have two favorite roles first would be Uncle Fester; he’s probably one of my most free spirited characters I’ve had the chance to play. Then there was my role in 35mm:A Musical Exhibition, in that show I was able to tackle some of the most difficult vocal music to date picture Stephen Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown having a sort of crazy/wacky musical birth-child hybrid, it was something else. Dream role, I’ve been lucky to be checking of the bucket list lately, I think I need to wear a dress soon .I’d love to be Edna in Hairspray or maybe (when I’m older) Zaza in La Cage aux Folles.
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
Wow, I have been thoroughly impressed with my experience so far. I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful community theatres but there’s something really special here. I have never felt such a strong sense of community that has been intertwined with a high level of professionalism: it makes the work all the so much more rewarding.
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
When I’m not at Sunset, I work as a barista at Starbucks and am also a member of the box office team over at The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. However, when I’m not at work then you can bet I’m doing something theatre related: auditions, voice lessons, rehearsing, or anything to get better at the craft. If you are interested in keeping up with my theatre projects you can check out updates at zacharydean.com #ShamelessPlug. Otherwise, I enjoy relaxing with friends; attempt to replicate recipes while watching cooking shows, or chillaxing at a coffee shop.
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Color: I don’t know the exact color name but it’s a hybrid of cerulean and sapphire blue.
Food: Does a Latte count . Ha ha. Give me a cheesy pizza and I’m a happy camper.
Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 1 and 2! Both are so funny, I could watch it anytime, never gets old.
TV show: Anything Shonda Rhimes Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, etc.
Book: I really should read more I’m more visually/aurally stimulated person myself.
Favorite Play/Musical: This one changes like the seasons with me. Currently I’m obsessed with The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
- What is your favorite quote?
I have two that really stick out to me.
Consider it not so deeply : William Shakespeare MACBETH
If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else? : RuPaul
- Any other comments?
If you haven’t had a chance to see something here at Sunset, don’t sit there and think about it, do it! This company produces 20 plus projects in the season and is always looking to expand the work they do, why not be a part of it? To my fellow young artist, I’ll say one thing. If you want a place to hone your craft and to explore this theatre thing we are all crazy about, come to Sunset! The staff, volunteers, and patrons are wonderful: People take the work seriously and we all have a great time in the rehearsal process. Thank you Sunset Playhouse for exceeding my expectations and for making my time here a true delight!