Jason Danieley
This season, Jason Danieley stars in The Visit alongside Chita Rivera and Roger Rees. A skilled actor, recording artist and concert performer, Danieley is a staple of the New York theater community. He has made his mark on Broadway, starring in shows like Next to Normal, Curtains, and Candide, for which he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. Head to the Lyceum Theater now and see Jason Danieley move audiences as Schoolmaster Kuhn in The Visit. For now though, check out what he has to say On the Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
With all humility, my singing voice.
What was your proudest moment?
Marrying Marin Mazzie.
What is your favorite drink?
(alcoholic) A dry gin martini with an olive (non-alcoholic) Clausthauser nonalcoholic beer of which I'm having a lot of during previews.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi!
What is your favorite condiment?
Wasabi.
What is your current obsession?
Apparently sushi.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I have very few so I guess that would leave alcohol but right now that's off the list so maybe I should add something. Any suggestions?
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
To star in another musical on Broadway.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Will you lay off the drinking already?!?
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Social media, although the benefits, i.e.: publicizing the under publicized world of music theatre and concerts, outweigh the time I personally put into it. Follow me on Twitter @JasonDanieley or Facebook or Instagram.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
The unseen evil of hereditary heart disease. But it's so much fun to play the constant game of “avoid bad things for your heart and exercise like a fiend to keep it strong”. (insert ironic reading of last line.)
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
The dogmatic insistence that all men/women are equal.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Passivity… or not.
What in the world most thrills you?
Well written music theatre, expertly executed on all levels.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Snarky and mean spirited behavior as entertainment i.e., reality television, socialmedia, mindless vandalism, targeting of minorities of all kinds to ridicule or embarrass.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?
Our job includes auditions and I've made some bold choices in auditions, which later left me feeling a little red. Get me drunk one day and I'll share some stories… wait, I'm not drinking right now… back off!
What is your favorite place in the world?
Our country home.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Shouldn't this read list the most important traits you seek in a romantic partner? It's a trick question isn't it? I've been married for 18 years and I can smell a set up. (Sense of humor, of course…)
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
DOGS!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
My father would come back from the dead. Too dark? Ok… I would get to go to a Broadway theatre and perform a brand new Kander & Ebb musical with Chita Rivera and Roger Rees. What? I get to do that? …and TWICE today?!? Fantastic!
What is your personal motto?
“You be good, and I'll try.” Advice from my great-grandfather every time we said goodbye. That's all I can hope for.