I first came to know Actor Kyle Dean Massey when I saw him on Broadway in Tony-nominated musical & Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next To Normal. Since then, I have become a big fan of his talent!

In this interview, Kyle answered my call to share:

• His inspirations on becoming a performer
• Who he would still like to work with 
• What he liked most about being in Next To Normal
• Why he loves Wicked
• So much more

Connect with Kyle: Website

Currently, Kyle Dean is back on Broadway in the mega hit musical Wicked as "Fiyero."

He is also enjoying a guest spot on the second season of PZAZZ 101, a new web series centered around "Mary Shennanbargger," a former performer turned teacher, who helps Broadway’s best and brightest find their footing.

"Mary" knows everything there is to know about entertainment and she’s ready to share the wealth. Pull up a chair, grab a Werther’s and get ready to say "Wow!"

Kyle Dean Massey in Next To Normal
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus & Monica Simoes

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? Seeing my older sister perform in our local production of the Nutcracker is what first sparked my interest to be onstage. After watching her perform in the show I knew that I wanted to be up there as well. My parents enrolled me in dance classes right after that. I was maybe five or six years old.

2. Who haven't you worked with that you would like to? Bartlett Sher. I think he's a great director and I'd love to get the chance to work with him on something in the future.

3. What made you want to be on the web series PZAZZ 101? Obviously to get a free lesson with Mary! Her rates are normally outrageously high!

4. What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? I hope people come away with the knowledge that the end of your career could be just around the corner...but that's nothing a little Vaseline can't fix.

Wade Dooley as Mary Shennanbargger
Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia

5. What have you enjoyed most about being on the series? I am a huge fan of Mary's accompanist James...getting to work with him was very cool.

6. What have you learned from working with Mary Shennanbargger? Gosh...what haven't Iearned? I'm just so grateful I can watch her lessons online over and over and over.

7. What do you like about filming a web series over starring in a theatrical stage show? Crafty...duh.  I am a huge fan of any working situation where there is a table of free food.

8. My first introduction to you was in Next To Normal. Looking back, what did you enjoy most about that show? I loved that Next to Normal was an abnormal musical. It was unlike any show I've ever done before. Even though it was practically sung-through, I loved that it felt more like a play than a traditional musical.

Kyle Dean Massey as Fiyero in Broadway's Wicked
Photo Courtesy of Kyle Dean Massey's Social Media

9. You are currently back in Wicked. What is the best part about starring in this show & what made you want to go back to it? Wicked is pretty much the opposite of an intimate musical. It's big, and flashy and it's so much fun to do.

Everyone at that show is like family to me and it has been such a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of it. It's totally gratifying to be a part of a show that people love so much.

10. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? That there's pretty much nothing a Pain-Aid can't fix.

11. What's the best advice you've ever received? Get a gym membership.

12. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Dolly Parton

More Kyle Dean Massey Interviews:

2016 (Read Here): Making His Feinstein's/54 Below Solo Cabaret Debut

Kyle Dean Massey
Photo Courtesy of Kyle Dean Massey

More on Kyle Dean Massey:

Kyle Dean Massey is an American actor best know for his work on Broadway in Next to Normal, Wicked, Xanadu, and Altar Boyz.

Kyle Dean was raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a town 60 miles northwest of Memphis, TN. He started taking dance classes at age 6 after seeing his older sister perform in a local production of The Nutcracker. Although he spent almost all of his adolescent years singing in school choirs and studying the piano, it wasn’t until his sophomore year of high school that he did his first musical. He has now performed in over 60 productions.

In addition to his stage work, Kyle Dean has been seen on screen in Up All Night (NBC), Hart of Dixie (CW), Cupid (ABC), Sex And the City 2 (HBO Films) and the upcoming film The Contest. He has also performed on Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, Regis & Kelly, & The 62nd Annual Tony Awards.

While starring in Next to Normal, Kyle Dean was the star of his own popular web-blog series, Normal Life, on Broadway.com.

Along with performing 8 shows a week, Kyle Dean serves as a masterclass instructor & panel contributor for several different organizations including Camp Broadway, Broadway Artists Alliance, Broadway Connection, VIP Tours of New York & the Missouri Fine Arts Academy.

Kyle Dean is a passionate supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Trevor Project and various human rights groups. He frequently performs in charity concerts at various venues across New York City including Joe’s Pub, Ars Nova & The Laurie Beechman Theatre.