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Gaspare DiBlasi - Q&A

Do you happen to know, dear reader, what it feels like to hold the audience in the palm of your hand for over eight minutes solo each night? Gaspare DiBlasi certainly does. Sometimes he does it twice in one day! It takes a great deal of focus, confidence and grace to successfully embody the character of Paul San Marco and, here, the talented DiBlasi gives us a glimpse inside what it takes to pull off one of musical theatre’s most endearing book scenes and some pretty hysterical highlights from touring life thus far.

Name: Gaspare DiBlasi

Role: Paul San Marco

Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.

My favorite song is listening to Gina Duci beautifully sing “What I Did For Love.” My favorite scene is Jessi Trauth’s hysterical monologue before her song. My favorite moment is standing on stage during my monologue. It is such a beautifully written story that needs to be told. It is a gift to be able to do it every night.

What was your process to learn Paul’s pivotal monologue? Do you have any tricks to keep it fresh each night?

As soon as I got the callback, I took the monologue and separated it into sections. There are four sections and I treated each one individually. Like I said, the writing is so perfect that it made it so much easier to learn. I have an awful memory, but when it came time to memorizing it, I did not have any trouble. In order to keep it fresh, I carry the script with me on tour and go over it at least once a week. I go back to just reading it and reviewing my notes from rehearsal in my journal. I feel like by doing this, I will stay true to my character and ultimately keep it fresh.

If you could be any other character in A Chorus Line for one night only, who would you play and why?

I would love to play Mike! After all, Sammy Williams’ story (who originated Paul) is really Mike’s story. Plus I can relate to Mike’s story being an Italian whose grandma used to hang out the window on a little pillow.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on or offstage on the tour?

OK I have two funny stories that I can laugh about now. I used to keep a water bottle in my dance bag. One day when I fell in the show and Maggie went to get my bag to be placed under my injured knee the water bottle opened in my bag and went all over me. It looked like Paul San Marco had a little accident. I was mortified. To top this story, the last show before our Christmas layover I was on stage for the opening and went to get my picture and resume from my dance bag. Well my bag was no were to be found and I was running around trying to find it. I was so scared that I would miss my solo in the opening. Thank god I found my bag in another wing and ran from stage right to stage left in two seconds right before we charge forward with our resumes. I thought I had a heart attack. Everyone who has ever done the show before knows how important it is to not be the only one standing without a picture in your hand.

Gaspare DiBlasi as Paul in A CHORUS LINE
Photo by Phil Martin
Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?

My favorite tour stop thus far has been South Carolina. My roommate’s sister goes to school there and she picked us up in her mini cooper and we were able to fully enjoy the town. The weather was beautiful and the food was great.

Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.

One item is my Nintendo DS. I love video games and it keeps me occupied on our long travel days. It also reminds me of home because I grew up playing video games with my brothers and sister. It is a way to bring a little piece of home with me.

What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

A CHORUS LINE. When I saw the revival and the cast turned away from the mirror I shook. I said to myself, “I have to do this show. I don’t care when or where but all I know is that I have to.” The show changed my life. It was the first of its kind and such a universal piece.

What are the top five most listened to songs on your iPod?

“Stereo Love” - Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina
“Just the Way You Are” - Bruno Mars
“Yeah 3x” - Chris Brown
“We No Speak Americano” - Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP
“Only Girl (In the World)” – Rihanna

Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?

Yes I love those trashy magazines that give all the gossip on celebrities! Like “People” and “Star” magazine. Don’t tell anyone, so embarrassing.

If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?

Hands down I am poetic. I definitely have an imaginative and sensitively emotional style of expression.

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