Legendary West End & Broadway leading men Michael Ball and Alfie Boe return to New York for one-night-only with a concert performance of their #1 UK album Together at New York City Center on May 23.
Michael Ball is a two-time Olivier Award winner for his roles as Edna in Hairspray and Sweeney in Sweeney Todd. He cemented his place in theatre history as the original Marius in Les Miserables and Alex in Aspects of Love. Boe, likewise, is an international alum of Les Miserables—having played Jean Valjean on the West End, in the 25th Anniversary Concert, and in the most recent Broadway revival. He is a Tony Award recipient for Baz Luhrmann's revival of La bohème.
BroadwayBox caught up with the dynamic duo to share a few laughs as they talk working together, first impressions, life on tour, and returning to NYC.
My first impression of him:
Michael:
He was younger, better looking, and had a fantastic voice!
Alfie:
Very friendly, lots of energy, great voice …and lots of beautiful curly locks!
The memory of recording Together that always makes me smile:
Michael:
The first day in the studio in New York when I heard our voices blend, I knew something special was happening, and I was beaming from ear to ear.
Alfie:
The minute we first started singing together, we realised we were on to something special and that this was going to be a lot of fun for both of us.
My warm up for concerts typically includes:
Michael:
The most important part of my warm up is winding Alfie up…
Alfie:
Obviously vocal warm up and trying to ignore Michael’s wind-ups…
My favorite thing about performing in New York:
Michael:
A show is only as good as its audience, and New York has the best.
Alfie:
New York audiences have an energy that’s second to none.
Off-stage we most often bond over:
Michael:
Who gets the Bluetooth on the tour bus first so their music can play through the sound system! Let’s just say I’m a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.
Alfie:
A nice cheese board on the tour bus. He has a glass of wine and I have a cup of tea!
For me, our most memorable concert appearance together was:
Michael:
Our last concert in Blackpool in December 2016, when we sang the Les Mis suite. Our album was at number 1 and we were making plans to do more together. I felt so proud.
Alfie:
Singing “You'll Never Walk Alone” at the Royal Albert Hall for the festival of remembrance. Because of the sentiment of the song and the event itself it was very emotional for both of us.
I’m in awe of his ability:
Michael:
To eat 6 meals a day… and yet I’m the one that puts on the weight!
Aflie:
To stay upbeat, be supportive, and always make me laugh!
Play or musical I’d love to co-star in with him someday:
Michael:
How about a musical version of Neil Simons The Odd Couple! We’d probably argue about who would play which part though.
Alfie:
If anyone out there wants to write a new one for us, we’re open to offers!
Don't miss Michael Ball & Alfie Boe in 'Together' at New York City Center on May 23.
