Four Inane Questions with local actor Patrick Lewallen
Ask anyone; Patrick Lewallen has the music in him. The veteran KC-based performer has crisscrossed the globe, singing his heart out for appreciative theater audiences. (Yes, that was him in the international tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and the original Broadway tour of Rock of Ages as Lonny.)
The thespian is also a self-proclaimed die-hard Jayhawks, Royals, Chiefs, and Sporting KC fan. And he jokes on his Insta page that he “thrives on Pepsi and classic rock music.”
He’s also front and center playing the lead in The Music Man at The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center through Nov. 17. As smooth-talking con man Harold Hill, the performance doesn’t stretch Lewallen’s classic rock sensibilities, per se. But his lead role does give him an opportunity to bust out some beloved show tunes, like “Ya Got Trouble.”
We caught up with the actor during rehearsals to inundate him with our inane questions. There were ample jazz hands and spirit fingers while he answered. Bless.
The Pitch: What insect would you eradicate from the earth if given the chance?
Patrick Lewallen: Mosquitoes! I know, I know—They’re vital to the environment. You know who they’re not vital to? Me!
Those mooching daytime vampires are not welcome in my home. “Hey, thanks for letting me steal your blood without your knowledge. As a party favor, here’s a big, red bump that will itch relentlessly for a week. Also, can I interest you in a side of illness or blood-transfused disease?” I’m Team Mosquit-No!
What ’90s song best describes your life?
As someone who loves spending time with friends/family and enjoys most big group activities, I’d say “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts is a must for me.
However, since becoming a dad of two incredible daughters, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith hits home about as well as I could describe. However, if you were to ask my wife, she might suggest “Everything You Know Is Wrong” by “Weird Al” Yankovic.
What do you look for in your ideal theme park ride?
Give me a good, metal-tracked roller coaster: good speed, exciting drops from tall heights, and some fun twists and turns. (Plus, I love a good tunnel).
I must say—I’m no longer built for spinning or suspended back-and-forth style rides. Put me on the swinging dragon and you may very well get a reminder of my most recent meal. Plus, I’ll walk like a newborn Bambi on ice for the next hour or two. (I still go on merry-go-rounds with my kids, but that’s probably my peak speed for that type of movement.)
Key, fill, or back? What’s your favorite type of lighting?
If we’re talking about photography, I’d definitely go with key lighting. I think shadows can be so powerful, and oftentimes add depth and character to photos. And doesn’t everyone have a good side? Put that in the light and let the other side live in the darkness.
From an everyday, real-life perspective, I love backlighting, especially in nature. I enjoy a good silhouette with a vibrant background. Living in the Midwest, we’re lucky to see some absolutely incredible sunsets.
Bonus 5th Question: If you had an evil twin, what key attributes would he have?
In my mind, an evil twin would be someone who actually acts on all those bad impulses that pop into his head. Let’s just say this evil twin would have no problem physically throwing loud-talkers out of movie theaters or shattering phones put on speaker mode in public places. He’d probably also take a shared appetizer all to himself. Essentially, he’d forgo all patience and take whatever he wanted when he wanted.