Broadway performer Andrew Kober visited the Stony Brook Theater Arts (SBTA) program on Monday, Nov. 17 to advise the cast and crew on scenes in their upcoming winter musical, Beetlejuice Jr.
Kober, who played the roles of Beetlejuice, Adam, and the understudy of Charles in Beetlejuice on Broadway, gave notes to the middle school actors on a variety of details in their scenes, such as where their voices were directed and the emotion they needed behind every line and move.
“I came out here for my enjoyment, but the main reason is to just help the cast of Beetlejuice [Jr.] find some new things to play with in their production,” Kober said. “This production is just so insanely fun, and I love that I am able to give these young kids some depth to everything they are doing.”
According to SBTA director Andrea Watson, she reached out to Kober through a Facebook group after finding out that they had many mutuals on the platform. The process was breezy and paved the way to the event perfectly.
“It’s a really fantastic opportunity for our students to get to work with a Broadway actor, to learn what it takes to make it on Broadway, and especially from someone who has been a part of this show. It means a lot,” Watson said.
According to Watson, SBTA has been wanting a professional to visit for a long time. Watson wasn’t the only person eager for Kober to come and speak, the students have also been waiting. One cast member even stated that this experience was a long time coming.
“This opportunity is amazing, and we are so lucky that Andrew [Kober] stopped by to help our show be the greatest it can be. I hope to see a new perspective about how to be a part of a show,” eighth grader and actor Guiliana Eracleo said.
According to seventh grader and stage manager Desi Troiano, he is excited to gain more knowledge during this unique experience.
“I’m really proud of everyone’s effort and everything that we’ve built. I also think everyone is excited for the notes from Andrew [Kober], but especially the cast because they will be able to adapt immediately,” Troiano said.
Kober is an American screen actor and lives in New York City as a Broadway performer. Over his eight years on Broadway, he has been a part of ten productions including Gypsy, How to Dance in Ohio, Beetlejuice, Beautiful, and School of Rock. Other than stage productions, Kober has acted in television shows such as Law & Order and Blue Bloods.
According to Kober, the only other career that stood a chance next to acting was teaching. Working with the youth is really exciting to him, and he loves that he is able to help students cultivate talent and find their future path.
“Every chance like this I always jump at it, for not only theater but also travel. Traveling is a whole other thing that I love, so any chance I can get to explore new places I will do it,” Kober said.
According to Kober, performing in the Broadway production of Beetlejuice will always be one of his most enjoyable experiences, so he was delighted when he was invited to watch SBTA’s Beetlejuice Jr. SBTA’s Beetlejuice Jr. will be performed on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. as well as on Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. The show will be presented at Stony Brook Middle School and tickets can be bought at the door.
