Matthew Griffin gives a breakout performance as Ronald Clifford (the handsome, pre-Juilliard piano teacher to young, innocent Cecile Caldwell and the sexual pawn of Kathryn & Sebastian) in the hilarious, sexy, must-see musical adaptation of the cult '90s film Cruel Intentions
. The show is a combo of the movie script infused with beloved '90s tunes, and Ronald and Cecile's love duet to the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" brings major laughs and aws.BroadwayBox caught up with Matthew Griffin to discuss life in the new off-Broadway hit, his experience living and performing abroad, and how he stays very busy on his days off.
1. What was your first introduction to the film Cruel Intentions:
My first introduction to Cruel Intentions was when I got the call from my agent saying that they wanted to see me for Ronald. Ha! I, of course, watched the movie after that, and the rest is history.
2. What’s been your most memorable performance of Cruel Intentions so far:
My most memorable performance was opening! However, I’m not sure if you knew this, but we had a series of 10 PM shows in December. We had a fuller schedule because of the holidays, so naturally, I think there was a moment where we were hitting that wall that every performer gets in an active show like this one. The wall of fatigue, the wall of silliness, and that wall where we all become a bit closer. Mix all of that with a 10 PM show and a great audience, and you have no idea what one is going to do on that stage. Haha! We kept to the script, of course, but we were having a blast! There were so many curveballs and choices that my cast mates were making, that almost caused me to break in laughter on stage! It was so great.
3. When’s the last time you watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s:
I’ll be honest. And still love me after I tell you this... I haven’t seen it. However, when I was a kid, Audrey Hepburn was on my list of ladies that I wanted to marry—along with Pocahontas. That will NEVER change.
4. When’s the last time you wrote a love letter:
Yesterday.
5. What inspired you to want to perform professionally:
I tried everything from computer science (I used to be really smart), to being an educator, to flipping pizzas—nothing fulfills me as this does. Nothing. When I discovered that, it inspired me enough to wake up every day and keep doing it.
6. What’s your most memorable audition story:
It was one of my first big auditions while still in school. I’m going to do the very brief version. I think in my excitement and anxiety, I over prepared. So the night before I stayed up ALL NIGHT preparing my song, their song, and the sides. The next day, I showed up to the audition with no voice so I had to try and transpose it to another key (and yes, I hoped the pianist could do that), I forgot my book (so the pianist had to play the sheet music from my glitchy iPad mini), and I was so flustered with everything that I froze, literally froze, when we had to do the sides. Needless to say, they said, 'thank you and have a good day.' Ha! BUT here’s the kicker, I must’ve done something right, because I got a callback.
7. What’s been your favorite city in the world to perform in:
Korea. South Korea. I had the chance to perform there and work with different outreach organizations. The land is beautiful and the culture is incredibly humbling, rich, and welcoming. I got an offer to work/live there, but it was just too far from my family, and I had just moved back home from living in France—so I just couldn’t take it at the time. But I think about it often, and would love to go back!
8. What moment in Cruel Intentions are you having the most fun in each night:
My favorite moment is the final number. When all of us are together, singing and jamming with the audience—now that’s my type of party.
9. What has this experience in Cruel Intentions taught you about yourself or the theatre:
This show is such a great reminder to HAVE FUN. Also, this is such a great cast, I can’t explain to you the good times that we have on stage and backstage—nerf guns, planking, the latest wrestling moves, etc. Ha! So these good times are a reminder to live in the moment, as well.
10. What’s a typical day off from the show like for you:
Fun fact: I like to stay busy. So, I actually have another job. Surprise! And I work with the best team a guy could ask for. We call them the SigBox. Besides that, I LOVE cooking, writing/arranging music, going to Barnes & Noble (my favorite store), catching up with friends, and gaaaaming. No particular order.
Don't miss Matthew Griffin as Ronald in 'Cruel Intentions the Musical' running at off-Broadway's Le Poisson Rouge through March 16.
