Jason Tam
Jason Tam, star of The Ghost of John McCain currently playing at the SoHo Playhouse, joins us On The Couch this week. Tam is known equally as a dancer and singer, taking on Paul in the first ever revival of A Chorus Line on Broadway. For anyone who watched ‘Every Little Step’, his audition in the show was described as “one of the most incredible and emotional things ever seen”.
Having starred as Gavroche (and young Eponine twice!) in Les Miserables back in 1993, it was clear that Jason was destined to be a performer. Other Broadway credits include If/Then, Lysistrata Jones and Be More Chill.
Read our full interview below, where we learn about Jason’s green thumb and his love for the NYT Spelling Bee.
—
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My work ethic.
What was your proudest moment?
My proudest moments often have to do with the choices I make or the things I do when no one’s watching, that I’ll never get credit for, but I do anyway.
What is your favorite drink?
A homemade matcha latte.
What is your favorite food?
A freshly picked raspberry from my garden, warm from the sun.
What is your favorite condiment?
Kewpie mayo.
What is your current obsession?
Learning Hawaiian and Mandarin on Duolingo.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
People pleasing.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Shakespeare in the Park – in the elements, for the benefit of underserved communities, during sunset, with raccoons. What a dream.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Skin care products. I have a regimen.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
NYT Spelling Bee. I gotta get to genius!
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Unnecessary honking.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Persistence.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Under-communicating.
What in the world most thrills you?
When I see theatre I always ask “why does this story HAVE to take place on stage, instead of on film, or as a book?” And my biggest thrill is when a piece of theatre has a strong answer to that question.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
AI.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
During previews for The White Chip, I tried out a comedy bit that was literally just me crossing the stage for 3 seconds as drunk santa, and one day I decided drunk santa was going to fall cause who doesn’t love a good face plant! And it was absolute pin drop silence. So I drew it out even longer, really milked it, moaning on the ground, ad libbing and what not, because I wanted to see if I could elicit uncomfortable laughter, but it was still pin drop silence. Needless to say, that cross got cut.
What is your favorite place in the world?
A beach on O’ahu, but I’ll never say where.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A sense of adventure – to counterbalance my tendency to play it safe.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Both, and bonus if they’re bffs with each other!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
To tackle dramaturgical problems by collaborating joyfully, openly, and respectfully, with a talented creative team and cast during a developmental process. And find a solution together.
What is your personal motto?
The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack..