Who: Actor Christopher Violett
Bio: Violett grew up in Omaha, Neb., where he graduated from Burke High School. He is a member of the Arizona Repertory Theatre.
Wildcat: What inspires you?
Violett: The creative aspect of theater inspires me the most. So much goes into creating a character because characters are people and people are complex. I’ve had the opportunity to see many performers originate roles or re-create well-known ones on Broadway. It is their artistry that engages you as a performer and moves you.
W: Which actors inspire you?
V: I am really inspired by Matthew Morrison and Barret Foa from Broadway. They are really amazing as singers and actors, and they show range as performers, too. Also, Meryl Streep inspires me because she is such a chameleon.
W: What is your favorite show?
V: You’re really asking me this?! “”Aida”” would probably be my favorite. I took a special trip one weekend just to see it before it closed on Broadway. The story is so beautiful and moving. Elton John and Tim Rice wrote a really great score and Radames is one of my dream roles.
W: Give me one line of your favorite song.
V: I’d have to say that it’s “”And then a hero comes along/This the strength to carry on”” from “”Hero”” by Mariah Carey. That was the first CD I ever owned and it’s always been one of my favorite songs. Never gets old.
W: When did you start acting?
V: When I was 7, I played Christmas Tree No. 4 in “”The Littlest Christmas Tree Ever”” at my elementary school. It was pretty cool; my costume was a huge piece of cardboard that my mom painted green and put a bunch of ornaments and a star on top.
W: Where do you want to be in 10 years?
V: Employed. More specifically, I’d like to be living in New York City, living the life of an actor. I’d really like to be on Broadway by then.
W: Early bird or night owl?
V: Both. Classes at 9 so I’m up by 7:45 and in rehearsal until 10 most nights, on top of homework. But such is the life of the performer. But the truth is that you don’t really want to see me before about 10.
W: Do you have any fun food combinations?
V: Not really. I used to when I was a kid. I’d get all sorts of weird combinations of food while at the salad bar at Pizza Hut, but they’re too odd for me to disclose to anyone reading this.
W: What makes you unique as an actor?
V: I think I can do a lot as an actor. I have done a lot of leading man work in high school and a little bit in other shows, and vocally and physically that’s what works. But I’ve been told I can do comedy, so I get to do fun roles like Kodaly in “”She Loves Me”” and the upcoming Bratt in “”How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.””
W: What do you think about Tucson?
V: It’s not too shabby. There’s a lot to do here too if you can get around. And the theater here is great. There are some great companies outside of Arizona Repertory Theatre, and that’s been important to me because theater is thriving in Omaha and I’ve never known anything.
W: What is your life motto?
V: I don’t really have one, to be honest. I think “”just do it”” is a good one because I’ve always wanted to perform.
