Matthew James Thomas on Playing Pippin and Performing at the Tony Awards

Photo: Joan Marcus

When we sat down to watch the 2013 Broadway revival of Pippin, we were anxiously perched at the edge of our seats—hoping this year's version of the iconic show would do the Bob Fosse choreography and original vision justice. And we're elated to report that it was everything we could have hoped for—and more. You won't see the classic white-faced and blanc-costumed version of Pippin, yet the colorful Cirque du Soleil spin has a modern feel with the majority of the moves and musical notes paying homage to the original show. We weren't the only ones impressed by the performance as it's been nominated for 10 awards at 67th Annual Tony Awards (the show is this Sunday at 8pm EST on CBS).

While there were many standouts in the show—namely Patina Miller's performance as Leading Player and jaw-dropping tricks flawlessly executed by the cast—Matthew James Thomas, who plays Pippin, caught our eye and won over our hearts for his moving performance about a young man looking for his place in the world (or rather, his "corner of the sky"). Theater-lovers may remember him for his role as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. We were lucky enough to have a quick chat with the dashing Brit to find out which of-the-moment designer is suiting him up for the Tonys, how Pippin and Peter Parker are alike, and the unexpected spot you might find him hanging out during the show.

Do you have your outfit planned for the Tony Awards?
I have just had the privilege of being dressed by Tom Ford. And I'm so excited by the suit.
Are you nervous to perform at the awards show? How do you conquer stage nerves?
Yes and no–I'm excited more than scared. It's a prestigious evening, so I'm excited and humbled to be involved. I’ll just do my vocal warm ups and get ready to sing like I would any other show.
What's been your favorite (other) musical of the season? Why?
I loved Matilda. The kids are so brilliant and uninhibited. They were inspiring. Seeing them onstage, just going wild, reminded me of when I was that age. I was excited for them and completely taken by their innocence and hard work.
How do you personally relate to your character, Pippin, and his quest to find his "corner of the sky?"
It's a story about everyone's journey and our choices in life. Pippin chooses love and finds a greater sense of himself at the end of all the madness. I relate to him in many ways. I have been through stuff, thought I knew best, and often been proven wrong. These days I tend to do more listening than talking.
You have a lot of shirtless moments in the show. How do you stay in shape?
Well, the show itself feels like an athletic feat. If I look at it from a physical point of view, it's really a two-and-a-half hour interval training session. I’m being thrown around in the air by other actors, climbing poles, doing back flips—so I take care of my diet. I eat a lot of food, which I try to spread out in small portions across the day.
How did you train for the acrobatic movements? What was the hardest part to learn and perform?
The hardest acrobatic feat was probably the back somersault, which I only officially did without wires a week before we began previews. I still can't actually believe I do that—hang on a sec—I'm going to do that tonight?!
Do you get nervous every time the cast members do tricks—like the guys who stand on the rolling stilts?
Yes, and I love that I do. That seemingly quiet little Broadway house turns into a roaring circus tent of cheers and laughter. Usually I'm at the back of the house during the top of the second act–or sometimes in a box–watching in awe with everyone else as the other English guy in the show literally stands on five balanced pipes and a thin wooden board. It's fully insane.
How does this role vary for you from playing Peter Parker in 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark?' Do Pippin and Peter have anything in common?
Well, any young man coming of age has a lot to go through. Peter Parker certainly has a lot of responsibility and without doubt so does Pippin—his role, his life, and how he is going to perform it. It’s all about choices and how we make them. Being extraordinary and finding your purpose is, as both Pippin and Peter realize, more about being true to yourself and love than any kind of superpower or moment of glory. Without truth and love, really we have nothing at all.
What's your favorite 'Pippin' song to perform and why?
I enjoy them all. I loved recording “Morning Glow” on the cast album. The whole album sounds so incredible, and I'm very proud of it!
If you weren't an actor, what would you do?
I like building and making things. I, perhaps, would like to try my hand at directing one day. Sometimes I fancy myself as an architect—but I think I might need to go back to school for that.
Who is your Hollywood crush?
I don't have one. My girlfriend Jennifer is my one and only crush.
What else do you have coming up next?
I’ve been working with Duncan Sheik on some of my own music, which we are releasing in the next couple of weeks. I wrote the songs myself and Duncan produced, so I'm interested to see if it resonates with people. I only wish it was snowing while people listen—it was created for walking in the snow listening, though I suppose a rainstorm will do. And, we have plenty of those in New York!

Photo: Joan Marcus

Photo: Andrew Zaeh