Michael Xavier talks stage door fans, getting fit for the role, and his first time in drag.
By Brandon Voss
It takes a special man to go head-to-turban with Glenn Close, but Michael Xavier is ready for his close-up in Sunset Boulevard, now haunting Broadway’s Palace Theatre.
A regular on London’s West End, the two-time Olivier nominee makes his Broadway debut in the new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, based on the Billy Wilder movie of the same name. He plays struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, who is seduced by faded silent star Norma Desmond (Close).
Xavier spoke to us from his dressing room about why he’s still pinching himself.
NewNowNext: You’ve been a star on the London stage for years, but does it feel different making your Broadway debut?
Michael Xavier: Yeah, there’s a more exciting vibe and greater buzz here, probably because this is really the home of musical theater.
And you’re at the Palace, former home of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli.
All the greats! It sounds cliché, but it’s a dream come true. I used to play the Sunset Boulevard recording in my bedroom when I was 14, 15 years old, singing along and dreaming that one day I’d get to play Joe Gillis. There are still occasions where I stand onstage, watching Glenn sing “With One Look,” thinking, Am I really here?
You and Glenn Close, who won a Tony as Desmond in 1994, are reprising your performances from last year’s English National Opera production. Was working with her intimidating?
I just wanted to do a good job and have Glenn respect me for my work. I always take people on face value. She’s so warm, open, and charming, so she really welcomed me from the first rehearsal. She’s become a great friend.
Tell me about Joe Gillis.
I’ve spent most of my career playing romantic leads, but what’s great about Joe is that he’s an antihero. He’s come to a dead end with his career in Hollywood, so he gets pulled into this web with Norma. He essentially sells out and takes advantage of the rich lady. He’s not instantly likable.
Can you relate to the character?
I can count on more than my fingers and toes the times I’ve come out of an audition or meeting, rejected or criticized, and said, “I can’t do this anymore!”
What’s it like to do an American accent for American audiences?
Slightly intimidating, but a lot of Americans saw the show in London. One woman from Dayton, Ohio, which is where Joe is from, messaged me and said, “Your accent was perfect!” So I feel pretty confident.
You wear very little at the start of the second act. Do you mind bringing the beefcake?
At least I had plenty of warning before Broadway. The first day of rehearsals in London our brilliant director, Lonny Price, said, “I’m thinking of having Joe come out of the swimming pool in trunks for the song ‘Sunset Boulevard.’” I’d just come back from a holiday in Barbados where I’d put loads of weight on, so I had to go straight to the gym every day after rehearsals to get myself in shape.
As a handsome actor who does musicals, you probably have a big gay following in the U.K.
Maybe. Maybe I’m just not aware of it. Maybe I’ve got a big lesbian following!
You made your West End debut in the drag musical Pageant as Miss Great Plains. Were you pretty?
No. [Laughs] That was the craziest introduction to the West End, and I enjoyed every minute. People call it a drag show, but we were sincerely playing women. I was already quite seasoned at dressing as a woman, because my sisters dressed me up in their tutus when I was a child. Whenever she meets anybody, including Glenn, my mother loves to show them this photo of me in a tutu.
You’re meeting new fans after the show at the Palace stage door. Is it wild?
Yeah, they had to build barriers around Glenn’s car in the West End, and people would throw their programs on top of the car for her to sign. It’s been even crazier here. When Glenn steps out, the people go nuts.
I’m sure they go nuts for you, too.
Well, I’m a modest guy, but… yeah.
NewNowNext, February 2017.
Photo: Walter McBride/WireImage