Matt Cavenaugh

Q & A with Matt Cavenaugh starred as 'Eric Fenton,' in the Off-Broadway musical Death Takes a Holiday, directed by Doug Hughes, which opened at the Laura Pels Theatre on 21 Jul 2011, following previews from 10 Jun 2011, and closed on 4 Sep 2011.

Birthday?
May 31st. Now that you know I expect a present every year. At the very least, a card.

Place of birth?
Jonesboro, Arkansas.

You now live in?
East Village, New York City.

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
I did. I received a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College.

Your first stage performance was?
Whistling "Here Comes Santa Claus" as a member of the ensemble in Jonesboro High School's production of Here's Love, more commonly known as Miracle on 34th Street.

Career highlight to date?
Filling out the q&a for New York Theatre Guide!

What's the best advice you have ever received?
My Dad used to always remind me to "make a mental check" before leaving the house. Practical but prescient.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Oh man. I've had many. One that comes to mind happened during a preview performance of 'West Side Story' in D.C. As Tony, I made my first entrance atop a ladder. Well, due to a technical malfunction I was thrown from the ladder striking my head and ribs on the set on my way to the stage floor. Thing is, my mic was brought up at about the same time, so the audience heard some choice four-letter words from the young juvenile...

What is the most annoying part about your job?
Getting into my leather flight suit. Getting out is fun! Getting in, not so much...

Briefly tell us how you become involved with Death Takes a Holiday?
I was asked to take part in a reading in May, 2008, and then was asked to do the production.

Briefly tell us about the character you play in Death Takes a Holiday?
I play Major Eric Fenton, an impossibly handsome and charismatic pilot, who swoops into the Villa Felicita, only to discover that...well, if I told you anymore I'd have to kill you.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
President Obama.

Favorite after-show haunts?
Oh, that tends to change with the theatre I happen to be working in. Seeing as I am now on 46th street, I've been frequenting St. Andrews Scottish Bar, which has an incredible selection of single malts!

What was the last Broadway show you saw?
The Normal Heart. Incredible.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favorite authors?
Just finished 'A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.' I love Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Tom Friedman. Nick Hornby is hilarious.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favorite movies?
'Waiting for Superman' Heartbreaking, Illuminating, Inspiring. Everyone should see it, and then try to make a difference.

Favorite TV programs?
It's pathetic, but I am a Law and Order addict even though I have seen nearly every episode. I also love Bill Maher and Parenthood.

Do you have any hobbies?
It's not a hobby, per se, but I am a contributor to Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine. I spotlight inspirational people or organizations in the theatre industry. Check it out at www.bhlmag.com

Do you have any superstitions?
I'm not really superstitious, but I do always look for the second crow. Although, this is mostly just for fun. Just watch. Now bud luck will pour down on me like a flock of single black crows!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Sunscreen, Goggles, and a beach umbrella.

What are your future plans?
After the run of 'Death Takes a Holiday' concludes, Jenny and I have some upcoming concerts to promote our album, Gonna Make You Love Me.