We asked director Billy Porter a few quick questions about our upcoming SOUL OF RODGERS show:

How did the Soul of Rodgers idea come about?

Suzi Dietz and I worked on a musical revue of Stephen Sondheim's music where we explored his canon through the lens of African-American musical idioms to great success. We wanted to do it again!!!

People don't usually associate you with the music of Richard Rodgers.  What has been your experience with the master?

That's unfortunate considering the first musical I ever did in the sixth grade at Reizenstein Middle School was Babes In Arms. I played the role of Gus Field. So there!!!

How did you decide on the cast for the show?

I have a stable of amazingly fresh, young talent that I like to call my "company." They're AMAZING!!!

How did you decide on the songs to be included?

I raided the CD closet at the R&H music library in New York and just started listening to everything with an open mind. The choices slowly began to reveal themselves to me. I also had the luxury of a cast in mind as I was researching. 

What's your favorite Richard Rodgers show?

It's a toss up between Sound Of Music, Carousel and South Pacific. I love the depth of all of these pieces. I love the fact that these artists were really trying to deal with issues like racism and spousal abuse in a genre that up until them had been relegated to mainly comedy.

What is your favorite Rodgers song?

That's not fair. There are so many I refuse to chose. However, in this moment I would say "It Might As Well Be Spring" and "This Nearly Was Mine." 

What can we expect when we come to the Nate Holden Theatre next month to see "Soul of Rodgers"?

An amazing evening of song with some of the best singer/actors on the planet!!!