How Paul Pecorino snatched the lead role in off-Broadway's hit musical revival.
By Brandon Voss
If we learned nothing else from Showgirls it’s that there's always someone younger and hungrier coming down the stairs after you. In this case of the off-Broadway revival of Joel Paley and Marvin Laird’s Ruthless!, that hungry showgirl is Paul Pecorino. After leading man Peter Land collapsed onstage back in July due to a tear in his aorta — his recovery's going well, thanks for asking — Pecorino was forced to assume the plum role of Sylvia St. Croix, the glamorous wannabe agent of a murderously ambitious bad seed. The out actor spoke to us about filling those big heels in a hurry.
Next: An understudy unexpectedly taking over a lead role is the stuff of New York theater lore and legend. Are you feeling a bit like Shirley MacLaine and Sutton Foster?
Paul Pecorino: I always feel a bit like Shirley and Sutton — they’re fabulous! I do have to say, however, that it’s never a snap to step from being an understudy into a starring role, mainly because you’ve not been through the original rehearsal process. Not only did I have to learn the show on the fly, but I’m still working myself into this amazing role — while having the time of my life! Of course, let’s not forget that I myself have an understudy — a couple, in fact. One of them is the author and director, so I am constantly having to watch my back.
In a case of life sorta imitating art, Ruthless! is about an ambitious young understudy who scores the lead in her school play through diabolical means. Anything you’d care to admit here?
All I will say on this particular subject is that there is absolutely no truth whatsoever to the rumor circulating throughout the theatrical community that I dabble in black magic and voodoo.
What’s it been like to step into the role of Sylvia St. Croix with this company, particularly with Joel Paley as your director and Martin Laird as your music supervisor?
Joel and Marvin are real assholes, but terribly talented, so I find myself in a position of having to put up with a lot of their bullshit. Do I have your attention now? Actually, joining this unbelievably loving Ruthless! family of theirs that they began over 20 years ago — and they’re just getting married next month! — has been challenging, exciting, and a singularly unique experience. And I’m not just talking about the theatrical experience. It’s truly a life experience to work intimately with those as close and passionate about a project as the creators. This also goes for Evan, Maxine, and Ken, our producers. It really allows me to let loose my own passion for life and for performing.
Tell me a little bit about Sylvia. How do you get into her heels every night?
With a shoehorn, thanks to Nilton, our wardrobe master. It’s a real process. I arrive at the theatre two hours before curtain — and that’s when we’re not working on a new bit, in which case it’s earlier — and I work with Sarah Garcia, an amazing makeup artist. It’s a very meditative process that allows me to just let go of Paul and allow Sylvia — who shares a number of traits with Paul, I admit — to emerge. There’s a lot of fun chatter backstage, especially coming from the larger dressing room with all those chattering bitches. I tend to sit quietly with my one dressing roommate in the smaller but no less grungy dressing room/makeup room/storage area/hallway access that leads through the kitchen to the bathroom. Ah, yes, all the glamour in our show is decidedly on stage!
You’ve done other gender-bending roles in shows like Devil Boys From Beyond, The Rocky Horror Show, and The Mystery of Irma Vep. You’re so in touch with your feminine side!
Unleashing my inner goddess is one of the best things I can do for myself. Especially with all the responsibility and demands — and the list seems to grow longer everyday — trying to be a working actor and survivor in this fabulous city.
Next, September 2015.